The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has imposed strict restrictions at tourist spots after warnings of heavy rains and possible floods. The decision aims to prevent accidents and ensure public safety during the monsoon season.
According to officials, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a weather advisory, urging authorities to take precautionary measures. Following the advisory, the deputy commissioner of Dera Ismail Khan released a notification outlining bans in vulnerable areas.
The notification stated that swimming and bathing in rivers, streams, canals, and nullahs is strictly prohibited. Boating activities in the Indus River have also been banned, while the public has been restricted from visiting picnic areas and tourist spots near rivers and flood-prone regions.
Authorities said these steps are necessary to protect human lives, especially young people, from drowning or other tragic incidents.
The ban will remain in place until September 5. Violators will face strict legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Officials warned that the orders would be enforced without exception to ensure safety in all affected districts.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains in northern and upper KP districts, including Swat, Buner, Shangla, Dir, Mansehra, Battagram, Abbottabad, and Malakand. Flash floods and landslides are also possible in hilly areas over the next 24 hours.
The Peshawar valley, covering Peshawar, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mardan, and Swabi, is expected to see scattered thunderstorms. Southern districts such as Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Karak, and Kohat may also experience scattered rain with occasional heavy falls.
Authorities have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel to tourist spots during this period and to follow safety guidelines. The government emphasized that public cooperation is essential to prevent accidents and reduce risks during the ongoing weather emergency.
In other news read more about Monsoon Death Toll Rises to 645 Across Pakistan: NDMA
