By National Courier:

KARACHI: Administrator Murtaza Wahab appreciating role of Dr. Asim Hussain Chancellor Ziauddin University and former Petroleum Minister said he is man against whom cases were registered, but he is greatly serving masses in this city.  Inaugurating a family public park developed in partnership with Ziauddin University he thanked Dr. Asim Hussain for providing parking place by taking KMC on board. Facility besides a park also includes 2 tennis courts, a football field, a gym and a joking track. Family Park is located just opposite Gate 6 of Ziauddin University, Block-6 Clifton and is most beneficial for residents of Shirin Jinnah Colony and other habitats.   He said that this public-private partnership model is essential for sustainable development and such projects are being keenly observed by chairperson of Pakistan Peoples’ Party Bilawal Bhutto.

Murtaza Wahab appealed to media to restore people’s confidence in a clean environment in their neighborhood. We appreciate cooperation extended by Dr. Asim and management of Ziauddin Hospital for beautification of this family park.

Dr. Asim Hussain addressing audience said there is a land-grabbing mafia involved in major encroachments of parks in Karachi. We have to fight against them on all fronts and should not leave it only to police, administration, or government to curb this menace. Here are a few builders in Clifton range to have high-rise buildings constructed on government lands but I have challenged them that in his life Dr. Asim would not let them succeed in this heinous business.  They are capturing public parkland to get used for their commercial purposes that have polluted public places. He appealed to whole community to fight against this mafia with people’s support. He said it was a barren land that is developed for a clean environment and healthy atmosphere.  Dr. Asim disclosed that in District Central administration has waived off all fees imposed on public parks, now they are free for public, while parking places are also evacuated.

This is being done under Project 100 Parks initiative and so far 24 parks are completed through this campaign and remaining would be completed very soon. District Central Administrator Taha Saleem’s efforts are commended in this regard, he added.  Replying to a question Dr. Asim said ground situated in front of North Nazimabad Ziauddin Hospital would be converted into a full-fledged club that will be started very soon, he concluded.

Later, Administrator Karachi visited various parts of the newly established Family Park and appreciated the initiative of Dr Asim Hussain for taking KMC on board with regard to turning Karachi into a ‘clean and green’ environment around all the nooks and corners of the city.