KARACHI: Amid a surge in dog-bite cases in Karachi, Mayor Murtaza Wahab on Wednesday suggested that culling could be consiincidentsdered if residents demanded immediate relief. Speaking to the media in Ittehad Town, he emphasised that policy should reflect the will of the majority rather than a small vocal minority.
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“If I ask people here in Ittehad Colony what should be done about stray dogs, they will say the dogs should be killed. But a handful of people should not dictate policy for 25 million residents,” the mayor said. He stressed that while neutering is a long-term solution, its results take time, and citizens should not criticise authorities during the interim.
Mayor Wahab pointed to legal obstacles, saying some groups repeatedly approach courts to block action. He cited an example from India, where the Supreme Court allowed culling as a solution when neutering failed to contain attacks.
“We are prepared for both options. Hundreds of people have been bitten in just a few days. Listen to victims and their families before objecting to decisive measures,” he added. The mayor also questioned whether critics truly understand the suffering caused by dog attacks.
Separately, Mayor Wahab laid the foundation stones for two major urban development projects in districts West and Keamari. In West, an Rs8 billion rehabilitation of Hub River Road will convert it into a 12,500-foot dual carriageway with modern drainage to ease traffic and prevent flooding.
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In Keamari, a Rs56 million reconstruction of Sparco Road will feature 48,000 square feet of paver blocks, 65,000 square feet of asphalt, a modern sewerage system, and upgraded road infrastructure. The mayor said these projects reflect the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban development.