28 August 2004	Saturday	11 Rajab 1425

KARACHI, Aug 27: City Nazim Naimatullah Khan on Friday laid the foundation stone of a park in UC 10, Block-5, Clifton, in Saddar Town, spreading over four acres, which would cost Rs9.7 million, and is expected to be completed in three months.

The Town Nazim Farooq Memon Faria, UC 10 Nazim Najmi Alam, horticulturist Dr A U Khan, District Officer (Parks) Liaquat Ali Khan and others were present on the occasion.

Speaking at the ceremony, the city nazim said Mafias were operative in every sector, including transport, education etc, and added that the the UC nazim had saved the piece of land from builders' Mafia, where the park would be constructed.

He said the city government had planned to provide recreational facilities to the citizens, and for the purpose model parks were being constructed in each town. "Initially, such parks are being inaugurated in 11 towns, while in the second phase the rest of the towns would be provided with parks," he told the gathering.

Mr Khan further said the Bagh-i-Ibn-i-Qasim had been declared a national park, and currently its renovation was under way, which was expected to be completed within the next four months.

Talking about the Mass Transit Plan, the city nazim said that work on light train service had been expedited, while the number of the CNG buses under the Urban Transport System was being increased gradually. -PPI