KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has launched a “grand operation” against individuals and groups involved in the illegal collection of parking fees across the city, said a statement on Friday.

“This move comes in line with the directives of Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, who recently announced 32 designated parking sites where citizens are to be provided free parking access,” it said. “Acting promptly on public complaints, the city warden department conducted surprise inspections at various locations, including near Chase Up, Aladdin Park, and a site in Gulshan-i-Iqbal, and apprehended individuals involved in illegally charging parking fees. These individuals were handed over to the local police for further legal action.”

Mayor Wahab, the statement said, reiterated the city’s commitment to ensuring free and accessible parking spaces for all Karachiites and directed the parking department to intensify the crackdown. He emphasised that the illegal collection of parking fees is unacceptable and warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating the public interest.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2025