ISLAMABAD: Residents seeking to book facilities at a public park in Islamabad’s G-5 sector are facing difficulties after the SukhChayn Sports app, used for reservations, reportedly failed to work on newer smartphones.
Sukh Chayn Residence is currently maintaining the park under an arrangement with the Capital Development Authority, while bookings for activities and events are being routed through the SukhChayn Sports application.
Users said that when they approached CDA for reservations, they were directed to Sukh Chayn management because the park is being managed and maintained by the private operator.
However, when Sukh Chayn management was contacted, users were told that bookings could only be made through the SukhChayn Sports app.
The problem, according to users, is that the application does not function properly on newer Android and iOS devices.
After installation, the app reportedly closes shortly after launch, leaving users unable to register, check availability or proceed with a booking.
Users said they had also raised the issue with Sukh Chayn management but were told that the app remained the only available booking method.
The situation has raised questions over the accessibility of a public recreational facility when reservations depend entirely on a digital platform that some users cannot operate.
Publicly available app-store information shows that SukhChayn Sports has not been updated frequently in recent years. The Google Play listing indicates support up to Android 13, while the iOS version has also not seen a recent update.
The absence of an alternative booking mechanism has added to the frustration.
Users said there is currently no parallel web portal, manual booking counter, dedicated reservation number or other system available when the app fails.
This means that even where park facilities are available, residents may be unable to access them simply because the required application does not work on their devices.
The issue also raises questions for both the park management and the relevant civic authorities over whether a single, outdated digital platform should remain the only gateway for booking a public facility.
A workable alternative reservation system or an updated application could resolve the problem, but users say no such option has yet been offered.
The matter warrants attention from both Sukh Chayn management and CDA to ensure that access to the G-5 park is not restricted by a technical failure in the booking process.
