IT is the inaction on the part of authorities concerned that finally the courts have to intervene in the best public interest.
Also on the issue of dog bite, Sindh High Court took notice and directed the provincial government to take the requisite steps to control the dog bite incidents in the province.
On the 18th of March, the High Court suspended the membership of PPP lawmakers Faryal Talpur and Malik Asad Sikandar from the provincial assembly over rising incidents of dog bites in their respective constituencies.
Whilst reaction of the Sindh Government on the HC’s decision is surprising, Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry also sided with it terming the suspension of MPAs a clear violation of the Constitution.
The very comments clearly indicate the least concerns of the elected representatives towards the plight of poor people.
These elected representatives always have their eyes on development funds to mint money but a hue and cry is triggered when they are held accountable for failing to provide facilities to the people.
As regards dog bite incidents are concerned, these are on the rise in Sindh including the provincial capital Karachi.
According to statistics, more than seventy people, which mostly include children, fall prey to dog bites every day in Karachi.
In November last year, a campaign was launched in Sindh to train staff to catch, vaccinate and sterilise dogs to curb the local stray dog population.
The campaign, which was launched from the Central district in Karachi, was supposed to be replicated across Sindh with expectations of vaccinating over 500,000 stray dogs in various districts within a year.
However, the campaign has not shown any progress after a single day of photo opportunities.
Instead of criticizing the court orders, it is important for the elected representatives to fulfil their responsibilities.
Firstly the Members of Sindh Assembly must not only impress upon the provincial government to do the needful against dog bites but also supervise the drive against dog bites in their respective constituencies.
Apart from vaccinating stray dogs, a special facility must be set up where they should be kept.
The problem is not confined to Sindh alone but in other regions also, where dogs are commonly seen roaming the roads and streets.
Instead of culling them, the civic agencies and local administration must explore options to handle the problem.
