In an urban environment, public parks are an absolute necessity.
SHIKARPUR: In an urban environment, public parks are an absolute necessity. They not only add to the beauty of the city but become a source of amusement, as well as a place for physical exercise. In an environment surrounded by infrastructure nature becomes important, even in the form of public parks. In Pakistan, public parks have become a luxury. Only in affluent areas are there public parks well maintained and taken care of while other areas are devoid of any parks at all.
The city of Shikarpur has an enormous public park called the Benazir Park, but unfortunately even after many years it has not been fully constructed. The indifference of the government has made the park a barren ground as if walking through a graveyard. Over the years, its beautiful and breathtaking view has slowly disappeared. Flowers and plants are surrounded by plastic materials and empty tin cans. The sight is almost depressing.
Officials that take care of the park are still being paid even though they do not do any considerable work. Recently, after a long while, when I visited the park for a change of mood, I was completely baffled at the sight of so many empty wine bottles. I encountered people who were publicly smoking hashish and hukkah without any kind of fear and concern.
The authorities really need to be awakened from their deep slumber, lest we would be deprived of this public park too. They should take immediate steps for the betterment of the park and restore its previous glamour and beauty. There should be a strict control on the use of narcotics as this public place is meant for families. Promoting a healthy lifestyle is of paramount importance.
Yasir Baz Muhammad Brohi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 18th, 2020.
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