THIS is with reference to a number of letters carried in these columns on the issue of illegal charged parking mafia that has taken over many areas of Karachi. These coercers charge each vehicle Rs50-100 and do not issue a receipt.

The racket is thriving openly in the busy localities of the old city areas, including downtown Saddar. Of late, the extortionist mafia has also appeared in many areas of DHA and Clifton. Most of these people are stationed without any authority as they are not part of the teams assigned by the municipal corporation. Besides, parking fee does not apply on many of such areas.

We are already paying heavy taxes, and, as if it was not enough, this parking mafia collects money in the name of the government. It is getting difficult to park vehicles at any place in Karachi, especially near the hospitals.

On my recent visit to Civil Hospital, I parked my motorcycle outside the hospital only to be asked to pay Rs30 as ‘parking fee’ by one unauthorised person. When I asked for a receipt in return, he started making excuses. The government needs to broaden its perspective and should pay attention to this problem which is increasing rapidly. Proper reforms should be introduced to overcome such problems.

Hasnain Raza
Karachi

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2021