This intriguing news story reveals an unusual approach being taken by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to tackle a growing rat problem in Pakistan’s Parliament House. The CDA has allocated a budget of Rs1.2 million to address the infestation, which has become severe enough to warrant the hiring of “hunting cats” specifically known for their rat-catching abilities.
The decision to employ these cats, sometimes referred to as “rat-eaters,” is part of a broader strategy to rid the Parliament House of the rodents, which have been causing significant damage. According to sources, the rats have not only been a nuisance but have also damaged various departments within the Senate and National Assembly. There are reports of rats gnawing on important files in many offices, prompting the need for urgent action.
In addition to deploying the hunting cats, the CDA plans to install special mesh traps to capture the rodents. The increased rat population has been attributed to infested ceilings within the Parliament House, where the rats have found conducive conditions for breeding.
To further strengthen their efforts, the CDA intends to enlist the expertise of the private sector. This collaboration is aimed at ensuring a more comprehensive and effective eradication of the rats from the premises.
The unusual but practical solution of using hunting cats, combined with other pest control measures, highlights the seriousness of the rat infestation issue in the Parliament House. It also underscores the need for creative and effective methods to address such challenges in critical government buildings.
