The Pakistan Monument Park developed by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in sector H-8 last year is in bad shape because of unfinished work, exposing the efficiency of the civic agency.

The park was developed to promote knowledge and events of Pakistan’s history in pictorial form. It is built under the shadow of the largest Pakistani flag installed in the sector.

The project inaugurated in March last year is in poor condition, as the CDA has not bothered to do finishing, polishing and shining work of marble stonework.

The picture walls are also in poor shape and landscaping is also not satisfactory. As per last year’s figures (the latest figure is not available), the cost of the project was Rs38.618 million. Whereas, sources also said the CDA had floated two tenders worth around Rs50 million, but it is yet to determine the total amount already spent on this project. The unattended condition of the park indicated that perhaps it was not visited by any student groups or historians to get information about Pakistan’s history through pictorial background.

After its inauguration last year, the CDA released a press release stating: “The park is developed to provide entertainment and information facilities to the citizens of Islamabad and the next generation.”

“The park built along Islamabad Highway in Sector H-8 has a walk-through history museum as well as two-dimensional and 3D-designed walls on which the history of Pakistan dates back to its inception.”

The biggest migration at the time of partition has also been pictured to create historical awareness regarding the Independence of Pakistan and to remember the great sacrifices made during the migration, the CDA said in its statement at the time. As per its original concept, the park was supposed to provide other facilities as well, including swings for kids, and jogging and cycling tracks.

Speaking to Dawn, an official said that the idea of developing this park was “not a bad one as a large number of schools and colleges are located in Sector H-8 and their students could get to know the country’s history through pictorials”.

During the tenure of former CDA chairman Amer Ali Ahmed, the CDA focused on the project as the chairman was monitoring the progress and by the end of last year, the park was supposed to be completed.

However, the civic body lost interest in the project after the then CDA chairman was transferred in August last year. Deputy Director General Environment Irfan Niazi said he would ensure landscaping at the park to make it presentable. He added that there was an issue between the contractor and the CDA over the payment, which caused a delay in its completion. “But, we are focusing on this park and all issues will be sorted out very soon,” he said. According to the official, there were two different components of the project – art work and civil work, which were carried out by contractors.

Landscaping, on the other hand, was managed by the CDA through internal arrangements, he added. “Let me assure you, we will carry out all work per the original concept,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2023