Faisalabad to Become Pakistan’s First “Rabies-Free City” by End of 2026

Under the Punjab government’s Dog Population Control Policy, Faisalabad will be transformed into Pakistan’s first “Rabies-Free City” by the end of 2026 in collaboration with the Tahira Animal Welfare Foundation (TAWF).
This announcement was made by Commissioner Faisalabad Raja Jahangir Anwar during his visit to the foundation, where he also cut a cake to mark TAWF’s five-year anniversary.
The commissioner said that to protect citizens from rabies—a fatal disease transmitted through dog bites—the government will expand TAWF’s ongoing TNVR and vaccination program for stray dogs. He emphasized that once Faisalabad successfully becomes a rabies-free city, this model will be replicated in other cities across Punjab. He further stated that a meeting of all relevant stakeholders will soon be convened to finalize a timeline for the initiative.
Earlier, TAWF Chairperson Tahira Rasul briefed the commissioner about the foundation’s work. She said that the “Rabies-Free Faisalabad” campaign was launched five years ago from a rented facility, and so far, the foundation has vaccinated 8401 dogs and carried out sterilization surgeries on 6753 dogs. In addition, TAWF has rescued, treated, and cared for 13،781 sick، injured and abandoned animals, including dogs, cats, donkeys, horses, and various birds.
She added that to expand their welfare work, the foundation is constructing a permanent animal shelter and veterinary hospital on its own 1.5-acre land, which will be completed by the end of December 2025.
Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar also wrote his remarks in the visitors’ book, stating: “I am amazed to see such dedicated work that not only greatly benefits society but also serves a higher purpose of humanity. My best wishes are with you.”
Tahira Rasul reaffirmed the commitment with his support to making Faisalabad rabies-free by 2026 and presented a commemorative shield to the commissioner, thanking him for his visit.