January 15, 2006	Sunday	Zilhaj 14, 1426

KARACHI, Jan 14: Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, stressing the need for parks and playgrounds in all directions of the city, has asked the city government to earmark plots for the purpose.

The governor, along with City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal, visited various areas of the city on Friday. During the visit, he was shown a vast piece of land in a hilly locality near Javedan Cement Factory for the purpose.

He was told that a park and recreational centre could be developed on this land, spread over more than 1,000 acres.

He was told that from this site, people could have a beautiful view of the city. He agreed to the proposal and asked the officials concerned to conduct a detailed survey in this regard and also get the land cleared of all encroachments.

Dr Ibad said that providing recreational facilities to people in all directions of the city would also help uplift the areas.

He directed local governments of the entire province to take steps for developing parks, playgrounds and recreational spots in their respective jurisdictions. Such facilities, he added, should streamlined with the local cultural values and customs.

He also called for the setting up of display centres at these public places for promoting local handicrafts so that local artisans could benefit from the facilities and foreign tourists could also be attracted to these sites and local products.

The governor said that such activities could also help improve general cleanliness and sanitary conditions, contributing to overall uplift of the areas concerned.—PPI