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. Onehas 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 toa 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 atthe 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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