Public swimming pools: A much-needed facility in heat-stricken Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi:Every child has the right to play, and ensuring access to safe recreational spaces is vital for their physical and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, children and youth in Rawalpindi face increasing barriers to recreational activities due to the severe lack of public facilities—particularly swimming pools.

With soaring temperatures and recurring heatwaves hitting the region, the absence of public swimming pools is felt more acutely than ever. The Punjab government, local authorities, and private sector stakeholders must urgently prioritize the development of recreational infrastructure to provide the people of Rawalpindi, especially children, a healthy outlet during extreme summer conditions.

Swimming is not only a refreshing way to beat the heat but also promotes physical fitness, mental relaxation, and social bonding. It serves as an inclusive activity for people of all ages and economic backgrounds. Yet, in Rawalpindi, swimming remains an unaffordable luxury for many, with access mostly limited to private clubs or schools.

Currently, the city lacks dedicated public swimming pools. Most open spaces have been converted into parks, while the few remaining playgrounds often require paid access or membership. Public swimming pools in key locations across the city—such as Liaquat Bagh, Khayaban-i-Sir Syed, Rawal Road, Dhok Hassu, Satellite Town, and Dhoke Kala Khan—could serve as accessible and affordable cooling spots for thousands.

A standard public swimming pool at Allama Iqbal Park (Nawaz Sharif Park), for instance, would not only benefit families in the vicinity but also set a precedent for future recreational projects. The pool could operate on a nominal fee basis to cover maintenance costs, ensuring its sustainability while remaining accessible.

In addition, local authorities could encourage public-private partnerships (PPPs) by offering incentives for private parties to invest in community pool projects. Schools and colleges with existing facilities could also be engaged during summer vacations to allow limited public access under safety and supervision protocols.

Public swimming pools should be equipped with proper changing rooms, lifeguard services, and shaded rest areas to make them safe and family-friendly. Separate timings for men, women, and children can also help create an inclusive and culturally sensitive environment.

The people of Rawalpindi—particularly youth and low-income families—have long called for the development of such facilities. With Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif pledging to improve public welfare and city infrastructure, a network of public swimming pools could be a symbolic and practical gift to the city, showcasing her administration’s responsiveness to climate challenges and community needs.

As the summer intensifies, it is time for the government to act—not only to uphold the right to recreation but also to provide relief from the dangerous heatwaves that are fast becoming a seasonal norm.