Islamabad bans swimming in dams and nullahs across the federal capital for two months, the city administration announced, citing serious risks to human life.
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration imposed the prohibition through an order issued by Additional District Magistrate Islamabad Dr Anam Fatima on September 8, 2026. The directive, taken under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1898, came after authorities received reports of people swimming at these locations, which the administration described as extremely dangerous.
Under the order, swimming is prohibited at Rawal Dam, Simly Dam, Swan River, Korang Nullah, Angori Road Nullah, Chattar Park Nullah, Shadara, Sunday-Mar Dam and other nullahs in Islamabad. The order also noted that incidents had been reported in this regard.
The ban has taken immediate effect and will remain in force for two months. Authorities have directed relevant officials to ensure implementation of the order and take action against violators in accordance with the law.
In a post on X on September 13, 2026, the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad stated that the ICT Administration had imposed a two-month ban on swimming in Rawal and Simly dams, the Swan River and all nullahs across Islamabad under Section 144 for public safety. Citizens were advised to strictly comply with the order.
The administration has also ordered wide publicity of the ban through the official gazette, local newspapers and other media. In addition, copies of the order are to be displayed at the offices of relevant courts, police stations and other prominent locations in Islamabad.
The move reflects growing concern among civil authorities about the dangers posed by unauthorized swimming in the capital’s water bodies, particularly during periods when residents seek relief from high temperatures. The locations named in the order include both major reservoirs and smaller seasonal streams that can become hazardous without warning.
By invoking Section 144, the administration has armed local officials with legal authority to enforce the restriction and pursue penalties against those who disregard it. The accompanying publicity measures are intended to ensure that residents are aware of the ban and its scope.
The prohibition follows reports of people entering these waters despite the known risks. Officials have not disclosed specific details of past incidents, but the order explicitly references them as part of the rationale for the sweeping restriction.
With the ban now in force for two months, compliance will depend on both public cooperation and enforcement by relevant departments. The ICT administration has made clear that violations will be dealt with according to the law, while urging citizens to avoid the listed dams, rivers and nullahs for swimming during this period.
Source: ARY News