Karachi:
The Sindh government abolished the parking charges on all roads through the 25 cities of Karachi on Friday, according to an official notification issued by the Local Government Department.
The order follows the directives of the Prime Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, and is part of a broader parking policy aimed at guaranteeing a free parking in public spaces in the entire city.
“Providing free parking for citizens is a priority,” said Karachi mayor, Murtaza Wahab, adding that the decision was made in public interest and that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) remains financially stable.
With this movement, parking fees will now be allowed in designated places, commercial plots and areas specified by the Council. “No institution will be allowed to collect parking fees on public roads,” according to notification.
The prohibition applies to 46 main roads in the city where the implementation is already underway. The policy also extends to the rest of the city’s roads gradually. The local government department has launched a formal campaign to enforce the policy.
All municipal corporations of the city have directed to immediately end the collection of parking fees. “Strict instructions have been issued to municipal commissioners, and breach of compliance will result in legal actions.”
The department also warned against the collection of illegal rates. “Legal actions have begun against the parking mafia; illegal tariff collectors will not be saved,” the statement added.
The authorities have reiterated that any collection of rates outside the designated legal areas is now prohibited. “Immediate measures will be taken against the municipal authorities that do not enforce the new rules,” said the government.
The new directive follows KMC’s previous decision to finish parking fees, expanding the policy in the 25 city administrations in Karachi.
“This is a citizen movement first,” said Mayor Wahab, added that the policy was promulgated taking into account public convenience.
