The 61st Pakistan Flower Show 2012 was inaugurated on Thursday by Sindh High Court judge Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi at a ceremony held at the DHA Seaview Public Park.
The Horticultural Society of Pakistan (HSP) arranged the annual flower show in collaboration with DHA and Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC).
Speaking on the occasion, Justice Abbasi lauded the efforts of the HSP for organising the splendid floral show.
He said that the efforts of the HSP in making the environment of Karachi cleaner and greener and in promoting spots of natural beauty in the form of flowers, gardens and parks, etc were commendable and an inspiration for others to emulate.
Abbasi termed the love of flowers as the essence of life. He said that flowers reflect natural beauty and leave indelible marks of aesthetic delight and creative charm on the human mind.
He said that the charming beauty of colourful flowers is refreshing and a blissful joy of life.
Abbasi said that the natural spots in forms of gardens, parks and open grounds must be promoted, as they provide aesthetic delight to the people and have a soothing and calming effect on their nerves that are essential for promotion of love, harmony and tolerance in society.
Earlier, the veteran chairman of the HSP, Lt Gen (retd) Jahanzeb Arbab, in his welcome address outlined the activities of his organisation in promoting horticultural awareness in society.
He said that the HSP is actively engaged in beautifying the environment of the city.
Arbab reiterated that flowers are essential to life and as such greenery and horticulture need to be promoted.
A large number of individuals, organisations, amateurs and professionals participated in the flower competition in various categories.
DHA Zamzama Park, CBC Bukhari Park and DA Rahat Park bagged first prizes in the categories of big, medium and small parks, respectively.
Defence Authority College Phase-VI secured the first prize in the College Parks category and DA Tooba Mosque in the Masjid category.
In the category of beautification of spots, DHA Gizri Hilltop received the first prize, whereas DA Momin Rockery stood second in the category.
Boat Club, KPT Rest House, Gets Pharma Theme Garden, CBC Beach Park, Flag Staff House, DHA Tooba Mosque, Pakistan Maritime Museum Karsaz and Sindh Club among others also received prizes in other categories.
The CBC was declared the overall champion of the flower show and awarded the Abdul Sattar Pirzada Trophy.
The chief guest Justice Abbasi later went around the different exhibits and distributed prizes among the winners in various categories.
DHA Administrator Brig Aamer Raza Qureshi and HSP President AK Khan were also present on the occasion.
The show would remain open until Sunday, said a DHA announcement.
