By: Abid Ali Khan
Festive occasions like Eid-ul-Fitr see large crowds flocking to recreational spots across Pakistan. However, when such locations lack basic amenities and safety measures, joy can quickly turn into tragedy. A glaring example of this was witnessed at Ghazi Barrage this Eid, where thousands gathered for leisure, only to find themselves at a site dangerously unprepared to handle the influx. The absence of essential facilities and administrative negligence has turned this picturesque location into a potential disaster zone. Situated near the Tarbela Dam, Ghazi Barrage is counted among Pakistan’s major water and power infrastructure projects. Its natural beauty, clean waters, and open skies make it an ideal destination for tourism. Unfortunately, neither the federal government, the provincial authorities, nor WAPDA—the very institution managing the site—have deemed it necessary to even establish a basic public park. WAPDA’s responsibility must go beyond electricity generation to include ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens visiting such national assets. A History of Neglect: Dozens of Lives Lost This is not merely a theoretical concern; it’s a painful, documented reality. Over the years, dozens of precious lives have been lost at Ghazi Barrage—people drowning while swimming or sightseeing due to a complete lack of rescue and emergency response infrastructure. Eyewitnesses often report WAPDA security officials as absent from duty or oblivious to the situation. This level of negligence puts public lives at risk and raises serious questions about the credibility and accountability of the responsible authorities.
Geostrategic Significance and Untapped Tourism Potential Located at the junction of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, Ghazi Barrage holds immense potential as a tourism hub. With minimal investment in family parks, boating areas, picnic spots, restaurants, and sanitation, the site could attract domestic tourists and provide employment opportunities for locals. Successful destinations like Murree, Swat, and Nathia Gali owe their popularity not just to natural beauty but to well-developed infrastructure, safety, and cleanliness. Ghazi Barrage deserves the same attention. Elected Representatives’ Silence: A Complicity in Neglect Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this issue is the deafening silence from elected representatives. Politicians who promise development and public service during election campaigns have failed to raise even a single voice for this pressing issue—neither in provincial assemblies nor at the national level. Their apathy has crossed the line from indifference to criminal neglect. The people of Ghazi have every right to ask: Where are our elected officials when our basic safety and rights are at stake? Warning Signs Ignored: Time is Running Out The chaotic crowds, children playing near deep water, the complete absence of fencing, life guards, or a rescue system—these are all ingredients for a potential catastrophe. If authorities continue to turn a blind eye, the next incident could become a national tragedy, drawing condemnation, not just mourning.
Recommendations & Demands
- Immediate development of family parks and recreational zones around Ghazi Barrage.
- Installation of fencing, CCTV cameras, lifeguards, rescue stations, and warning signage.
- WAPDA’s security personnel must be held accountable, and disciplinary action taken against those found negligent.
- Local residents should be provided employment opportunities through tourism development.
- All initiatives should be implemented through a public-private partnership involving WAPDA, district administration, and the private sector.
Conclusion: A National Opportunity, Not Just a Leisure Spot Ghazi Barrage is not merely a picnic spot—it is a test case for national responsibility, sustainable tourism, and regional prosperity. If transformed thoughtfully, this site could open new avenues for economic upliftment, employment, and domestic tourism in Pakistan. The demands of Ghazi’s people are not luxuries; they are basic rights—safety, dignity, and inclusion in national progress. Should the authorities and elected representatives continue their slumber, the burden of future tragedies will rest squarely on their shoulders.
