Three days of heavy monsoon rain have left sewage-contaminated floodwater, waste and dead animals across low-lying areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
As floodwater receded from streets, homes and roads, large amounts of waste remained scattered across affected residential areas.
Dead rats, cats and insects were reportedly found alongside garbage, hazardous waste, mud and sand.
The floodwater also carried waste and debris from storm drains into streets and residential properties.
Residents said the situation has created a foul smell across several neighbourhoods in the twin cities.
The lack of immediate cleanup operations has further worsened conditions in several flood-affected areas.
Residents have also reported eye, stomach and throat-related illnesses following prolonged exposure to contaminated floodwater and waste.
With government agencies yet to complete cleanup operations, residents have started clearing streets outside their homes.
Some residents have also removed dead animals and accumulated waste themselves due to delays in official assistance.
People from several affected neighbourhoods staged protests against the district administration and rescue agencies.
Residents from Dhoke Khabba, Sadiqabad, Arya Mohalla and Dhoke Ilahi Bakhsh joined the demonstrations.
People from Qasimabad, Millat Colony, Fazalabad and Peoples Colony also protested over the lack of cleanup operations.
Residents from Shalay Valley, Fauji Colony, Dhoke Hasu and Sharon Colony were also among the protesters.
People from Dhoke Syedan and Girja Road also raised concerns about the post-flood situation.
Protesters demanded immediate removal of waste, dead animals and mud from streets and residential areas.
They also called for urgent action to prevent the spread of diseases in flood-affected neighbourhoods.
Citizen Action Committee Chairman Malik Zaheer Awan said several areas remained submerged for three days without receiving adequate assistance.
He said Chah Sultan, Amirpura and Millat Colony remained affected without assistance from WASA, the Municipal Corporation or rescue agencies.
Residents have called for authorities to launch emergency sanitation and disinfection operations across the affected areas.
They have also urged authorities to remove dead animals and contaminated waste from public spaces as quickly as possible.
The continued presence of sewage-contaminated water and waste has raised concerns about public health and sanitation.
Authorities are expected to assess the situation and begin comprehensive cleanup operations in the affected areas.
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