This was Published in 'Dawn"
many years back.
The walker of Safari Park
Gulshan-e-Iqbal
By Abida Rahmani
Early in the morning after Fajar prayer when most
the Karachiites are fast asleep, early risers and
enthusiastic walkers head towards the Safari Park.
They belong to every walk of life. Among them some
are office-goers, weight-conscious women and youngsters
who struggle to shed a few pounds. But most of
them are retired personal. Some are advised to have a
walk by their doctors to control their blood pressure,
sugar level and overcome cardiac problems. While others
do it to remain fit and burn extra calories.
While strolling is Safari Park, one can hear all the
languages spoken in Pakistan. While men and women
of all origin could be seen there, But the most evident
are the Afghans. I believe that while they come from a
martial race, they are more interested in looking after
their health and fitness.
Some foreign students studying here could also be
seen, who come from their hostels for an early morning
hike. A number of people opt for brisk walk heading
towards the hillock, which is named Al-Manzar. There
are groups busy in learning martial arts like Judo
Karate and Taekwandoe. Some undertake exercises and
gymnastic feats. Some of them enjoy to take deep
breathing in the fresh air. Many walk bare-footed on the
grassed lawns to enhance their eyesight.
Ladies could also be seen in chaddars and burqas
(veils). Many could be seen gossiping and some
indulge in spicy political discussions, They chat and
walk in groups. There are, however, a few lone walkers
too who avoid mixing up and stroll around quietly.
Some could be seen holding tasbeehs and reciting verses
while hiking.
Most of them come in cars of motorbikes. While
many prefer to come to park on foot. Though Safari
Park has no proper jogging tracks, but still people could
be seen walking around in the park. It has spacious
lawns in the midst of trees and fresh air. While there are
no formal lavatories, many a labourers and adjacent
shanty areas dwellers use the bushes for the same. One
has to often go through the pungent odour in the early
morning walk.
In fact, it’s a tough job to hike in the morning. One
has to get up early, put on jogger shoes and attire properly
When one starts morning walk, the first few days
are very crucial with aching legs and body. The
moment one is accustomed to it, it seems to be a
refreshing job. Exports are of the view that it’s not necessary
to walk only early in the morning, one can do it
at any point of the day. Some could be seen hiking in
the evenings, too.
Safari Park project was initiated in 1971, but it
never emerged as a real safari. This park had a vast area
and it was said that it would be the biggest park in the
country. some of its area has now been handed over to
a commercial amusement park. Initially roads were laid
in the Safari Park and people used to enjoy a ride on
them. Now the roads are used by the pedestrians.
There are some deer and other wildlife in the safari.
One can watch them running and grazing on the backside
of the hillock. Neelguys, a pair of zebra, peacocks,
turkeys, pheasant and ducks can also e seen around inthe park. Apond there was initially used for a boat ride,
but later it was turned into birds habitat. There were
once a few pairs of elegant black swans with red beaks.
They are no more today. They might have fell prey at
the hands of unscrupulous elements.
While most of Karachi’s gardens have a lot of
flowers in spring, Safari Park wears a barren look.
The Banyan trees have dried out and green belts are
non-existent. With the installation of nurseries around
the Safari Park’s payments, it’s outlook has somewhat
improved.
One wonders if the KMC cannot manage such public
parks properly, it should hand them over to some
private concerns.
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