KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has partially scrapped its charged parking system, ending parking fees at 32 selected locations under its jurisdiction starting July 1.
However, parking charges will still apply in the city’s 25 towns, six cantonment areas, and other zones overseen by different authorities.
As per a KMC notification, parking fees have been removed from several roads in KMC-administered areas,20 spots in District East, seven in Korangi and Malir, three in District South, and two in Keamari.
Additionally, 10 enclosed parking areas in District Central and District South have also been made free of charge.
This step follows through on a promise made earlier this year by Mayor Murtaza Wahab, who pledged to eliminate parking fees at 45 out of the 106 parking sites managed by KMC in the new fiscal year.
What stands out is that despite cutting fees at these locations, KMC’s estimated revenue from parking remains unchanged. The recently approved city budget still projects Rs105 million in parking income, the same as last year.
Meanwhile, projected earnings from parking at wedding halls and banquet facilities have doubled from Rs5 million to Rs10 million.
Much of the city’s paid parking activity continues in Saddar Town, home to many of Karachi’s commercial hubs.
Saddar Town’s Director of Charged Parking, Basheer Memon, clarified that “charged parking on roads managed by towns and cantonments remains unaffected by KMC’s recent decision.”