RAWALPINDI: For the first time since 2011, Murree has recorded more dengue cases than Rawalpindi, with the hill station reporting 62 confirmed infections compared to 59 in Rawalpindi district.
Most of Murree’s cases have surfaced in the Ghel and Paghwari union councils, where numbers continue to rise. In the wider Rawalpindi division, Murree leads with 62 cases, followed by 59 in Rawalpindi, one in Jhelum, four in Chakwal, and five in Attock.
A senior district administration official revealed that dengue surveillance in Murree had been delayed due to staff shortages and only began once infections started spreading. Despite Murree’s status as a separate district, health matters are still overseen by the Rawalpindi District Health Authority. Once the outbreak was confirmed, the Murree administration mobilized around 300 workers to curb the spread in the affected union councils.
Deputy Commissioner Murree, Agha Zaheer Shirazi, said that an anti-dengue campaign was underway, with teams conducting fumigation across affected areas. He noted that 441 staff members from different departments had been trained and deployed for spraying and surveillance.
“We have received supplies from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, including 1,300 nets, 10,000 bottles of mosquito repellent, IRS machines, and other equipment,” Shirazi stated. “Section 144 has also been enforced along streams and junkyards to reduce breeding sites. The number of cases is already falling, and we expect the situation to improve by mid-September or October as temperatures drop further.”
Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema confirmed that their anti-dengue campaign was being supervised by parliamentarians and assistant commissioners. He acknowledged that rainfall had complicated operations but stressed that efforts must continue. “The provincial government has provided resources, and it is the responsibility of our teams to use them effectively. Strict action will be taken against negligence,” he said.
He added that inspections of graveyards and junkyards had already begun, with lawmakers assigned to monitor progress and highlight gaps in the campaign.
Attock’s Situation
Attock district has so far reported five confirmed dengue cases across multiple tehsils: one each in Hassanabdal (UC Burhan) and Fatehjang (urban area), two in Pindigheb—including one imported case (UC Ikhlas and UC Kamrial)—and one in Attock city (urban area).
Health officials emphasized that the infections were isolated rather than clustered, and rapid response teams were immediately activated. Alongside patient care, authorities have launched extensive preventive operations, including larval surveillance, fogging, and public awareness campaigns.
Chief Executive District Health Authority, Dr. Asad Ismail, confirmed that all patients were receiving treatment under standard protocols. “Vector control activities are in full swing. Our teams are inspecting high-risk areas daily, conducting larvicidal measures, and educating communities. Public cooperation is critical to keep the outbreak under control,” he explained.
He further noted that Attock’s health department was coordinating with schools, local bodies, and other institutions to ensure safe water storage, monitor playgrounds, and maintain vector-free environments, particularly ahead of the monsoon season.
Residents in Pindigheb and Attock city, however, voiced concerns over stagnant water in empty plots and construction sites. “The government’s campaign is welcome, but more decisive measures are needed to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds permanently,” said Muhammad Riaz, a shopkeeper from UC Kamrial.
Although Attock’s current dengue activity remains limited, officials caution that Punjab has faced much larger outbreaks in previous years, highlighting the need for continuous vigilance.
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