Pindiites cry foul over crumbling civic infrastructure

Amid broken roads, overflowing garbage, and stagnant water, residents of Rawalpindi say they are fed up with deteriorating civic infrastructure and the apparent indifference of local authorities.

“In several neighborhoods — including Dhoke Hassu, Saddar, Raja Bazaar, Committee Chowk, Satellite Town and Tench Bhatta — roads riddled with potholes and poor drainage systems have made daily commutes and living conditions increasingly difficult,” says Mohsin Raza.

“Residents complain about open sewers and garbage heaps left uncollected for days. Shopkeepers in Raja Bazaar say foot traffic has declined due to unbearable stench and broken walkways. People avoid this area after dark. It’s unsafe and unhygienic,” adds Mohsin.

“In Dhoke Hassu, a densely populated working-class neighborhood, overflowing gutters and damaged streets are a daily ordeal. Sewage runs right past our homes. During rains, water from choked drains seeps inside. We have filed complaints but no one listens. Are we not citizens too,” says Saeed Naqvi, a shopkeeper on Pirwadhai Road.

“Committee Chowk, once a central and well-maintained hub, now suffers from broken pavements and traffic congestion made worse by unregulated street vendors. Even ambulances struggle to pass during peak hours,” said Nuzhat Zaidi, a resident of the nearby Iqbal Town flats.

“In Saddar, one of Rawalpindi’s busiest commercial zones, shopkeepers report foul smells, clogged drains, and infrequent waste collection. Garbage piles up behind the markets. This area represents the city and it’s in shambles,” says Irfan Ali.

“Raja Bazaar, a historic trading center, faces similar issues. Cracked roads, poor sanitation, and encroachments have turned it into what some residents describe as a chaotic mess. It is unsafe and unhygienic, especially for women and children.