The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday sought comments from the home secretary, IGP Sindh and commissioner Karachi on a petition calling for strict enforcement of ban on swimming at Karachi beach ahead of Eidul Azha.
Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, who headed a division bench, was seized with the hearing of petition filed by NGO – United Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.
NGO’s secretary general, Rana Faizul Hassan, submitted that people usually flock to the beaches for recreational activities on the festive occasions like Eidul Azha which will be celebrated on October 6.
He recalled that at least 38 holidaymakers had drowned while taking bath at Clifton and Hawksbay beaches on the second day of Eidul Fitr despite ban on bathing under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Enquiry report of the beach drowning tragedy was not made public, he added.
Rana said the city district administration and provincial authorities were responsible for the deaths of picnickers because they did not implement ban on bathing in the sea effectively.
Rana, therefore, requested the court to direct respondents – home secretary, IG Sindh and commissioner Karachi to ensure strict enforcement of ban on bathing in the sea. The court was also requested to summon a report from authorities on the beach drowning tragedy.