The district administration and the cantonment boards have ordered closing of all public parks for one week.
Public parks in Rawalpindi are in a dilapidated condition and most of them without security. While the Parks and Horticulture Agency (PHA) have failed to maintain public parks upkeep as drug addicts and unscrupulous elements are seen roaming the parks. Most families avoid going to public parks due to alleged harassment and stalking, those who go return after facing unavoidable circumstances.
PHA Director-Genarl Abid Malik told Online that there were 39 small and large parks in Rawalpindi which have been shut down temporarily to make security arrangements. “Police personnel and security guards will be deployed at the entry point of major public parks before they are opened for public,” he said.
Rawalpindi Cantonment Board Spokesman Qaisar told Online that there were nine parks in Cantt. Security arrangements have already been put in place in Rumi Park while the rest will have foolproof security arrangements within a week.