Negligence by PHA puts Public Safety at Risk in Faridiya Park, Sahiwal
SAHIWAL: Faridiya Park, a public park located in the center of Sahiwal city, is becoming a significant security threat due to administrative negligence. Established in 1993, it has become a popular spot for families, joggers, and nature enthusiasts. However, in recent years, the park’s facilities have deteriorated, and many locals have expressed their concerns.
According to Ms. Rabia, a resident of Tariq Bin Ziad Colony, Sahiwal, the park’s maintenance has declined over the years, and the authorities have neglected it. Many other residents who frequently visit the park share her concerns. They expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of cleanliness, broken benches, and the unavailability of essential facilities such as drinking water and washrooms. Additionally, the presence of stray dogs and the attitude of the security guard were major concerns.
The park covers an area of 23 acres, and official documents obtained through RTI from the Parks and Horticulture Authority in Sahiwal reveal that a total amount of 570,000 was spent on maintenance in the financial year of 2021-2022, and 390,000 was spent in the financial year of 2022-2023.
یہ فریدیہ پارک ساہیوال ہے۔ اور اس کے ایک کونے میں دیواریں کر کے دو فیملیز کو رکھا گیا ہے۔
یہ فیملی گارڈ کی ہے جس کے رویے سے ہر شخص خصوصا خواتین بہت تنگ ہیں۔
سوال صرف یہ ہے کہ کیا پبلک پارکس میں فیملیز کی رہائش کی اجازت ہوتی ہے؟ اور وہ بھی پبلک گیٹ کے پاس۔@commissionerswl pic.twitter.com/mhZ1Pf893H— Saddia Mazhar|سعدیہ مظہر (@SaddiaMazhar) March 24, 2023
One of the main issues reported by locals is the behavior of the security guard, who reportedly harasses women who regularly visit the park for morning and evening walks. The security guard would also make comments about the character of women, leading many men to stop their female family members from visiting the park for walks or jogs.
Despite complaints being sent to the Director of Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Mr. Muzaffar Shah, no updates were received, and no action was taken by the PHA. Additionally, the security guard’s family resides in a corner of the public park and has constructed additional boundary walls. Not only does the guard misbehave with people, especially women who visit the park, but his family also shows their authority and mistreats the public.
The PHA authority responded that they have allowed two families to stay in the park, and the rent is deducted from their salaries. However, the documents regarding this arrangement are still awaited. Moreover, when asked about the empty blocks in the park, the PHA denied their existence.
Public parks are meant for the public, and Faridiya Park in Sahiwal is a busy park due to its central location. However, due to administrative negligence, the park is becoming a significant security threat, and the mafia may take ownership.
