Autobahn closed for ‘illegal parking’ on Eid

Visitors coming in cars and on motorcycles were given a Rs50 receipt by Hyderabad Municipality but were charged Rs150

HYDRABAD:

The organisers of a festival held in the Quaid-e-Millat Public Park of Hyderabad Municipality on Autobahn Road, Hyderabad, had barricaded a big stretch of the road with barbed wire to create a temporary parking area for visitors.

As per multiple sources, visitors coming in cars and on motorcycles were given a Rs50 receipt by the Hyderabad Municipality but they are charged Rs150.

Municipal Commissioner Fakhir Shakir took notice of it when a video clip of this corruption went viral on social media. He sent a letter to the tax director on WhatsApp as the offices were closed on the third day of Eid.

The tax director has been directed in the letter, with the subject "Illegal Parking Outside Quaid-e-Millat Park", to take immediate action against those collecting parking fee in the name of Hyderabad Municipality and report back immediately. Copies of the letter have also been sent to Hyderabad's deputy commissioner, and municipality's administrator.

A big stretch of the road in front of the park had been closed with barbed wires on three days of Eid after the illegal festival was allowed in the park while the traffic police remained silent spectators.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 26^th, 2023.