Recreation spot: Indus River bank reopened for public after a year

Locals welcome DI Khan Cantonment Board’s decision.

DI KHAN: The bank of Indus River in DI Khan city has finally been opened for the public after more than a year. The popular tourist spot was closed due to security concerns after the brazen assault on the DI Khan Central Prison by Taliban militants in July 2013 in which over 250 prisoners escaped.

The decision to reopen the riverbank for the public was taken during a meeting held between Cantonment Board DI Khan President Brigadier Shahzad Ahmad and representatives of the Anjuman-e-Tajaran (traders association) Sharqi Circular Road, the board’s spokesperson Muhammad Rehan told The Express Tribune.



It was decided that the riverbank will remain open till 6pm; visitors will only be able to access it from one designated entrance and park their vehicles at one designated site, he added.

The president of the traders association, Chaudhry Jamil, appreciated the cantonment board’s decision saying locals will once again have a recreational spot to visit.

The riverbank holds countless attractions, including boating, fishing and a children’s park. However, the most popular attraction is watching the sun set into the river’s sparkling water — a view that draws hundreds of people to the river.

The bank is also a popular spot for students of Gomal University and tribesmen from Waziristan on hot summer days and Eid holidays.

“The authorities’ decision is a bit late because summer has ended, however, it is great that families can visit the river again,” said Ataullah, a resident of the city.

A potable water plant is also located on the riverbank and many residents prefer to fetch water from here rather than consuming the water supplied in the city.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11^th, 2014.