KARACHI, March 17: A book titled ‘Karachi – Pleasure Gardens of a Raj City’ by Durdana Soomro was launched here at the Fomma-DHA Art Centre in Zamzama Park on Saturday.

In the book, published by Sang-i-Meel Publications, 30 gardens are covered with separate pieces on some of the most interesting ones and there are almost 200 photographs.

The book also has a historical angle, focusing on gardening in Karachi, the impact of the three great traditions – Hindu, Mughal and English – and how gardens have coped with the adverse environmental conditions.

“Karachiites complain of the lack of greenery, the shortage of planned parks, the merciless encroachments of the few that exist, and the callous indifference of the authorities and, at times, their complicity and collusion in usurping land earmarked for green spaces for their own pecuniary advantage,” said Ms Soomro.

“But a brief pause to consider what was and what is will be rewarding. We may even fall in love with our city all over again, as I did,” she added. Also present on the occasion were Hamish St. Clair Daniel, F.S. Aijauzuddin and Nighat Mir.—Staff Reporter