Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab inaugurated five parks, including Lal Qila Park, in the Azizabad area of District Central at a cost exceeding Rs. 687.676 million, with the cooperation of the KDA. On the occasion, Pakistan Peoples Party Karachi Division General Secretary Rauf Nagori, Deputy Parliamentary Leader in the KMC City Council Dil Muhammad, Jaman Darwan, District General Secretary Shehzad Majid, City Area President, along with a large number of local residents, were present.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the Mayor said that the parks include Lal Qila Park, Chhota Park, Moor Park, Aziz Municipal Park, and another park. The total area of these parks is nearly five acres, and after the completion of renovation and beautification work, they have been opened to the public. He said that all these parks were previously vacant and in a state of neglect.
The Mayor stated that the revival of public parks in Karachi is an important part of his vision, while the improvement of parks in Azizabad is a practical example of the commitment to making the city greener. Providing a healthy and recreational environment to the public, he added, is among the top priorities of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation.
He said that Lal Qila Park has been equipped with modern facilities, including jogging tracks, children’s swings, green areas, fiber-cast RCC seating areas, and modern wooden benches. In addition, boundary walls, designed walls, and mock rock RCC gazebos have also been constructed.
The Mayor further said that electrification and landscaping work has been completed in Chhota Park, while Park Three has been provided with modern facilities including jogging tracks, greenery, and complete lighting arrangements to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for citizens.
He added that Moor Park has been upgraded on modern lines, featuring a selfie point, fountain, family areas, modern electrification, LED floodlights, and garden lights. Iron gates, grill work, and garden poles have also been installed to enhance the park’s beauty.
According to the Mayor, underground water tanks, piston pumps, and motors have been installed in the parks, while plantation work has been carried out using sweet earth, coating, and Dacca grass. Fiberglass dustbins have also been placed to provide a clean environment for citizens.
He said that parks and green areas across Karachi are being equipped with modern facilities, and the process of rehabilitation and improvement of parks to promote a greener environment in the city will continue. He added that areas where dust and soil once filled the air have now been restored and opened to the public in a modern manner, with walking tracks and recreational facilities for mothers, sisters, senior citizens, and children. He noted that children of the area are especially happy with these developments.
The Mayor said that a promise was made to the people of Azizabad to construct parks, which is being fulfilled today. He urged citizens to support the KMC in maintaining these parks and to cooperate with the committees formed for all five parks so that these facilities can be preserved for future generations.
He said that this year is the year of completion of development projects, and citizens will see the construction of major roads, internal streets, parks, and playgrounds, which will directly benefit the common residents of Karachi. He expressed gratitude to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Chief Minister of Sindh, and Provincial Minister Nasir Hussain Shah for their full support in completing these projects.
Paying tribute to the martyrs of the Gul Plaza tragedy, the Mayor said that government representatives and the people of Karachi stand shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved families. He informed that a comprehensive inquiry report regarding the incident has been presented before the Cabinet Committee so that an effective strategy can be devised to prevent such tragedies in the future.
He said that the land of Gul Plaza belonged to the KMC and was leased in 1884 to a tram company for 99 years. Later, the land was sold in different periods, while the lease was not renewed up to 1991. He added that investigations are underway to determine why the Building Control Authority remained silent during that period and what arrangements were in place regarding fire safety.
The Mayor said that the Chief Minister of Sindh has announced that the Sindh government will construct and provide the same number of shops to the affected traders. He said the public is in distress and wants to see what practical steps the government is taking.
He added that Karachi is the only city in Pakistan in which every political party has a stake, therefore all must move forward with a positive mindset. He said that politicizing tragedies is inappropriate; blame is easy, but real progress requires performance.
The Mayor further said that if the concerned towns do not repair the damaged roads around the parks, he himself will ensure the work is done. Referring to federally controlled institutions, he said that the condition of Pakistan Steel Mills, PIA, and Railways is before everyone.
In conclusion, Mayor Karachi appealed to all political parties and citizens to work together for the development of the city, stating that no force can stop Karachi’s progress.