In a significant move that brings a wave of relief to the residents of Karachi, Mayor Murtaza Wahab recently announced the complete abolition of parking fees on roads managed by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), starting this Tuesday. This change means that all designated KMC parking areas will now be free of charge—except for a few specific locations where fees will still apply.
In a press briefing, Mayor Wahab articulated the motivation behind this decision: it aims to ease the financial burden on citizens. This commitment, he reminded the media, is part of a promise he made back in February, and he is now taking the necessary steps to fulfill that pledge by eliminating parking fees at KMC-managed facilities.
Historically, the KMC relied on parking fees for a significant portion of its revenue, raking in around Rs 40 to 50 million annually. However, Mayor Wahab made it clear that this is no longer a necessity. “KMC is financially stable and self-reliant now, so we can afford to provide this relief,” he stated, reassuring residents that their wellbeing is a priority.
### Free Parking at 46 Locations
Wahab further detailed that parking charges have been eliminated entirely at 46 locations stretching across 106 major roads under the KMC umbrella. Instructions have already been dispatched to all charged parking personnel, deputy commissioners, and traffic police to halt the collection of any fees in these areas.
It’s essential to note that certain gated venues—like Bara Dari, Dolmen Center, Safari Park, and Karachi Zoo—will continue to charge fees for parking. To maintain order and protect the new measures, the Mayor underscored that strict legal action will be pursued against anyone found illegally collecting parking charges within KMC boundaries. “Our primary goal is to make life easier for the people of Karachi,” he stressed, emphasizing the importance of this initiative for city residents.
As for parking facilities within the six cantonment boards across Karachi, Mayor Wahab mentioned that discussions are ongoing, but no final decision has been made on whether to eliminate fees there.
This announcement has been met with widespread approval from Karachi’s motorists, many of whom have routinely dealt with irregular and often unauthorized fees. With this new policy, the city administration aims to set a transformative precedent in providing tangible economic relief to everyday people.
The hope is not just to ease the pocketbook pressure but to create a more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. In a city where traffic can be a constant headache, this change is a step that many residents are likely to appreciate as they navigate their daily commutes, errands, and leisure activities.
