A high-level meeting on dengue prevention was held at the CDA Headquarters on October 3, 2025, led by Federal Secretary for the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh. The session brought together key figures including Chairman Capital Development Authority and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Commissioner Rawalpindi Amir Khattak, CDA Board Members, Deputy Commissioners of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the Executive Director of Capital Hospital, and senior officials from both health departments and administrations of the twin cities.

The participants were briefed on the present dengue situation, ongoing surveillance efforts, and measures to control the spread. Encouragingly, the meeting was informed that the rate of reported cases this year remains lower than last year. Currently, 50 patients in Islamabad and 45 in Rawalpindi are receiving treatment at various hospitals. Of these, 4 are admitted in Capital Hospital and 1 in PIMS, while the rest are being treated across other facilities.

Health administrators confirmed that public hospitals in the twin cities are equipped with sufficient beds, medicines, diagnostic kits, and treatment facilities to cater to dengue patients. This preparedness is designed to prevent pressure on the system should the number of cases increase.

The meeting directed strict surveillance of sensitive and high-risk areas. It emphasized the importance of joint coordination between the administrations of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, particularly in bordering regions where dengue larvae often spread across jurisdictions. Officials highlighted that large-scale fogging spray operations are being conducted regularly to curb mosquito breeding at early stages and reduce the risk of outbreaks.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa stressed the urgent need for public awareness campaigns, with a special focus on protecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children. He underlined that community-level education about simple precautions—such as eliminating standing water, using mosquito repellents, and ensuring safe household practices—remains crucial in breaking the cycle of dengue transmission.

Federal Secretary Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh called for joint operations by the twin city administrations to promptly eliminate potential breeding sites. He emphasized that dengue prevention must be treated as a shared responsibility, urging every department to work as a unified team. Strict monitoring of hotspot areas under all circumstances, he noted, is the key to ensuring that the spread is contained before it escalates.

The meeting reflected a clear sense of urgency and coordination, showing that authorities are committed to a proactive response. With hospitals prepared, fogging operations underway, and a strong push for public awareness, Islamabad and Rawalpindi are aligning their resources and strategies to protect citizens from the threat of dengue.