ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday directed that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) be impleaded as a respondent in a petition challenging the collection of parking fees in New Blue Area.

The court also sought written replies from the relevant authorities after the Municipal Corporation Islamabad (MCI) defended the fee collection mechanism.

Justice Arbab Mohammad Tahir issued the directives while hearing a petition filed by Advocate Mohammad Tayyab, who was represented by Advocates Hazrat Younas and others.

During the hearing, MCI Chief Officer Anam Fatima appeared before the court, while Advocate Kashif Ali Malik represented the municipal authority.

Written replies sought from relevant authorities after MCI defends fee collection mechanism

At the outset, the counsel for the MCI informed the court that the parking fee was being collected under the CDA Parking Regulations, 2023, which had been duly approved by the CDA Board.

He argued that, contrary to claims circulating in certain media reports, the charges were not being imposed for the use of a public road.

According to the counsel, the site in question constituted a designated parking facility identified in the New Blue Area Layout Plan and formed part of CDA-owned land specifically reserved for parking purposes.

The MCI’s counsel submitted that no parking charges were being recovered from motorists dropping off passengers, vehicles parked for less than 20 minutes, or from owners and occupiers of properties situated in the area who had been issued parking passes.

Justice Tahir questioned concerns shown by the municipal authority over the petition, observing, “We have not even granted a stay order. Why are you so concerned?”

The court noted that though the policy had been framed by the CDA, the actual collection of parking fees was being undertaken through the MCI. It consequently directed the respondents to submit detailed written replies addressing the issues raised in the petition.

Counsel for the petitioner, Advocate Hazrat Younas, requested the court to suspend the collection of parking charges pending adjudication of the case. He argued that there was no transparency regarding the utilisation of the funds collected through the parking fee system.

The petitioner’s counsel also contended that parking tickets at the site were being issued by a private contractor, raising further questions regarding the legality and administration of the fee collection arrangement.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court directed that the CDA be formally added as a party to the proceedings and issued notices seeking its response.

The hearing was adjourned until June 29.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2026