KARACHI’S mayor, Murtaza Wahab, has taken a bold decision that can improve Karachi physically, environmentally and socially. He has decided to remove walls and railings around parks and make them part of the larger urban environment that connects roads, trees, plants and people. At present, many parks in Karachi exist as isolated spaces enclosed by walls that separate them from the city around them. These barriers make green spaces appear smaller and discourage public use. Their removal can visually expand parks and make them feel part of the city rather than isolated co­­mpounds. Public spaces become meaningful only when people can see them, access them easily, and feel that they belong to them. Many of these parks and open spaces also contain institutions and structures of historical importance. Consideration will have to be given to how this heritage can be integrated into these spaces.

However, careful planning is needed. The issue is not simply about increasing green spaces but also ensuring proper maintenance and management. Karachi’s parks are generally poorly maintained, which affects public spaces. Improving conditions requires administrative capacity and commitment from those responsible for implementation. The........

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