KARACHI: Former hockey Captain and ex-Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui has been asked to vacate the hockey academy premises in North Nazimabad by director culture, sports and recreation DMC (Central) who has described it as “illegal occupation” in a letter issued this week.

The letter is dated 05.10.2020 and has been addressed to in-charge of the Islahuddin-Muhammad Ali Shah Hockey Academy in Block “H”, North Nazimabad with the subject being “Notice to vacate the illegal possession of DMC (C) premises at the said stadium.”

The notice further demands the occupants to hand over the facility to the culture, sports and recreation department of the DMC (C).

“The competent authority of District Municipal Corporation (Central) has taken serious view of the unauthorised occupation/use of District Municipal Corporation (central) premises as private hockey stadium at block “H” near Landi Kotal chowrangi, North Nazimabad and desires to vacate the illegal possession of the said premises forthwith”, the notice further read

On the other hand, Islahuddin Siddiqui, while talking to this correspondent, opined that since the facility was handed over to him by the government of Sindh therefore the DMC (C) notice was uncalled for. “We have responded to the notice served by the DMC (C), informing them that the land for the academy was duly notified by the Sports Department of the Sindh Government,” Islahuddin said

Former captain and Olympian says demand ‘unjust’

“I am the chairman of the hockey academy and managing the affairs transparently. The DMC (C) should approach the provincial sports department for further information,” said Islahuddin.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2020