Fourth Rabies Death Reported in Lahore This Year; PMA Lahore Calls for Immediate Crackdown

By Farzana Chaudhry | Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: A 50-year-old man, Fareedullah, a resident of Pattoki in Tehsil Pattoki, District Kasur, has died of rabies in Lahore after reportedly being bitten by a dog on his face and left arm on July 17, 2026.

The incident marks the fourth rabies-related death reported in Lahore this year, raising fresh concerns over the growing threat posed by stray and dangerous dogs.

Expressing grave concern over the rising number of rabies cases, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore President Professor Shahid Malik urged the Government of Punjab, deputy commissioners and the relevant local government authorities to launch an immediate and comprehensive campaign against stray and dangerous dogs.

He said that under Clause 3 of the Punjab Local Government Act 2025, assistant commissioners are empowered to take action against dangerous animals, and called for the immediate enforcement of the law to prevent further loss of human lives.

Professor Shahid Malik also stressed the need to ensure an uninterrupted supply of anti-rabies vaccines and rabies immunoglobulin at all government hospitals and healthcare centres across the province so that dog-bite victims can receive timely and life-saving treatment.

The PMA Lahore urged the authorities to adopt effective preventive measures, strengthen public awareness campaigns and improve access to essential medical treatment to curb the spread of rabies and protect public health.