Zubair Qureshi
It goes to the credit of the Metropolitan Corporation of Islamabad (MCI) and its Mayor that Islamabad’s biggest park, Fatima Jinnah Park, commonly known as F-9 Park has been given a facelift and provided with a number of facilities that are according to international standards.
The park spanning over hundreds of acres is popular among the children, residents, families, youths and students. Visitors come here even from other parts of the country to spend free and quality time with friends and families.
Recently, the park has been provided with state-of-the-art outdoor gym equipment by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the gift has generated quite a stir among the park visitors, especially those who come to the park for workout. The WHO-assistance includes Body Weight Resistance Equipment, Cardio Training Equipment, Strength Training Power Tower, rowing machines, still bicycle, ankle weights and others.
The new equipment has replaced the old one that has been there for almost two decades and was in poor shape.
While talking to Pakistan Observer, Manager of the F-9 Park Muhammad Junaid Afzal said the outdoor workout equipment in the plot near Bara Dari will give the park visitors a new workout experience of the world class. It will not only help the regular visitors maintain/reduce their weight, it will also generate awareness about health, said Junaid Afzal. When asked how long it will take to open this equipment for general public, he said presently the carpeting work is underway and after the entire plot dedicated for outdoor gym is carpeted, we shall open it for the general public. To a question, he said Mayor of MCI Sh Anser Aziz has taken keen interest in getting this equipment installed as soon as possible and for this purpose he has been visiting the site for last many weeks. “Although we are understaffed, yet we shall ensure a park guard is deputed at this equipment round the clock and three security guards will perform duties in shifts,” said he.
F-9 Park consists of numerous plots, gardens, pathways and bushy area and according to its keepers, immense scope is there to build and upgrade it according to international standards. However, shortage of funds is the main stumbling block. Earlier, the government of Japan provided a number equipment for children park and children and families enjoy these facilities on off days. According to MCI officials other foreign missions are also invited to put their share in making the park up-to-the-mark by following the WHO example.
