The Mansehra administration on Wednesday booked 19 individuals following the imposition of a ban under section 144 on bathing in rivers and streams.
Section 144 imposed on bathing in rivers and streams — District administration and police take strict action, several people arrested
In light of the instructions of the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Deputy Commissioner Mansehra Khalid Iqbal Khattak has imposed Section 144 on bathing, going to or staying in rivers, streams and other dangerous water passages.
To ensure the implementation of these orders, a full-scale crackdown has been launched across the district on the instructions of District Police Officer Mansehra Shafiullah Gandapur. On which, a total of 19 cases were registered against people violating Section 144 at different places in the district on the very first day, in which dozens of people were detained and locked up in police stations.
The DPO Mansehra has clarified that the purpose of such measures is to protect the precious lives and property of the public. In recent days, due to the rising water level in the rivers and the ongoing rainy season, not only has the flow accelerated, but the risk of sudden accidents at any time has also increased.
The Mansehra police and district administration have appealed to the citizens to follow precautionary measures, respect the law and stay away from dangerous places.
Indiscriminate action will continue against violators.
Read also: Public movement, fishing, and bathing banned near Swat River by authorities
District administration Swat on Wednesday imposed a ban under section 144 on the movement of people and vehicles, fishing, bathing, walking, and recreational activities, as well as gathering near rivers, canals, and collecting or extracting sleepers and wood from the Swat River after recent tragic incident which has claimed 17 lives of tourists.
According to a statement issued by the Swat district administration, movement of people and vehicles, fishing, bathing, walking, and recreational activities, as well as gathering near rivers, canals, and collecting or extracting sleepers and wood from the Swat River, have been prohibited under Section 144. District Magistrate Saleem Jan of Swat has enacted this ban due to continuous heavy rains and increased water discharge from upstream sources, resulting in significantly elevated water levels in the Swat River. The river is currently flowing near or above the danger mark, which poses serious risks to public life and property in adjacent areas. There is a clear risk of flooding and riverbank erosion, and the sudden rise in water levels can endanger lives, especially those who approach the riverbanks for fishing, recreation, or travel.
This situation can impede rescue and relief operations, making it essential to enforce Section 144, which will remain in effect for two months. Individuals who violate this order will face legal action under Section 188.
