The controversy about alleged gross irregularities in Royal Palm Golf Club started when Retd Gen Qazi as Minister of Railways in Musharraf junta was involved in transfer of prime real estate belonging to Federal Government to its present management on lease at surprisingly low rates beneficial to its new lessee. These premises till 2000/2001 were in use as Pakistan Railway Golf Club.
There has been an alarming rise in irregularities concerning takeover of prime real estate, forest lands and mangroves by powerful real estate mafia in this country. This specific land was given by Federal Government to Railways for specific purpose of use as golf and sports club by its employees and members of public with exclusive understanding that clubs are never to be used as commercial ventures running marriage halls, cinemas etc.
Of late clubs in Lahore including one located on Upper Mall Road has become hostage to greed and abuse of powerful vested interests. There has been a tradition of almost 100 years that these clubs are run by management committees elected by members for a period of one year, which of late is not being followed by many such clubs located on land belonging primarily to either federal or provincial government. The purpose to promote club culture and healthy sports activities stand eroded when vested interests take over management because of strong political connections and support of bureaucracy.
Membership of these clubs traditionally was given to educated professionals, government servants and members of public who enjoy good reputation. Unfortunately now this membership is out of reach of most sections of civil society who earn an honest living. There is no longer any requirement for any minimal educational qualifications or some other notable achievements which are considered necessary for healthy club cultural activity.
Gull Zaman
Lahore
Yeh maadarchood gul Zaman kiya bakwas karts hai Yeh bahenchood ghadha hai
These are the type of people who have destroyed what used to be once known as gentlemen's clubs, where health sports activities were carried out along with light entertainment and these clubs were called second home by their members who ran these clubs through representative elected committees of management. No club worth its name allowed its premises to be converted into commercial marriage halls and cinemas accessible to anybody who can afford to pay.
I agree with Mta. When clubs are handed over to controversial persons with a history of financial improprities than they end up as marriage halls and conemas to anybody who can afford. As for other club on Upper Mall it is with another qabza group related to that insult to judiciary named Qayuum Malik and son of a man who occupied railway land to build a pharmaceutical factory.
These clubs are accessible only to the rich and the politically privileged individuals. The really educated class are denied the membership because of the exorbitant expenses involved. Such clubs are a manifestation of a corrupt capitalist structure, where only stacks of printed paper are valued, and human excellence does not merit consideration. At best, these are luxurious heavens; and do not serve any social welfare and nationalistic purpose.
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