KARACHI: City Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will abolish parking fee at the sites and roads managed by the KMC in order to provide some relief to Karachiites.

However, charged parking will continue in areas within the jurisdiction of 25 towns and six cantonment boards in the city.

Sources said on Sunday that the mayor told officials that this move was in sync with the “KMC’s ongoing efforts to prioritise the comfort and convenience of citizens”.

He said that the KMC was now in a solid financial position, with over Rs2 billion in its account, and more revenue expected to come in the near future. “KMC does not need Rs40 to 50 million from parking fees,” a source quoted the mayor as saying.

Barrister Wahab confirmed that an official notification would soon be issued, making it clear that citizens would no longer be required to pay parking fees at KMC-run facilities.

He also warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found collecting fee under the KMC name, stressing that such activities would not be tolerated.

The sources said that the new policy would affect charged parking on 46 out of the 106 main roads across Karachi, where the fee would be abolished.

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2025