By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has inaugurated several new recreational and visitor facilities at Karachi Zoo, saying the historic site, also known as Gandhi Garden, is being transformed into a modern recreational and educational center in line with international standards.
Speaking to journalists during the opening of new animal enclosures, a renovated reptile house, a pedestrian bridge and other facilities, Wahab said the zoo had suffered decades of neglect, with dilapidated pathways, enclosures and visitor amenities. He said a modern enclosure spread over two acres had now been completed, where lions Chandni and Rani are being kept in an open environment designed to resemble their natural habitat.
According to the mayor, thousands of people visit Karachi Zoo daily, many from low- and middle-income backgrounds. The entry fee remains Rs30 for children and Rs50 for adults, and the revenue generated is being reinvested into the zoo’s upkeep and improvement. He clarified that there was no plan to purchase new large animals, with the focus instead on the care and breeding of existing ones.
He said he was not afraid of criticism but stressed that criticism without constructive intent was not in the city’s interest. Calling on all political parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, he urged cooperation for the betterment of Karachi rather than what he described as politics based on allegations. He said the interests of the city’s 25 million residents would not be compromised for a small number of individuals or groups.
The enclosures are fitted with modern bulletproof glass and include dedicated arrangements for water play and rest, he said. Deputy parliamentary leader in the city council Dil Muhammad and other council members were present on the occasion. He said the zoo’s reptile house had been reopened for the public after renovation, while a newly built tower had been added as an attraction, particularly for young visitors.
Modern walkways, seating areas and informative signboards were also being installed to make the zoo a more accessible and educational space for families and students. Wahab said the zoo was often subjected to negative propaganda, warning that neglect could leave the land vulnerable to encroachment. He invited citizens, experts and welfare organizations to work together on practical solutions, saying issues could not be resolved through press conferences alone.
Addressing the issue of stray dogs, the mayor said the city faced opposing pressures, with some groups demanding that dogs not be killed while parents raised concerns over children being bitten. He said a balanced approach was needed, noting that a dog neutering policy adopted by the Sindh government at the request of animal lovers had not worked as planned. Any decision taken by the city council on the issue would be implemented, he said.
Wahab also appealed to citizens to help keep the city clean and to avoid habits such as spitting pan, chalia and gutka in public spaces, saying these practices not only disfigured the city but also imposed millions of rupees in additional cleaning costs. He said public awareness campaigns would be strengthened.
He said the current year had been declared a year of development projects, with KMC determined to complete major schemes including the Hub Canal, sewage treatment plants and the Cattle Colony flyover. Despite having to undertake neighborhood-level work due to what he described as the incompetence of town administrations, he said efforts to improve the city would continue.
The mayor said his mission was to remove Karachi’s negative image and turn it into an active, clean and developed city, calling for collective effort from the government, institutions and citizens to achieve that goal.
