RAWALPINDI, April 27: President Gen Pervez Musharraf on Thursday said public parks and playgrounds played a pivotal role in improving health standards among youths who were the backbone of any nation.

He made these remarks, while inaugurating Jinnah Recreational Park, located three kilometres from Islamabad International Airport, adjacent to the Civil Lines and facing Rawalpindi District Courts on one side.

The Jinnah Park, it is worth mentioning here, also includes a small portion of the old Rawalpindi jail where former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was kept and hanged on April 4, 1979.

The park has its main entrance on the road that is commonly known as a VIP route.

The president, while appreciating the efforts of army engineers and all others engaged in construction of the park, said a huge project had been completed in a very short span, which was commendable. He said while the government was making efforts to provide recreational facilities to all segments of the society. Now, it is the responsibilities of all of us to maintain such facilities so that the public can optimally benefit.

Earlier, the president unveiled the plaque to formally inaugurate the park. Rawalpindi Corps Commander Lt-Gen Salahuddin, City district Nazim Raja Javed Ikhlas, and a large number of civil society members, civil and military officials attended the ceremony.

The mega project has been completed by army’s corps of engineers, while the government of Punjab has provided funds for both the construction and the land. The park is spread over 40 acres. Apart from state of the art water sprinkling system, the Jinnah Park has about 120 fountains which adds to its beauty.

It would be a centre of attraction for people of all age groups, with facilities like a jogging track and skating rink. There will be three cricket pitches for the youth and a large play area for children. Area for restaurants has also been marked. Along with other entertainment facilities, a five-screen multiplex has also been planned at Jinnah Park.

Arrangements would be made for a number of indoor games, along with outdoor mechanical rides for children. However, the construction of these facilities may take a few months.

After three years, army will hand over the park to the Rawalpindi Development Authority.