Karachi:
On Friday, the Sindh government abolished parking charges on all roads in the 25 cities of Karachi, according to an official notification issued by the Department of Local Government.
The order follows the directives of the chief minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah and is part of a wider parking policy aimed at ensuring free parking in public spaces across the city.
“Providing citizens free parking is an absolute priority,” said Karachi mayor Murtaza Wahab, adding that the decision had been made in public interest and that Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) remains financially stable.
With this movement, parking costs will now be authorized only in designated places, commercial plots and areas specified by the Council. “No institution will now be authorized to collect parking costs on public roads,” said the notification.
The ban applies to 46 roads from the main city where the implementation is already underway. Politics also extends to the rest of the city’s roads gradually. The local government department has launched an official campaign to enforce politics.
All city companies in the city have been responsible for immediately ending the parking costs. “Strict instructions have been sent to municipal commissioners, and non-compliance will lead to legal action.”
The ministry also warned against the collection of illegal costs. “A legal action has started against the parking mafia; collectors of illegal fees will not be spared,” added the press release.
The authorities have reiterated that any collection of costs outside the designated legal areas is now prohibited. “Immediate measures will be taken against the municipal authorities who do not comply with the new rules,” noted the government.
The new directive follows the previous decision of the KMC to end the parking costs, widening the policy in the 25 administrations of the city of Karachi.
“This is a decision by citizens,” said Mayor Wahab, adding that politics has been promulgated by keeping the public in mind.
