I remember how the F-9 sector was almost allocated to officers, but it was saved at the last moment. The then-chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and my classmate, Zafar, managed to convince the government with great difficulty by saying that even Nawaz Sharif occasionally comes here to play cricket. Moreover, since there were no gardens in Islamabad, it was suggested that the entire sector be fenced, and proper pathways be made for walkers, with some benches installed for those who get tired. Fortunately, Benazir Bhutto’s government was in power at the time, and she was in a good mood. Not only did she agree with the proposal, but she also accepted the suggestion to name the park after Fatima Jinnah upon some people’s insistence. We were delighted. An international kite-flying event was celebrated in the park, with the Chamber of Commerce arranging lunch for the guests. This fair was jointly organized by the CDA and PNCA. Gates were installed on each side of the park, opening towards every sector. However, many eyes were still on this vast, beautiful place.
Initially, the CDA built a hut for one of its officers to keep an eye on the park. Then, a very famous personality, without any permission, gave a part of the park to a relative to build a restaurant. Although there was a lot of noise against it, everything eventually settled down like froth. However, holding wedding parties there was prohibited. The park’s vastness still bothered some people, who later constructed a building under the name of “Nazaria-e-Pakistan” (Ideology of Pakistan). Since no one could object to something in the name of the Ideology of Pakistan, this construction secured its place. The PNCA intended to install statues made by renowned Pakistani sculptors in the park, just like in other parts of the world, to remind people of the beautiful statues in Caliph Harun al-Rashid’s palace. However, intellectuals’ suggestions rarely succeed in front of conservatives. A peace symbol and another statue highlighting women’s struggles were made with great difficulty. A poem was inscribed on the latter, but stubborn individuals erased the poem, though they couldn’t destroy the statue.
The story of the park’s ruin doesn’t end here. A very fashionable building was constructed nearby, and space and funds were provided to install a transformer for its electricity supply. Many people protested; Fauzia Minallah and Tahira Abdullah wrote in newspapers and staged protests on the streets. But as always, capitalists and the government got along well, and the building was completed.
No more fairs are organized in the poor park anymore. There are no special swings for children. The iron fence around the park is broken in many places. Cars used to enter the park, but now they park outside. Some people, concerned about their health, come for a daily walk, while families with children visit during good weather. There is no provision for restrooms, so visitors are advised to come prepared. The maintenance of grass and plants is also neglected. Thankfully, no one has yet thought of building houses in Fatima Jinnah Park. However, there is no guardian for the ten-story buildings near the park in F-10. Every floor of these flats has a red box hanging, supposedly a fire extinguisher. God forbid, if a fire breaks out like at the Awami Center, all the secrets will be exposed. Responsibility for collecting electricity bills and other taxes is given on contract, so you can imagine the situation.
Flower beds only seem to be blooming on the road leading to the National Assembly; elsewhere in the city, especially after the recent rains, wild vegetation has taken over. I have now stopped going to the road near Aabpara because every incoming government promises to demolish the dilapidated quarters and build multi-story buildings, offering the flats to the residing peons on easy installments. These promises are made by every new government. The condition of the quarters is so terrible that one fears the roof might collapse or an accident might occur. When asked about the colony’s construction, residents reply that it’s a blessing that after a father’s death, the thirty-year-old quarter is transferred to his son. When asked about the progress on building the colony, they say that a draw will be held someday to allocate the land, but there has been no final decision on where this land will be. As for designating a place for the cleaners, they have forcibly established a settlement known as “So Quarter,” which faces regular eviction attempts. A promise is made to provide an alternative place, but people eventually settle down in resignation.
Although municipal elections were held in Islamabad and chairpersons and other members were elected, there is no written notice informing the area’s residents about where their representatives’ offices are located or how they can be contacted. Those who have connections might be invited for tea at their homes. Perhaps, as the new Prime Minister is rumored to be working, the CDA and municipal authorities will start considering the residents of Islamabad. If you ever need to park your car in a market, it will take from evening to night to find a spot. Even the Shah Alam Market in Lahore is better, where a multi-story parking building has been constructed.
