The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has begun restoration work at the city’s first-ever Urban Forest in Clifton, following growing concerns that the once-thriving green space had been left neglected.
Created in 2017 by environmentalist Shahzad Qureshi under the Miyawaki method — a Japanese forestation technique using dense layers of native plants — the project transformed a garbage dump near Nehr-i-Khayyam into a lush, eco-friendly park. The initiative aimed to bring biodiversity back to Karachi’s concrete jungle, attracting birds, butterflies, and even frogs while producing organic compost and vegetables.
Although the five-year adoption period ended in 2023, Qureshi’s team continued to look after the park until earlier this year. Since then, citizens have shared images showing overgrown paths, fallen signboards, and the hidden pond covered by wild vegetation.
Speaking about the situation, KMC Parks Director General Arif Khokhar admitted that recent rains had worsened wild growth but assured that pruning and maintenance have now been launched. “I am committed to building urban forests across Karachi, and this Clifton forest remains close to my heart,” he said.
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For now, the park still retains tall, healthy trees and thriving fruit plants such as bananas and mulberries. With renewed attention, the forest is expected to regain its status as a model of sustainable urban greenery for Karachi.
