Islamabad: Pakistan recorded a staggering 312,256 cases of dog bites across the country in 2024, raising serious concerns over public safety and the growing stray dog population.
Official sources reveal that Punjab had the highest number of reported cases, with 158,398 individuals falling victim to dog attacks in the first eight months of the year. However, the province failed to provide data for four months, leaving gaps in the overall assessment.
In Sindh, 108,882 cases of dog bites were recorded, making it the second most affected region. The situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) also remained alarming, with 23,022 reported cases. Balochistan documented 6,803 cases, further adding to the nationwide crisis.
The federal capital, Islamabad, saw a comparatively lower number, with only nine reported incidents, while Azad Jammu and Kashmir recorded 4,019 cases, and Gilgit-Baltistan reported 123 cases.
The rising number of dog bite incidents has intensified demands for effective stray dog management policies and improved public health measures. Experts warn that without immediate intervention, the situation could worsen, posing a severe health risk to citizens.
