THE parking mafia has been there in Karachi for long, but in recent years it has really taken the city in the grip of a suffocating stranglehold.

The influential people of various localities, especially around markets and shopping malls spread across the city, ‘fix’ the parking rates and hire individuals to collect it from those coming to park their vehicles. This money goes straight into their pockets instead of going to any government agency.

Even at places officially marked for charged parking, the exact amount is not fixed by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, leaving this mafia to charge at will in exchange of shoddy parking services.

The authorities concerned should take notice of this issue, fix the parking fee, and improve the parking facilities, especially at busy places.

Fazalullah Quresh
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2021