Illegal marriage lawns razed, one sealed

Karachi
Several to-be couples were left cursing their luck when plans for their nuptials were disrupted by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s decision to initiate a drive against illegal marriage halls on Wednesday.
A number of marriage lawns built along a green belt in Shah Faisal Colony were razed, whereas, one at the Hockey Complex, located near NIPA Chowrangi, was to be sealed after provincial local bodies minister Sharjeel Memon issued orders in this regard during his visit on the day.
The management of the hockey ground had informed that the land was obtained on a lease under which commercial activities were legal; however, Memon ordered them to submit papers to verify the process of leasing.
Deputy Commissioner (East) was designated to look over the matter as well as facilitate reimbursements for those who had already booked the lawns.
The directions came a day after Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Administrator Saqib Ahmed Soomro had announced a drive for closure of marriage lawns built on amenity plots and green belts; the drive was launched under the ongoing campaign for removal of encroachments.
According to the orders of the Supreme Court all constructions on these plots were illegal and should be removed.
Soomro had asked citizens to ensure lawns were located on plots dedicated for the purpose before finalising their bookings for ceremonies.

City wardens
In a surprise visit to the KMC City Warden Head Office, Memon directed to issue show cause notices to absentees as well as 103 city wardens who had not been coming on duty for a long time.
Absentees were directed to be called at the head office on Thursday (today) for identification whereas the city wardens were directed to bring their identity cards along with service cards following which decisions regarding the continuation of their service would be taken.