To provide entertainment and recreation facilities to middle class population, an idea of Muttahida’s federal minister Babar Khan Ghauri resulted in the proposed construction of North Nazimabad Gymkhana.
The foundation stone laying ceremony was recently held by former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz at a huge and precious amenity plot of around 4.7 acres whose market value runs in billions of rupees.
EDO Works and Services, Nisar Sario, told The News that during the days of KMC this huge plot was given to Muslim Commercial Bank for constructing a sports complex but since the project was not realised the plot was taken back from the bank.
According to him, the plot was encroached upon by Gypsies and scavengers with tiny constructions and wild bushes, however, the plot has been retrieved through an operation.
Recently, the City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal had said that this gymkhana would cater to middle class people, while Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town Nazim, Wasay Jali, sitting close to him, said that his town was also planning to construct a gymkhana in his town for middle class people, adding that two places have been short-listed for the purpose.
At a foundation stone laying ceremony, Shaukat Aziz said that Babar Ghauri came to his office with a request that he wanted to build a gymkhana at a big amenity plot in North Nazimabad.
The former premier said he immediately gave him approval as this was a programme to provide recreation facilities to the middle-class people, adding that the Bohri community would also be making investment in this gymkhana.
So far, the former prime minister has announced Rs100 million for the proposed gymkhana, besides Rs50 million each pledged by Sindh governor and chief minister.
North Nazimabad Town Nazim, Mumtaz Hameed, who is busy preparing the concept plan of the gymkhana, told The News that there was a proposal that this gymkhana should be fully built by the city government
under the supervision of City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal.
He said that under the next proposal 20 founder members will pool one million rupees each following which construction of this gymkhana will be started. “We are catering both the Bhori and Ismaili communities living in North Nazimabad,” he mentioned.
Mumtaz Hameed said that only North Naimabad residents will be given membership in the proposed gymkhana.
It may be recalled that long time back Nazimabad number 4 used to be a posh locality and there was Nazimabad Club, where residents used to enjoy evenings.
A senior citizen said the law-and-order situation of Karachi compelled these highly educated people to move out and now this club no more exists.
