LOWER DIR/SWABI: The residents have been advised to avoid taking bath in the Panjkora River and other canals as strong currents and deep waters posed risks to human life.

On Tuesday, Rescue 1122 Lower Dir district emergency officer Sanaullah issued a public safety advisory ahead of Eidal Azha, urging citizens to observe precautionary measures during the festive period.

According to the advisory, the district administration has imposed Section 144, banning several activities during Eid and warned of legal action against violators.

Citizens were also advised against aerial firing, which officials described as both life-threatening and a serious criminal offence, as reckless celebratory firing during Eid festivities could turn moments of joy into tragedy.

Parents have been urged to keep a close watch on their children and prevent them from overspeeding, one-wheeling and engaging in other dangerous activities that could lead to traffic accidents.

In view of the ongoing heatwave, residents were advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight, increase water intake and take special care of children and elderly family members.

The advisory further called on the public to refrain from igniting forest fires or engaging in any negligent behaviour that could damage natural resources and wildlife.

Rescue 1122 appealed to citizens to act responsibly during Eidul Azha and immediately contact the emergency helpline 1122 in case of any emergency.

Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 Swabi officials and district administration have appealed to the people on Tuesday to bar their children from taking bath in deep water of Pehur High Level Canal (PHLC) and downstream of Tarbela Dam in the River Indus to avoid loss of precious lives.

Last year, many guests who visited the district to meet their relatives during Eidul Azha, drowned in the Indus River and PHL. Many local youths also lost their lives while beating the heat in the sizzling heat.

To educate the local people, especially youth, district emergency officer Swabi Owais Babar, Rescue 1122 Swabi, visited various canals.

He talked to the people and educated them about the safety measures while swimming in the canals.

“We met many youths who visited the PHLC for taking bath on a hot summer day. We also met with people at the Indus River,” said Owais Babar, adding that they also told youngsters that whenever they wanted to take bath in these dangerous canals they must use lifejackets.

He said that during the visit, citizens were made aware of the precautionary measures and the use of life jackets while bathing in canals.

The officials appealed to the public to avoid going into deep water and to use life jackets to ensure the safety of themselves and their children.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2026