On the 22nd of November, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) gave the greenlight to inaugurate the ‘Family Park’ – a lotus lake in Islamabad, near the Shakarparian Hills.
The 100ft long and 68ft wide lake will serve as a new attraction for both citizens and tourists wanting to visit the area, as it promises a peaceful environment with benches surrounding the beautiful sight, which is said to have been opened after 14 years since its closure in 2006 due to construction.
CDA Chairman, Amir Ali Ahmed, has stated that the restoration of the lake is part of the CDA’s goal to revitalise developmental projects and recreational activities in Islamabad. The park will be open for families to enter and be close to nature, with a water source filling the lake and the botanical plant life being looked after.
Subsequently, in Karachi it was announced last week by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), that historical landmark Frere Hall, was to be renovated after 16 years. KMC also further clarified that the work should be concluded by mid December, after being officialised by Commissioner Iftikhar Shallwani.
To priotise heritage preservation, the KMC has hired historian and archaeologist Kaleemullah Lashari to work with them on the restoration project. Reportedly, all the heritage sites in Karachi are to be restored to their bona fide condition.