Poor dengue response irks Punjab CM, says PMLN leader

Rawalpindi: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has decided to take strict action against the commissioner, deputy commissioner, and health department officials for their failure to effectively tackle the dengue crisis in Rawalpindi. 

According to high-level government sources who spoke to ‘The News’ on the condition of anonymity, the local administration’s poor handling of the issue has led to a significant rise in dengue cases.

Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) Member Provincial Assembly from PP-17 Rawalpindi, Raja Muhammad Hanif, expressed his grave concern over the worsening situation. “The dengue issue in Rawalpindi has reached alarming levels. The problem was not properly addressed, which is why the number of dengue patients is increasing daily. I will personally brief Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz on the situation,” he said. He also warned that Maryam Nawaz will hold irresponsible officials accountable for their negligence.

The government insiders revealed that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is extremely displeased with the district administration’s performance. The Punjab government had supplied high-quality dengue spray to Rawalpindi in July, instructing the local authorities to carry out fumigation in all areas. However, these orders were reportedly ignored. Senior officials disclosed that field staff in certain areas used water spray instead of the original dengue spray, further aggravating the situation.

Moreover, the chief minister had instructed the local administration to refrain from filing FIRs against innocent citizens and instead focus on effective measures to combat the dengue outbreak. Hospitals in Rawalpindi are seeing a continuous influx of dengue patients, with health officials urging those infected to prioritise rest, stay hydrated, and closely follow medical guidance. Most patients are being advised to recover at home, under strict monitoring of their symptoms. With numerous complaints flooding in about the district administration’s handling of the situation, the chief minister is expected to take decisive action against the commissioner and deputy commissioner of Rawalpindi. The government sources confirmed that the decision will be made based on available evidence and the gravity of the complaints received.