Tragedy struck on Eid as three young men lost their lives after jumping into Rawal Dam, defying a longstanding ban on swimming in the reservoir. The incident has renewed concerns over public compliance and enforcement of safety regulations, particularly during holiday periods.
According to a spokesperson for the Islamabad district administration, swimming in Rawal Dam is strictly prohibited under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. The restriction, in place to prevent such accidents, had been repeatedly publicised in the days leading up to Eid through announcements and awareness campaigns.
Despite these warnings and previous arrests for violations, the three individuals entered the dam to swim. Rescue teams were dispatched after reports of people drowning surfaced. One of the victims was recovered deceased, while the remaining two were pulled from the water in critical condition and later succumbed to their injuries.
An inquiry has been launched to investigate the circumstances of the incident and determine whether any negligence contributed to the tragedy. Authorities have pledged to hold those responsible accountable once the investigation is complete.
In a public statement, the district administration urged residents to refrain from swimming in Rawal Dam and to adhere strictly to the imposed restrictions. It emphasized that public cooperation is vital to preventing such fatal incidents in the future.
Rawal Dam, which supplies water to both Islamabad and Rawalpindi, is also a popular recreational site. However, officials warn that the reservoir's depth, unpredictable currents, and lack of safety infrastructure make it extremely hazardous for swimming.
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