Fatimah Jinnah Park is named after Madr-e-Millat Fatima Jinnah. It is also known as Capital Park that extends to sector F-9 and is one of the largest urban parks in Pakistan. It covers 750 acres. It is a lush green space with recreational facilities like golf, cricket, walking, jogging, games arena bicycling and more.
It is an ideal place for relaxation, fitness, and community events. You can see here the historical background, location, architectural elements, recreational activities, and all the challenges faced by Fatima Jinnah.
Historical Background
Origin
Fatima Jinnah Park was built in the late 1990s and was inaugurated for public visit in 1992. It is a scenic green escape supporting urban development with green spaces.
Name Significance
Fatima Jinnah played an unprecedented role in the Pakistan Independence Movement. Her great efforts and support for the women's rights movement symbolised resilience and leadership. This park is a tribute to her contributions and efforts for independence and women's empowerment.
Development Phases
This 750-acre park is divided into five zones that include: a public park, lake Zone, thematic gardens, cultural zone, botanical garden, and sports facilities. Over the years, this Park was developed in 3 phases:
Phase 1: This phase began in 2007, During this time children's park, cricket ground, rock garden, theatre, and walking, cycling, jogging, and skating areas. This area covers approximately 240 acres.
Botanical Garden: It covers almost 18% of 13.7 acres. It also includes a green restaurant. You will feel it, a green sanctuary and best carved for community space.
Solar Power Plant: The Solar panels manage the power of the park. These solar panels were installed in 2017 and are almost 3400 to manage power for the park, all the street lights, and the offices of the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad and Capital Development Authority.
Geographical Location and Size
The park is situated in the middle of Islamabad. People from all over Islamabad can easily visit sector F-9. It covers an area of 750 acres, this makes it one of the largest parks in Pakistan.
Fatima Jinnah Park is surrounded by many prominent places like educational institutions, commercial areas, and Shah Faisal Mosque. This makes it a favourite among locals and tourists.
Design and Features
Fatima Jinnah Park represents an adorned balance between scenic beauty and modern infrastructure. The park is enclosed with a steel fence connected with the doors placed at regular intervals. Only a few doors are used in a routine and the rest remain closed. Park hasa network of tracks for pedestrians with neat grass and a few statues. Some features:
Lush Landscapes: The pathways are beautifully lined with trees. There are over 200 species of trees and numerous flower beds that give a vibrant look to the whole park.
Artificial Lakes: You can enjoy a beautiful and serene view of man-made lakes. Visitors enjoy boating and relax in a calm and pleasant view.
Architectural elements: You can view the replicas of national monuments. There are certain angles within the park where Shah Faisal Mosque is visible. There are certain gazebos and seating areas that add to its charm.
Recreational Facilities:
Jogging & Walking Tracks: People who are fitness enthusiasts can do jogging and walking in the tracks.
Playground & Sports grounds: There are certain specified and casual grounds for family and friends' entertainment.
Picnic Areas: Visitors can also plan picnics for enjoyable gatherings and relaxation.
Environmental Significance
Fatima Jinnah Park plays an important role in improving air quality and reducing urban smog in Islamabad.
Solar Power: The Park uses over 200 solar panels to generate electricity for the park's water pumps, sprinkler systems, and all the street lights.
Tree Plantation:
Improved Air Quality: The green plants all over the park provide fresh air to its visitors and reduce pollution.
Urban Heat Mitigation: The natural vegetation helps to control urban smoke and air pollution.
Biodiversity Coverson: The park is the habitat for flora and fauna. The park's conservation efforts protect these species and promote awareness of nature sustainability among the visitors.
Sustainable Design: The park offers low maintenance and can easily be improved with age. Its efficient watering systems and scenic approach are used to keep it maintained throughout the years.
Pedestrian-friendly: The Park provides a parking area for cars and bikes at the entrance. So, the whole park is designed for the pedestrians.
Recreational and Cultural Activities
The park is the hub of outdoor activities. Its expensive grounds include sports facilities, jogging tracks for health enthusiasts, playgrounds for kids, picnic areas for gatherings, artificial lakes for boating and many more.
Yoga and Tai Chi Classes: It gives a huge space to visitors for yoga sessions and group workouts.
Cultural events: It has a huge area to conduct exhibitions, concerts, and public awareness programs. It is a great place for promoting interaction and learning.
Cycling: Cyclers have dedicated tracks to enjoy their ride on safe routes within the park's expensive landscapes.
Picnic spots: The park provides designated picnic spots for gatherings to enjoy their meal in a beautiful arrangement.
You can enjoy the scenic and fresh environment with family entertainment.
Challenges and Preservation Efforts
Fatima Jinnah Park is facing many challenges and the government and some communities are taking proper actions to resolve all the problems shortly.
Challenges
Along with its significance, the park is facing some challenges for its maintenance. According to some people, almost 100 workers are hired for its maintenance. But they roam over through the park and do nothing. The corporation is planning to use the wasted area of the park as Orchards and nurseries.
This park was upgraded during the tenure of former CDA chairman Kamran Lashari. He spent millions of rupees to renovate it. It now messed again with exposed electric wires, overgrown plants, dried-up ponds and contaminated streams. It is not just it. This park faces more than that.
Maintenance Issues: Consistent ignorance of cleanliness and maintenance is deteriorating its structure.
Encroachment Threats: Urban sprawl is affecting its green space.
Preservation Efforts
The local government is actively planning to:
Ensure its regular maintenance of facilities.
Arrange awareness campaigns to spread knowledge among the visitors to protect the park.
Implement policies to control the encroachments.
FAQs
Which is the largest park in Islamabad?
Fatima Jinnah ark is the largest park in Islamabad.
How long is the track at Fatima Jinnah Park?
The track is 1.4 miles long and the estimated steps are 3000.
How many gates are in F-9 Park?
There are 5 gates in total. Each gate has assigned parking lot, Mosque and public toilets in its entrance. Name of these gates are:
Mehran Gate: Located on the southern side of Jinnah Avenue, facing sector G-9
Bolan Gate: Located on the western side, facing sector F-10
Khyber Gate: Located on the northern side, facing sector E-9
Ravi Gate: Located on the eastern side, facing sector F-8
Eastern Gate: Located on the eastern side, leads to the Citizen Club Mass Vaccination Centre
Conclusion
Fatima Jinnah Park is an ideal spot that is a symbol of Islamabad's relationship with lush green landscapes. Its historical importance combined with green sanctuary adds immense beauty to its environment. Regular maintenance can take it back to its adorable architecture and make it attractive and alive again.
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