Karachi, Pakistan – In a significant development, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab officially inaugurated five revamped parks in the city’s Central District, including the iconic Lal Qila Park. The parks, which were previously vacant and dilapidated, have been restored at a cost of over Rs. 68.76 crores with the support of the Karachi Development Authority (KDA).
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Mayor Wahab highlighted the importance of revitalizing public parks in Karachi, which have been a key aspect of his vision for the city. He emphasized that the restoration of these parks is a testament to the city’s commitment to becoming greener and more livable.
The five parks, which cover an area of over 20 acres, include Lal Qila Park, Chhota Park, Moor Park, Aziz Municipal Park, and other smaller parks. The mayor expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the renovation work, which has provided a healthy and recreational environment for the public to enjoy.
Mayor Wahab also addressed the issue of corruption and accountability in the city, urging citizens to focus on performance rather than making baseless allegations. He pointed out that the land on which the parks were built was initially leased to a tram company in 1884, but was later sold off in various transactions without the lease being renewed. He announced that investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the sale of the land and the lack of building control and fire safety measures in place.
The mayor also used the opportunity to address the recent controversy surrounding the leak of an audio message allegedly featuring PTI secretary general Sheikh Waqas Akram, which led to his temporary suspension from the Pakistan cricket team.
The Karachi mayor emphasized the need for a positive and forward-thinking approach in the city, where all political parties have a stake. He asked citizens to focus on the state of other government institutions, such as the Steel Mill, PIA, and Railways, which are all under federal control.
The inauguration of the revamped parks is seen as a significant step towards improving the quality of life for Karachi’s residents and providing a safe and enjoyable environment for families and children to spend time together.
