Residents left to fend for themselves in rain-wrecked Gulshan

The situation in several neighbourhoods of the metropolis — particularly Gulshan-e-Iqbal — has deteriorated alarmingly following the August 19 rain spell, with residents facing immense hardship amid overflowing sewage, broken roads, and an apparent lack of response from municipal authorities.

According to reports, several blocks of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, including 13-D/2 and 13-D/3, have been hit the hardest. Streets remain inundated with stagnant sewage water, while roads have developed dangerous cracks and potholes, rendering them nearly impassable for both pedestrians and vehicles.

In Block 13-D/2, near City Land, both main roads are submerged in sewage water. Residents say the situation has gone from bad to worse, with the damaged roads making daily commute a nightmare. The presence of illegally parked rickshaws on footpaths has further added to the chaos, creating serious hurdles for pedestrians trying to navigate the flooded area.

Similarly, in Block 13-D/3, near Nauman Complex, citizens report that even motorcycles and cars are struggling to pass through. The roads are broken, slippery, and littered with filth. Walking, residents claim, is no longer an option.

"The streets are no longer recognisable. This is not just an inconvenience, it's a health hazard," said a local resident, frustrated at the lack of any visible efforts by the authorities to remedy the situation.

Adding to public anger is the absence of local municipal officials. In the vicinity of the Railway Phatak, sewage accumulation has not only caused severe traffic disruptions but also raised concerns about waterborne diseases. Despite repeated attempts, citizens have failed to establish contact with elected representatives.

The union council chairman and Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town Chairman Dr Fawad — both affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami — have remained unreachable, with their phones reportedly switched off.

Locals say they feel abandoned by those who were elected to serve them. "They come for votes but disappear when it comes to action," said another resident, standing ankle-deep in sewage outside his home.

As residents begin relocating from the worst-hit blocks, the silence and inaction from the authorities raise serious questions about disaster preparedness and governance in the country's largest metropolis.

Despite being a recurring issue every monsoon, the city's drainage and road infrastructure remain grossly neglected. With no official response in sight, citizens are left to fend for themselves once again, paying the price for administrative apathy and political indifference.