KARACHI, March 3 The city government personnel escorted by a fleet of about six police mobiles ransacked the National Sailing Centre (NSC) causing huge damage to the property besides manhandling the staff on Saturday.

“The unlawful operation without any prior notice that lasted for about two-and-a-half hours, have caused a big loss to the tune of approximately 8 million rupees,” Commander (r) Q. Navaid Usmani, secretary of the NSC, said on Tuesday. Commissioned in Dec 1996, the NSC is governed by Pakistan Navy and houses the headquarters of Pakistan Sailing Federation (PSAF).

The incident was brought to the knowledge of Commander Karachi Vice Admiral Saleem Ahmad Meenai, who is president of PSAF and patron of the NSC.

He alleged that the operation, which was supervised by EDO Parks CDGK Liaquat Ali Khan, came to a halt after the arrival of chairman NSC Commodore Ather Mukhtar and the Naval Police. He said following demolition of boundary wall and the main gate besides damage of costly sailing boats, the members are feeling insecure to visit the club.

The CDGK officials were not available for comments.—Sports Correspondent