KHUZDAR / KARACHI: Three picnickers drowned in the Hub river and another in the sea as citizens flocked to beaches and canals to seek relief from the sweltering heat, officials said.

An Edhi Foundation spokesperson said that three friends from Orangi Town had gone on a picnic to Hub River and drowned.

According to a police official, one man was swept into deep water while bathing and the others died trying to rescue him.

Later, Edhi divers recovered their bodies. The victims were identified as Adeeb Amir, 18, Huzaifa Haq, 20, and Haris Hanif, 21.

Shortly after the tragic incident, the Balochistan government enforced Section 144 of criminal procedure code at Hub River, banning swimming and all recreational activities in the area for two months.

According to an official notification issued by the provincial home department, the order prohibits bathing, swimming, and leisure activities within the rivers limits. Entry into dangerous spots along the riverbanks has also been strictly restricted.

The ban is effective immediately and will remain in force for 60 days.

In another incident, a teenager drowned in the sea near the Native Jetty Bridge. He was identified as Abdul Jaleel, 14.

Meanwhile, the body of a young man was found floating in the water at Manora beach on Sunday, officials said.

Mauripur SHO Aslam Khan said the victim, Amir Ramzan, 25, had gone on a picnic to Sandspit on Saturday, where he drowned.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2026