KARACHI: Sindh Information and Local Government Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Thursday inaugurated a park spread over four acres in Clifton, saying that a few more mega recreational projects were on the cards.

The Shaheed Hosh Mohammad Sheedi park has been developed with an estimated cost of Rs40 million.

“It’s a big achievement of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation as it has converted a 4.24-acre land which was being used as a dumping ground into a beautiful park as a gift for the Karachiites,” he said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony.

“It took six months to build such a beautiful facility. The Pakistan Peoples Party government is committed to city development and the upcoming projects such as an elevated bridge between Jinnah Bridge and Quaidabad and a dual carriageway between the National Highway and the Superhighway reflect its vision.”

Situated in Clifton block 4, the Hosh Mohammad Sheedi Park is one of the biggest facilities of its kind in Karachi that can cater to hundreds of visitors at a time.

Hosh Mohammad Sheedi — better known as Hoshu Sheedi — was a commander of Sindh’s Talpur army and laid down his life while fighting British forces in 1843. Originally belonging to the Sheedi community, he was respected for his valour, bravery and loyalty to Sindh.

Hoshu Sheedi’s words ‘Marvesoon, par Sindh na desoon’ (we will die but not surrender Sindh to others) during a battle with enemy forces later became a popular slogan for nationalist parties and others.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2014