KARACHI: The Sindh High Court on Monday directed the official concerned of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation to appear in court and file his reply on a petition seeking preservation and maintenance of the historic Jahangir Park in Saddar.

The petition was filed by Agha Syed Attaullah, a representative of a non-governmental organisation, who cited the local government department, KMC, and director general of the parks and horticulture department as respondents.

The petitioner told the judges that Jahangir Park, one of the oldest parks of the city, had been neglected by the respondents for the past 16 years and consequently it had turned into ruins and a hub of anti-social activities.

He said the park now wore an abominable look as the grass and trees had been removed and public vehicles were parked there.

The petitioner submitted that drug peddlers frequently roamed about in the park and illegal constructions by the town offices, shops and mosques were increasing.

He asked the court to direct the respondents to rehabilitate and beautify the park and remove the encroachments to save the park for public recreation.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2014