Residents of Jhanda Chichi, a densely populated area in Rawalpindi located between VIP movement zones, are living in fear as wild boars roam freely in their neighbourhood. The animals, often seen in groups or alone, typically appear after sunset and stay until dawn, causing panic among locals.
These wild pigs have attacked children, women, and pedestrians, leading to injuries. They feed on household food waste dumped in empty plots, graveyards, and alleyways. Due to growing concerns, many residents—especially women and children—avoid going out alone at night.
Eyewitness Malik Shehbaz Latif explained that the boars have migrated from Ayub Park via the banks of Nullah Leh and have now settled permanently in the overgrown foliage of the old Jhanda Chichi graveyard.
Locals report that stray dogs bark from a distance but do not confront the boars. There is fear that without immediate action, the wild boar population could double or triple within the next year.
Meanwhile, the area’s approximately 70,000 residents continue to face other civic issues. Drinking water has been unavailable for two months despite repeated complaints. Additionally, dangerously low-hanging power lines pose severe risks, with a recent electrocution incident reported.
Residents, including Malik Shehbaz, Sharif Qureshi, and Arif Shah, have urged the district administration and Civil Defence to intervene promptly and address these problems.
