KARACHI: The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) has voiced grave concern over the sharp rise in dog bite incidents across Karachi, attributing the worsening situation to the unchecked proliferation of stray dogs in the megacity.
KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput and Acting Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya warned that the increasing number of dog bite cases poses a serious threat to public safety, particularly endangering children, the elderly and daily wage earners.
The KATI leadership noted that dog bite incidents have been rising at an alarming pace, creating widespread fear among residents and workers alike.
President Muhammad Ikram Rajput said the situation has reached an emergency level, leaving authorities with no viable option other than the immediate elimination of dangerous stray dogs to protect human lives.
He emphasised that sterilization and neutering programs, while theoretically beneficial, are highly time-consuming and ineffective in the face of the current crisis. “The megacity is facing a public health emergency. Dog bite cases are increasing daily, and the results of neutering programs cannot be expected overnight,” Rajput said.
He added that repeated legal challenges and stay orders against culling operations have further aggravated the problem, prolonging public suffering and delaying effective solutions.
Highlighting the impact on industrial zones, Rajput stated that workers in the Korangi Industrial Area are also facing severe difficulties due to the stray dog menace. “Employees commuting early in the morning or late at night are particularly vulnerable. This has become not only a public health issue but also a workplace safety concern,” he noted.
He stressed that the steps taken under the leadership of Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab are timely and essential for ensuring public safety, public health, and urban order.
Rajput further said that the majority of citizens support decisive and immediate action to resolve the stray dog issue on a permanent basis.
He urged the federal and provincial governments, local administrations, and relevant authorities to prioritize public safety over all other considerations and take swift, coordinated decisions to rid the city of this serious threat.
He also called for the formulation of a clear, long-term policy to address the stray dog problem, alongside immediate operational measures, so that citizens can finally feel secure in their daily lives.
Acting Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya echoed these concerns, describing the situation as extremely dangerous. Citing data shared by the Karachi Mayor, he revealed that more than 800 dog bite cases were reported in Karachi during just the first five days of 2026. “These figures are deeply alarming and clearly indicate the scale of the crisis the city is facing,” Chhaya said.
He affirmed that the decisions taken by the Karachi Mayor in the interest of public safety are both timely and unavoidable.
Chhaya assured that KATI stands ready to extend full cooperation to municipal authorities in addressing the issue. “The Korangi Association will work closely with civic bodies during this campaign and will also play its role in creating public awareness to ensure the success of these efforts.”
Praising the initiatives of Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Zubair Chhaya expressed optimism that the ongoing measures will soon yield positive results.
He added that effective implementation of the campaign will help restore a sense of security among citizens and significantly reduce the risk posed by stray dogs across the metropolis.
KATI reiterated its demand for urgent and decisive action, stressing that the safety of human lives must remain the top priority, and called for sustained efforts to ensure Karachi is made safer for its residents, workers, and visitors.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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