Residents of Double Road, Abbasia Abad, and Dhoke Babu Irfan accuse authorities of apathy as sewage, garbage, and disease plague the area
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision of a “Clean Punjab” appears to remain largely rhetorical, as ground realities in several urban localities tell a very different story. The constituency of Federal Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi (NA-56) particularly Double Road, Abbasia Abad, and Dhoke Babu Irfan has increasingly turned into a hub of unresolved civic problems.
Streets, neighborhoods, and marketplaces in these areas remain submerged in stagnant sewage water, while heaps of garbage scattered at multiple locations present a disturbing and unhygienic sight. The persistent stench and filth have severely polluted the environment, making diseases a permanent feature of daily life for residents. Meanwhile, concerned departments appear to be in a deep slumber, showing little urgency to address the worsening situation.
Local residents claim that although a UC-17 coordinator was selected, political representatives only surface during election campaigns. “They come before elections, take a few photographs, exchange smiles, and then disappear for five years as if they never existed,” a resident remarked. According to locals, no responsible official has visited the area in the last four years, leaving citizens to suffer in silence.
The situation becomes particularly dire during rainfall. Overflowing gutters turn into floods, forcing filthy water into homes and even bedrooms. Children, elderly citizens, and women bear the brunt of this ordeal. “It’s not just our floors that drown; our hearts sink. It’s not only the walls that get soaked our hopes do too,” said an affected resident.
The people of the area have made a heartfelt appeal to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, urging her to look beyond claims and assess the situation on the ground. They stress that if Clean Punjab is to become a reality, the elimination of open drains, overflowing sewers, and mounting garbage must be treated as an immediate priority.
Residents say they are no longer willing to survive on promises alone and are now waiting for concrete, visible action from those in power.
