Wild boars invade densely populated neighbourhood

Residents of Jhanda Chichi report fear, worsening sanitary conditions

RAWALPINDI:

Residents of Jhanda Chichi, a densely populated neighbourhood located between VIP movement zones in Rawalpindi, are living in fear as wild boars have begun roaming the area freely. According to locals, these wild pigs often appear in groups or alone, especially after sunset, and stay until dawn.

They have repeatedly attacked children, women, and pedestrians, causing injuries. The animals feed on household food waste dumped in empty plots, graveyards, and alleyways.

Due to growing fear, many residents — particularly women and children — avoid stepping outside alone. In some instances, the boars have even been spotted wandering onto main roads.

Eyewitness Malik Shehbaz Latif stated that the animals have migrated from the Ayub Park area via the banks of the Nullah Leh.

Previously, they would return by morning, but now they have made permanent homes in the overgrown foliage of the old Jhanda Chichi graveyard.

Locals say stray dogs only bark at the pigs from a distance but never engage them. Residents fear that without immediate intervention, the boar population could double or triple within a year.

Meanwhile, the area of over 70,000 people continues to face other civic issues. Residents have been without drinking water for two months despite multiple complaints.

Power lines hang dangerously low across alleys, posing severe risks, especially during rain. Recently, a resident was electrocuted due to these exposed wires.

Locals, including Malik Shehbaz, Sharif Qureshi, and Arif Shah, have urged the district administration and Civil Defence to take swift action.