By TN Media News | Karachi:
A formal complaint filed by a citizen from North Karachi’s Sector 5E regarding the construction of a public park remains unresolved 18 months later, despite official approvals and repeated appeals to the Provincial Ombudsman District Central Sindh and local authorities.
Delays Despite Tender Approval
The issue dates back to December 19, 2022, when the complainant attended a scheduled hearing with both parties present. The citizen had requested the long-overdue construction of a neighborhood park that had been ignored for years.
In March 2023, a tender was approved for the development of five parks, including Sector 5E. The contract for Sector 5E was awarded to Sehgal Enterprises Group for a total of PKR 5,746,539. However, no construction work has been initiated to date.
Promises Unfulfilled
The complainant recalls a conversation with then Director Parks Central, Nadeem Hanif, who assured that construction would begin immediately after the Baldiyati elections. However, the elections were delayed, and the project was stalled once again.
The matter is currently supervised by Nazir Qidwai, Regional Director of the Provincial Ombudsman (District Central). The location of the proposed park—an “L”-shaped area near Momin Masjid and APWA Secondary School—has been a longstanding concern for residents.
Historical Significance and Neglect
The park was originally reconstructed in the 1980s by respected Naat Khawan Aijaz Rahmani. However, it has deteriorated since 1997 due to alleged negligence by local authorities. Over the years, the space has become overgrown and unusable, despite its proximity to key community institutions.
The complainant accuses local officials and the park administration of persistent mismanagement, lack of funding transparency, and failure to prioritize public welfare.
Miscommunication and Misinformation
Adding to the controversy, it was revealed that Nazir Qidwai, Hassan Abbas (Transaction Officer), and the complainant were misled by Director Parks Central, Nadeem Hanif, who claimed the tender had not been approved. However, a later investigation confirmed that the tender had indeed been approved by the Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (SPPRA).
Appeal to Higher Authorities
Frustrated by the delays and lack of accountability, the complainant has now submitted a formal appeal to Sohail Rajput, Chairman of the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh, requesting an immediate investigation into the role of the District Central administration, particularly Nazir Qidwai.
The continued delays have deprived the residents of Sector 5E North Karachi of a much-needed recreational facility. Community members now await urgent action, accountability, and the long-promised transformation of the abandoned green space.
