Bathing in sea banned for six months

After the deaths of several people from drowning at sea, the Sindh government has imposed a ban on bathing in the sea off Karachi’s beaches for six months.

A notification to this effect was issued on Wednesday by Home Secretary Qazi Shahid Pervez, a day after six people died by drowning off the Sandspit beach and Do Darya. Four of the victims were schoolboys.

The notification said the ban had been imposed over reports that due to the high temperatures in the city, people were visiting various beaches and swimming in the sea, and several people had lost their lives due to turbulent waves.

It said that the decision had been taken to ensure the safety of public. “Now, therefore, the Government of Sindh, in exercise of the powers under Section-144 CrPC, do hereby impose complete ban on wading through/swimming/diving in the sea at the beaches of Karachi for a period of six months with immediate effect.”

In pursuance of Section 195 (i) (a) of CrPC, the SHOs of the relevant police stations have been authorised to register complaints under Section 188 of the PPC against violators of the ban order.

“The Senior Superintendent of Police concerned shall ensure through their respective field staff that this order is complied with in letter and spirit.”