In a major public relief measure, the Sindh government has officially abolished parking fees on all roads across Karachi.
A notification has been issued by the Local Government Department, fulfilling Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab’s vision of offering free parking to citizens throughout the city.
The decision applies to all 25 towns of Karachi, where charging parking fees on streets and public roads is now strictly prohibited.
According to the official notification, only designated plazas, plots, or specified areas approved by local councils will be allowed to charge for parking.
On the instructions of the Chief Minister of Sindh, all municipal commissioners and town municipal corporations have been ordered to enforce the policy immediately.
Any institution or authority found violating the ban will face strict legal action.
The Local Government Department has launched a formal campaign to ensure implementation and to crack down on the so-called “parking mafia.”
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), which previously managed several parking spots, is now restricted to operating only within specified zones. “No institution is allowed to charge parking fees on urban roads anymore,” stated an official spokesperson, adding that the new policy reflects a citizen-centric approach to urban management.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the move was aimed at eliminating an unnecessary financial burden on residents.
“Providing free parking is part of our broader vision for urban reform,” he remarked, emphasizing that the KMC is financially stable and can sustain this initiative without imposing fees on citizens.
As part of the policy’s first phase, parking has already been made free on 46 major roads in Karachi. The process of removing fee collection points from remaining areas is currently underway. Instructions have been dispatched to all municipal authorities to monitor compliance and submit progress reports.
Officials warned that any individual or contractor caught collecting parking fees illegally will face legal consequences. Several actions have already been initiated against violators.
This sweeping change marks a new chapter in Karachi’s municipal governance, focusing on reducing everyday costs for residents while enhancing accountability and transparency.
