Family parks established by the Sindh government and the City District Government Karachi (CDGK), as well as the Clifton Beach have made it easier for couples to hang out in a safe environment to escape the pressure of surviving in a city like Karachi where law and order do not exist. Students of schools, colleges and universities could be seen visiting these parks and the beach with the aim to steal some time away from all the worries of life.
Citizens with their own cars could be witnessed enjoying scenic moments at the Zero Point of the Clifton Beach, the parking area of the Hill Park, and the new picnic spots near the DHA Golf Club. However, the city’s law enforcers are, as usual, observed pestering the youngsters until they are bribed, following which the bribers cease to exist for the bribed. Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim, the largest family park of the city that was established by the CDGK, could be seen filled with young couples relaxing under the lush green trees.
“We come to the park to spend safe and memorable moments with each other,” a 28-year-old professional engineer told Pakistan Today. His 25-year-old girlfriend stands next to him in a traditional dress with a bashful smile across her face. “It’s not always safe, however,” the engineer added. “Miscreants and the police often harass us.” “But this park is quite good because neither the police bother us here nor do the obtuse people pointlessly stare at us. Besides, a large number of couples come here to enjoy some quiet moments, so we’re usually surrounded with decent people,” the girl said.
Police, however, treat everyone the same. They also harass families and the newlyweds, embarrassing them only to fill their pockets.
When the couples being vexed fail to produce documents for proving that they are related, they have no other option but to part with a couple of red currency notes. “We fine the couples between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. We find couples almost every day at the beach,” a police constable said while defending the law enforcers. The beach and family parks attract a large number of families, especially on weekends, and the local administration’s decision of forbidding the police from entering these parks is perhaps for the better.
