Fishing continues unabated in the highly sensitive Red Zone of Ghazi Barrage despite an official ban imposed after recent heavy rains, raising serious concerns over security arrangements.
Eyewitnesses report that unidentified individuals are openly fishing in restricted areas, even in the presence of security personnel, while the authorities remain silent. Citizens have demanded the immediate reinforcement of protective measures at the barrage.
According to sources, unauthorised fishing is taking place in sections of the Ghazi Barrage declared highly sensitive and classified as a Red Zone. A video circulating on social media shows influential individuals, accompanied by children, fishing within the restricted zone. The footage has cast serious doubt on the effectiveness of both the security apparatus and the administration.
Eyewitnesses further disclose that ordinary citizens are barred from approaching these areas without undergoing rigorous checks at entry points — including scrutiny of identity cards, motorcycles, and vehicle documents — yet others continue to fish in the restricted zone without fear or hindrance.
Children have also been observed alarmingly close to the fast-flowing waters, where fishing poses grave safety risks.
Sources added that only two days earlier, the General Manager had imposed a complete ban on public access to the Tarbela Dam and all adjoining sensitive sites due to heavy rains and flooding. Nevertheless, fishing at Ghazi Barrage has carried on unchecked, even in the presence of security personnel, raising serious questions about enforcement failures.
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