KARACHI: Residents of Clifton Block 5 gathered last evening for a peaceful protest at Justice Rana Bhagwandas Family Park, voicing strong opposition to the ongoing conversion of public parks into private padel courts. The protest was joined by MPA Rehan Bandukda, who expressed solidarity with the residents’ demand to preserve green, community spaces in the neighborhood.
According to the residents, Justice Rana Bhagwandas Family Park and Dr. Fareduddin Sethna Family Park — both constructed in 2022 under the World Bank–funded Karachi Neighborhood Improvement Project (KNIP) — are being dismantled for private sports ventures. Protesters said this not only violates citizens’ rights to open spaces but also threatens their physical and mental health.
Residents reported that the park’s water motor and irrigation pipes have been removed, cutting off water supply to plants and trees. Environmental experts warn that such actions could destroy greenery and reduce urban oxygen levels, worsening Karachi’s already poor air quality. Public health professionals emphasize that urban parks play a vital role in reducing stress, promoting physical activity, and mitigating heatwaves — all essential to community well-being.
Citing the Sindh High Court and Supreme Court of Pakistan, residents reminded authorities that public amenity lands such as parks cannot be leased or converted for private or commercial use. They demanded that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Sindh Government, and KNIP authorities immediately halt unauthorized developments and restore water supply to the park.
“Parks are not just green spaces; they are lifelines for community health,” said one protester. “Destroying them for private profit is destroying our right to breathe and live peacefully.”
Residents vowed to continue their peaceful campaign to save the parks and urged citizens across Karachi to unite for the protection of urban greenery and public health.
