Residents of Clifton staged a demonstration to protest against the alleged commercialization of Zamzama Park, here on Monday. Many prominent residents and civil society members gathered inside the Zamzama Park to express their serious concerns over its alleged handover to a third party for what they said a 'commercial' purpose.' Former Chief Secretary Sindh Aslam Sanjrani, also a resident of Clifton, said categorically that there is no reason for commercialization of this family park. He said it was a gift to the residents of Clifton and adjoining areas.
"The residents of the area are the real owners and custodians of this recreational facility; hence, any commercialization move, without taking them into confidence, will be deemed violation of the law," he said, adding that the people behind the idea of commercialization are saying that they would build a theme park, here. He said that they had pulled down three dozen trees for replacement of the jogging tracks, here. He asked what they are doing to the environment because the area is already suffering due to much pollution in the area.
The protesters were carrying banners inscribed with an appeal to the Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar to come to their rescue. They also cited that there are two judgments of the Supreme Court against converting parks into commercial ventures.
Another banner was inscribed with an appeal to the Corps Commander to save the environment and take notice of their request against commercialization of Zamzama Park. Sanjrani further said that they had gathered there to request the relevant authorities to review their decision. PPP leader Najmi Alam, eminent senior journalist Ghazi Salahuddin, and others also spoke and opposed the commercialization of Zamzama Park.