RAWALPINDI: The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) will start the rehabilitation of Allama Iqbal Park, previously known as Nawaz Sharif Park, at Shamsabad next month.

It has also started decorating the metro bus route pillars from Saddar to Faizabad under the Murree Road beautification project.

“We started the beautification work of Murree Road from Saddar to Faizabad with an estimated cost of Rs150 million and we began whitewashing the Metro pillars, as their condition had worsened over the last nine years,” said PHA Director General Ahmed Hassan Ranjha while talking to Dawn.

He said that under the beautification plan, all the squares on Murree Road would be rehabilitated and all the vacant spaces under flyovers would be turned green in the coming days. He said that the Punjab government wanted to make the city neat and clean and remove all eyesores so that people would feel a change in the environment.

Apart from this, Mr Ranjha said that a new design of Shamsabad Public Park had been prepared and sent to the Punjab government for approval. “Under the new plan, the park will be given a new look so that more people will visit the park for recreational activities,” he said.

He said that the gardeners were working hard to plant more flowers in the park and that families would be able to spend quality time there.

He said, “Basically, we want to improve the condition of the parks in city areas.”

He said that the park would have a spacious parking lot, a jogging track and a food court. The official added that a modern security system had also been installed in the park and walk-through gates to be installed at the entrance points had also been received.

Mr Ranjha said that botanical and manicured gardens would also be developed in the park.

Apart from this, an amusement park would be added.

The PHA is also reportedly planning to launch a beautification drive in the downtown area to improve the condition of the green belts in Raja Bazaar and adjoining areas.

“We are committed to providing a green environment to the residents and in this regard, available funds will be utilised,” The PHA DG said.

Mr Ranjha also told Dawn that the PHA had started work to rehabilitate and upgrade the public park adjacent to the 502 Workshop at Adiala Road at a cost of Rs450 million and it would be completed soon.

“There is a lake measuring 300 square feet in the park and the PHA is developing it. Sitting arrangements will also be made along the lake,” he said, adding that a pedestrian bridge over the lake would be constructed. The official said that the PHA had recently renovated Liaquat Bagh and Sirajia Park with beautiful flowers and plants. The colourful flowers and plants gave a new look to these parks.

He said that the PHA was utilising all resources to provide the best recreational facilities to the citizens of Rawalpindi.

He also urged the public to keep their surroundings clean to maintain a clean and green environment.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2025