GUJAR KHAN: Sharif Park in Gujar Khan developed by the forest department remains unweeded and unattended for many years. A visit to the park showed that it is visited not by children and other visitors but by herds of cattle which graze there. A dozen trees that were planted years ago are being outmatched by wild shrubs sprawling its vast play and sitting areas.

The solar lamps at the boundary and the swings inside are in poor shape due to constant neglect while not a single plant has been added to the park during successive ‘tree plantation drives’ in which all the departments are asked by the forest department to participate and “plant for Pakistan”.

There was no recreational facility in Gujar Khan city and the vast land of the forest department was available near the hillocks of Dungi Dam along G.T. Road.

In 2010, a journalist, Shahzad Qureshi, had made efforts following which Shehbaz Sharif, the then chief minister Punjab, and late chief secretary Jawaid Mahmood ordered the establishment of the park on 40 kanals of forest department land.

The play and sitting areas were developed, two public toilets were constructed, solar lamps installed and fencing erected around the park located not so far from offices of the forest department. The park was named after Mian Mohammad Sharif, the fafther of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif.

The residents of Gujar Khan have pointed out that the authorities of forest department after planting flowering plants, installing an inaugural plaque and bordering barbed wires, had forgotten the park. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that visitors do not venture into the park even during the day time.

They said the offices of the range officer and block officers of the forest department are in the vicinity but no forest guard has ever been deputed there.

Shahzad Qureshi, who had floated this public-friendly idea to the Punjab administration at that time, regretted that the authorities concerned had again deprived the residents of this facility.

“Being owned and developed by the forest department itself, it was expected that this park would be a model park decorated with rare varieties of plants but it remains neglected,” Mr Qureshi said.

Raja Arshad Mahmood, a resident of the area, said the park was developed to provide a recreational facility to the residents especially children of the city, but the authorities of the forest department neglected it.

He added that the forest authorities were never short of good varieties of plants and manpower to maintain this small park in close vicinity of their offices but they had failed in promoting plantation on their own land.

He suggested that the lamps and playing area should be maintained and a jogging track added to the park.

Waheed Qureshi, another resident of the city, said lack of upkeep by the authorities had made the park dangerous for the children and families. He said the forest authorities should make this park a model for tree plantation.

Junaid Mumtaz Khan, who has the look-after charge of the district forest officer Rawalpindi, confirmed that the park, which was developed by the forest department, had been left in a shambles. He admitted that the park was an ideal project of the Punjab government for the residents of Gujar Khan and promised to revive and rehabilitate it after getting approval from the higher authorities.

Assistant Commissioner Khizar Zahoor Goraiya said the park was being managed by the forest department.

However, instructions have been given to the relevant authorities and within a week’s time, the park will be cleaned and opened for visitors, he said.

“I would personally look after the work to make swings and lights operational,” he added.

Published in Dawn, October 7th, 2024