ISLAMABAD: Four young people have died within a month in areas on the outskirts of Islamabad. As a result, alarmed residents are blaming suspected water contamination. Moreover, they are demanding an investigation and urgent testing of drinking water.
The deaths were reported in Sarai Kharboza, Dhoke Abbasi, and Mohalla Usmania. Consequently, residents have urged the Federal Health Minister to investigate the incidents and determine their causes.
The demand comes amid reports that liver failure may have been involved in some of the deaths. However, the exact causes remain unknown.
Families describe sudden illness
Speaking to media, the father of one of the deceased young men said his son had been in good health. Then he suddenly fell ill.
He was taken to a hospital. However, his condition worsened the following day, and he was placed on a ventilator. Subsequently, the family was informed that his liver had suffered severe damage. Despite receiving treatment, he died three days later.
Dr Gul Khan of Sangjani Hospital said waterborne diseases in Pakistan can result from sewage contamination of drinking water pipelines. In addition, polluted groundwater, poor sanitation, and damage to water sources during floods all play a role.
He stressed the need for regular water quality testing. Furthermore, he called for safe drinking water supplies in homes, schools, and hospitals. Dr Khan advised residents to have their drinking water tested by an accredited laboratory. In addition, he recommended using boiled or properly filtered water. He also urged protecting water supply lines from sewage contamination. Finally, he advised seeking medical attention if symptoms such as diarrhoea or dehydration develop.
What the numbers say about Pakistan’s water crisis
According to the World Health Organization, Pakistan recorded 38.8 deaths per 100,000 people in 2019. The causes included unsafe water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene. However, the figure includes several water, sanitation, and hygiene-related risks. As a result, it does not represent deaths caused by contaminated drinking water alone.
The Islamabad deaths come at a time when water is already a national pressure point. For example, the Indus River System Authority has approved a 22pc cut in the Rabi water share. The cut applies to Punjab and Sindh. Meanwhile, Islamabad’s own water woes run deep. In fact, the capital’s rural areas only got their first-ever waste collection service through a CDA project this month. On the diplomatic front, Ishaq Dar issued a warning. He said depriving Pakistan of its water share would have “serious implications” under the Indus Waters Treaty.
For the families in Sarai Kharboza, Dhoke Abbasi and Mohalla Usmania, however, the concern is immediate and local. Above all, they want to know whether the water coming out of their taps is safe to drink.
Calls for a transparent inquiry
Meanwhile, political and social figure Wasif Hayat Khan expressed concern over the deaths. In addition, he called for a transparent investigation and laboratory testing of drinking water samples.
He urged the authorities to determine the actual causes of the deaths. Furthermore, he asked them to take immediate measures to protect public health. According to him, safeguarding citizens’ lives and health is a fundamental responsibility of the government.
Health infrastructure in the capital has been under scrutiny. For example, doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences have been challenging the absorption process. They are also demanding implementation of a Supreme Court judgment. As a result, pressure is growing on the city’s public health system. This comes at a moment when residents of the outskirts say they need answers most.
FAQs
Where did the Islamabad deaths occur?
Four deaths within a month were reported in Sarai Kharboza, Dhoke Abbasi, and Mohalla Usmania. These are areas on the outskirts of Islamabad.
What is suspected to have caused the deaths?
Residents suspect contaminated drinking water. In addition, there are reports that liver failure may have been involved in some cases. However, the exact causes remain unknown.
What are residents demanding?
They have urged the Federal Health Minister to investigate the incidents. Moreover, they want urgent testing of drinking water and immediate measures to protect public health.
What precautions are advised?
Dr Gul Khan of Sangjani Hospital advised getting drinking water tested by an accredited laboratory. Furthermore, he recommended using boiled or properly filtered water. Finally, he urged seeking medical help for symptoms like diarrhoea or dehydration.
