Pindi parks' upgrade enters final phase

Beautification boosts number of visitors to public parks

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RAWALPINDI:

The upgradation of 56 parks under the supervision of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) in Rawalpindi has entered its final phase.

According to the PHA, following the beautification and renovations, the number of visitors to these parks has significantly increased.

Three major parks, including Allama Iqbal Park on Murree Road, Rawal Road Park, and Pothohar Park in Chaklala, have been designated as public parks, while other parks have been given the status of community and family parks.

Additionally, parks with a "Ladies Park" status have also been fully functional.

Details indicate that a new park in Khayaban-e-Sir Syed, covering 42 kanals, has been named after Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan and designated as a family park.

The park was officially handed over to the PHA on Monday.

The Quaid-e-Azam Park, covering 8 kanals in Awan Market, Khayaban-e-Sir Syed, has also been upgraded, along with Gulab Park in Shah Najaf area, which spans 4 kanals.

All these parks have received new green belts, landscaping, tree plantation, walking tracks, seating areas, swings for children, lighting, and washrooms.

The parks are now enclosed with boundary walls, and PHA staff has been assigned to their management.

The upgradation of all parks across the 46 union councils in Rawalpindi city is being overseen by the Director General of PHA, Ahmad Hassan Ranjha.

However, the historic Liaquat Bagh Park, which covers 56 kanals, has faced significant damage due to repeated political gatherings and the nearby solid waste transfer station, which causes foul odours.

As a result, the number of visitors to this park has decreased considerably.

In contrast, parks like Allama Iqbal Park, Rawal Road Park, and Pothohar Park, as well as others undergoing upgradation, have seen a remarkable increase in the number of people walking and enjoying leisure activities in the mornings and evenings, which has been regarded as a significant success for PHA.

PHA's Director of Parks and Horticulture, Sheikh Tariq, stated that the Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan Park was funded by the municipal corporation, while the Quaid-e-Azam and Gulab Parks were funded by the UN's International Organisation for Migrants.

The PHA has also upgraded lighting systems, implemented special cleanliness arrangements, and repainted the boundary walls of all parks.

The saplings for tree plantation in these parks are being grown in PHA's own nursery.