Karachi: Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab inaugurated the Hanif Mohammad Cricket Ground at Hill Park, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring public spaces and providing quality recreational facilities for citizens. The Mayor emphasized that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) is actively working to enhance the city’s parks, playgrounds, and public areas, ensuring they are healthy, safe, and inclusive environments.

“Karachi’s historic buildings and public spaces are being returned to the people,” said Mayor Wahab. He noted that landmarks such as Frere Hall and Khaliq Dina Hall, along with Denso Hall, will soon be open to the public. Renovation work is also underway at Empress Market, where a cultural activity zone is planned.

Mayor Wahab encouraged artists and performers to organize events at these heritage sites and announced the rehabilitation of 50 parks across the city in 2025. He said that two parks would be inaugurated later this week in District West and District South.

The newly inaugurated cricket ground, named after Pakistan’s cricket legend Hanif Mohammad, has been developed on the site of a former lake. It offers facilities for cricket, football, and walking tracks for women and senior citizens. “This project reflects the vision of the Pakistan Peoples Party to provide high-quality facilities for the public,” the Mayor stated.

Mayor Wahab proposed dedicating large parks to families on weekends and encouraged public input on this idea. He also revealed that administrative records have been digitized to prevent fraudulent hiring.

In a significant move, the Mayor announced that parking fees on all public roads would be eliminated. “After June 30, no street parking contract will be extended. Only parking plazas within walled enclosures will be allowed to charge fees,” he said.

Referring to Hanif Mohammad as a neighbor and mentor, Mayor Wahab shared that Shoaib Mohammad, Hanif’s son, wishes to establish a cricket academy at the newly built ground. He also discussed development plans for various city areas, including I.I. Chundrigar Road, Pakistan Chowk, Burns Garden, and the city’s food streets.

The Mayor concluded by expressing his vision for a vibrant and prosperous Karachi, emphasizing that leadership should be reserved for those who serve.