Karachi Zoo, a public recreational place especially for the poor was closed on Friday to oblige a family of a powerful official, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

A good number of families had left with no choice but to return to their homes without visiting the public place.

As per details, Additional Chief Secretary Karachi Najam Shah wished to celebrate the birthday of her daughter in the Karachi Zoological and Botanical Garden and to fulfil his desire, Karachi Zoo senior director Khalid Hashmi was entrusted to make arrangements for the child’s birthday.

He violated all rules and regulations closed the doors of the Zoo down for the general public and made arrangements for the VIP family by utilizing all available resources. The citizens who had entered into Zoo were asked to vacate the premises immediately.  The zoo management also closed all the canteens by force. In desperation, the families including the children made hue and cry but to no avail.

The park of Karachi Zoo, which has been deserted for years, was decorated like a bride. The splendour of the Mughal Garden of the zoo was temporarily restored.

The high official along with his family celebrated his daughter’s birthday with pomp and action. It is a sheer violation of the laws of the government.

The Sindh government has put a ban on private events at government recreation places. Khaled Hashmi flouted the law for saving his posting.

The citizens asked the government to take action against the officials.