KARACHI: Nisar Shaheed Park in Defence Housing Authority had been inundated since the last heavy rain in the city and the situation persisted till Saturday evening, when though the walking tracks had dried or been cleared, big puddles were seen in the park’s sitting areas.

The NSP is very popular with health-conscious people, particularly the residents of DHA and Clifton, for its various features.

It has two one-kilometre-long parallel tracks, one paved and the other sprinkled with sand, for walking; benches, some with wooden tables, washrooms, shops etc for the convenience of the visitors.

Located in Phase IV of the DHA, the park is otherwise well-maintained. The park management has a good number of workers at its disposal. Sanitary staff can often be seen picking ‘shoppers’ and other pieces of trash and sweeping its parts.

There are several entrances where efficient security guards and sit and tickets are issued from the adjoining rooms.

Visitors have to pay a nominal entry fee of Rs20 per person and Rs10 for a child. An additional amount in the same range is charged for an enclosure where exercise machines are installed.

The park attracts a large number of people on weekends and holidays when they eat and drink and have good time there. For children’s entertainment an amusement park with a separate gate is also there.

Besides Defence and Clifton, the picnickers throng the place from areas including Mehmoo­dabad, Akhtar Colony, Qayyumabad and Korangi.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2019