Hundreds of imported vehicles have virtually taken over walking and parking spaces in G-8 and G-9 sectors, annoying infuriating local people who could only dream of owning one of these luxury vehicles.
Cars and jeeps are illegally parked by car dealers on public lots and footpaths in sectors G-8 and G-9 Markaz, while small local traders suffer from the loss of parking space for their potential customers. The enforcement wing of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has turned a blind eye to the problem.
“How do they not see it? The [enforcement wing] are not blind. They are deliberately not taking action against these people,” said a trader in G-8 Markaz who has seen profits sink since the parking space outside his shop was usurped by car dealers.
Car dealers, particularly in G-8 Markaz, have been blatant in their parking space grab. In the last few days, they have grabbed the parking space of a neighbouring bank branch, a restaurant, a tailor, and even a hair salon.
“We do not even have space to park our own cars, what of customers,” said a bank official, adding that the car dealers were unmoved despite repeated reminders and requests made by the bank management.
Around a dozen car dealers have parked over a hundred vehicles outside their respective shops and the number is growing. These dealers have been joined by a few ‘freelance’ dealers who have parked their vehicles on the few vacant spaces.
“They only have to put a chair and table for their mobile offices and deal with customers from there,” said a car salesman.
Meanwhile, there was no way for any public vehicle to even enter the parking lot.
“We have made multiple applications to the CDA but no action was taken. Now we have given an application to the local traders’ union leader,” said an affected tailor, complaining that his customers have to park their vehicles more than half a kilometre away, and some of them have begun abandoning him.
The CDA enforcement wing raided and removed encroachments from outside some restaurants located at arm’s length from the parking lot a couple of days ago.
“They targeted us for political reasons. Our stoves and shelters were illegally removed because we have licenses for placing them outside the restaurant at a specified place,” said a waiter at 24-hour fast food restaurant.
The enforcement wing also targeted the nearby Lavish Dine restaurant, while ignoring illegal parking adjacent to the restaurant.
When approached for comment, CDA Planning Director General Ghulam Sarwar Sindhu said he had abandoned the charge of enforcement wing 15 days ago over certain disputes, while CDA Enforcement Director Ramzan Joya did not respond.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 31st, 2011.
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