The parking situation in the Saddar area of Karachi has always been inconvenient considering the area experiences large number of vehicles with little to no accommodation for it, but the situation has now further deteriorated. Lack of proper parking spaces, encroachments and haphazard parking of vehicles result in constant traffic congestion — something that makes it difficult for commuters, customers and residents to navigate the area.
The illegal parking mafia has also taken advantage of the situation, charging exorbitant fees for roadside parking. Moreover, motorists exacerbate this issue, causing frequent traffic jams by double and sometimes even triple parking. Even the sidewalks are occupied by vehicles, which makes on-foot travel inconvenient as well.
Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and all relevant authorities must take immediate action against illegal encroachment, invalid parking charges and consistent violations of traffic laws. Authorities also need to establish designated parking zones within the area to alleviate this crisis.
Faria Sherwani
Karachi
