Mayor Karachi attacks Sindh govt over park row, threatens to move court

KARACHI: Furious over Sindh government’s decision to hand over ‘Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim’ in Clifton to a real estate tycoon, Mayor Karachi Wasim Akhtar hit out at the provincial government for its “unilateral decision” and threatened to approach court against the “unjust” government move.

Talking to media here, he said the prerequisite permission was not sought from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation for handing over the park to Bahria Town administration.

Mayor said he would approach the Sindh High Court on Monday regarding the provincial government’s unilateral decision.

He slammed the provincial government saying ‘neither they work nor they let anyone else do his work.”

After row between mayor Karachi and Sindh Government over the park, Bahria Town chairman Malik Riaz said Bahria Town wont take possession of the park if the stakeholders were at the collision course.

Malik Riaz clarifies over park possession

“We just wanted to convert Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim into an state-of-the-art recreational facility, but if stake holders are not agreed, we will not go ahead with our plan of taking possession of the park,” he added.

We will NOT take over this park till all stakeholders including Mayor Karachi agree to hand it over to us, rest assured. #Karachi #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/4O4rUeDjFx

— Malik Riaz Hussain (@MalikRiaz_) March 31, 2017

Akhtar says ‘ill-intent’ of the Sindh government was becoming apparent in the issue.

A notification issued by the Sindh local government ministry stated that the decision to hand over the park “for adoption” had been taken after its approval by a competent authority, but made it clear that salary of its staff would be paid by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).

“In pursuance of notification of even number dated 21-11-2016 and with the approval of competent authority, Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim Park along with aquarium situated in Clifton has been taken over by the local government department from KMC and handed over to M/S Bahria Town Private Limited for adoption as per agreement executed on 30-03-2017,” said the notification.

Spread over 130 acres, The park was opened to the public in February 2007 after it was inaugurated by then  president Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf.