PHC seeks government reply over rat bite deaths in Peshawar

The Peshawar High Court on Monday sought a detailed response from authorities over increasing deaths and health concerns linked to rat bites in Peshawar and nearby areas.

The case was heard by a two-member bench comprising Justice Waqar Ahmad and Justice Babar Sattar during proceedings on a public interest petition related to public health risks.

Petitioner Saifullah Mohib Kakakhel told the court that several families had suffered trauma and hardship due to repeated rat attacks, while a number of children had reportedly died in related incidents.

Documents, newspaper reports and public complaints were submitted before the court to underline the seriousness of the issue.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that the matter had evolved into a wider humanitarian and public health concern affecting communities across the area and requested the court to direct authorities to take immediate preventive measures.

During the hearing, Justice Waqar Ahmad observed that diseases such as Hantavirus could also spread through rats, making the situation more sensitive and alarming.

Declaring the matter a serious public health issue, the court directed the respondents and relevant departments to submit a detailed report within two weeks.

The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for June 15, 2026.