Deadly dip: Two drown in Swat River in Charsadda

Section 144 has been imposed on swimming in river

SHABQADAR: Two more people have drowned in Swat River in Khayali, Charsadda on Sunday. According to police, three people – two of whom were visiting from Charsadda while another hailed from Mardan – were bathing in the river.  However, two people reportedly drowned.

Officials of the district administration told The Express Tribune they have hired professional divers to search for the bodies. Section 144 has been imposed on swimming and bathing in the river during the season.

Momentary reprieve

However, a large number of people continue to visit picnic spots along the river during summer.

Mujeeb Khan, a resident of Shabqadar who frequently visits these areas, told The Express Tribune, prolonged power outages and the unbearable heat was why people continued to bathe in the river.

“People are left with no other option,” he said. “The relevant authorities are trying to prevent them from swimming in deep water. However, they can’t always monitor such activities.”

According to Khan, the government should take a series of steps to prevent people from bathing in the river.

“It is now the government’s responsibility to impose Section 144 and deploy police officials to prevent such incidents in future,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2015.