Two minor siblings drown in canal

Two minor siblings drowned in the Marala Ravi Link Canal near Dhale Wali in Sialkot on Monday. According to rescue officials, Komal, aged 13, and her brother Sameer, seven, had gone near the canal when the boy slipped into the water and drowned.

The girl also drowned while attempting to save her brother.

Rescue and police teams rushed to the spot and launched a search. The bodies were found nearly 600 metres away from and handed over to the family.

Meanwhile, Faisalabad Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nadeem Nasir imposed a ban under section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) across the district on bathing and swimming in canals and rivers to prevent loss of lives during summer.

The district administration took the decision in view of incidents of drowning in canals and rivers, particularly involving youth during summer months.

The order stated that with the onset of the hot weather, there were strong apprehensions that people might again resort to bathing and swimming in canals and rivers, posing risks to lives.

The district administration warned that legal action would be taken against violators of the order.

The notification said that the restrictions would remain enforced till June 15.

The DC directed police, assistant commissioners and all relevant departments to take necessary preventive measures at vulnerable locations.

The administration also appealed to the citizens, especially parents, to exercise caution and cooperate with authorities.