KARACHI: The Vice Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party, Abdul Hakim Quaid, has raised concerns over the alleged control of Karachi’s parking systems by a so-called “parking mafia,” urging for significant reforms. He has called for the elimination of unlimited charged parking in key areas of the city, the prosecution of those profiting from unauthorized parking fees, and the implementation of digital ticketing and mobile application systems to streamline parking operations.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, the current situation in Karachi involves police and traffic authorities being preoccupied with financial gain rather than enforcing parking regulations. Quaid emphasized the need for official registration of parking facilities and suggested that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and other relevant bodies should take over parking management responsibilities. He also recommended increasing the number of public parking areas and providing a helpline or online platform for citizens to report illegal parking operations and excessive charges.

Quaid further noted that citizens face arbitrary parking charges and that fake receipts and tickets are often used to conceal financial transactions. He criticized the lack of accountability from charged parking officials regarding vehicle theft or damage, despite the collection of parking fees. He called on the Sindh Administration and the Chief Minister to address these issues and liberate Karachi’s residents from what he described as a forced and fraudulent parking system.