Public toilets

I am writing to highlight a pressing issue that affects the daily lives and dignity of countless individuals across Pakistan: the lack of accessible and functional public toilets. This scarcity not only impacts the comfort and hygiene of citizens but also contributes to a growing sanitation crisis, affecting public health and quality of life. The current situation is dire. In many areas, public toilets are either unavailable or restricted to men, leaving women and differently-abled individuals with limited or no options. Even when facilities exist, they are often unusable due to poor maintenance, lack of running water, or general disrepair. This is simply unacceptable.

Efforts to establish public restrooms have been made in the past, yet many are now either inoperative or have been demolished to make way for new buildings. To truly address this issue, it is essential for government bodies to prioritise the construction and maintenance of public toilets, especially near markets, bus stops, hospitals, schools, and other high-traffic areas. This includes ensuring these facilities are accessible for differently-abled individuals, maintained regularly, and available for all, including women.

Ehwer Hashmi

Karachi