KARACHI: Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi has directed all deputy commissioners (DCs), Town Municipal Corporations, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, and the traffic police to make coordinated efforts against illegally charged parking and unauthorised bachat bazaars.

In this connection, the city administration has decided that the operation will be made effective. The administration also decided to enhance coordinated measures to solve traffic congestion and traffic-related issues in the city.

It was decided that “No Parking” boards/banners will be displayed where parking is not allowed, while strict prohibition will be enforced against collecting illegal fees from citizens at authorised parking locations.

The commissioner was given a detailed briefing on the operations. He was informed that 33 illegal charged parking sites had been identified in Karachi, and that charged parking was eliminated from 20 of those locations.

During August and September, 47 FIRs were registered during operations against illegal charged parking, while several individuals were also arrested.

The meeting was informed that the locations where illegal charged parking was eliminated include areas surrounding Khawaja Nizamuddin Park, Denso Hall Signal to Tower Lane, Napier Road, Burns Garden, near Lohani Building, Kotwal Building, Machhi Miani Market, Parkland Hospital surroundings, Glass Tower / PSO Petrol Pump, UBL Bank Block 5 Clifton, Preedy Police Flats, Nabi Bux Police Station, and Regal Chowk.

The commissioner said that wherever parking is not prohibited, there should be free parking for citizens, while effective measures should be taken to prevent double and triple parking. It was decided that clear signboards regarding “No Double Parking” and relevant fines will be installed as needed.

The commissioner was informed that complaints of illegal charged parking are still being received from certain locations, particularly between Amma Tower, Zaibunnisa Street, and Abdullah Haroon Road. The commissioner directed that these locations be re-monitored and action be taken against those involved in illegal fee collection.

He also reviewed the complaint regarding parking fee collection on Tariq Road and directed DC East and DIG Traffic to ensure free parking on Tariq Road and to take action against individuals illegally collecting parking fees.

It was decided that under the supervision of the assistant commissioners with the cooperation of relevant police and traffic personnel, action will be taken on Tariq Road after 8pm, and individuals collecting illegal parking fees from citizens will be arrested.

DC South Javed Nabi Khoso said that approximately 15 to 16 individuals collecting illegal parking fees have been arrested in District South.

It was decided that similar action would be taken on Tariq Road and the DC would publicise it through the media.

The meeting took a detailed review of measures against illegal bachat bazaars. It was decided that all illegal bachat bazaars would be shut down as they cause traffic chaos, sanitation issues, and civic problems in the city.

Director Planning at the Commissioner Karachi Office Naseem Bhutto briefed the meeting on illegal bachat bazaars.

He said that 15 illegal bachat bazaars were identified in District Central, out of which 11 had already been eliminated, while four locations are under surveillance due to complaints of re-establishment.

He also briefed on illegal bachat bazaars established in other districts, saying that 26 unauthorised bachat bazaars have been identified in the Korangi and Shah Faisal areas.

DCs reported that operations against illegal bachat bazaars are being carried out and FIRs have been registered in some locations.

The relevant officers present at the meeting were directed to complete the ongoing operations against illegal bachat bazaars within 10 days. Keamari DC Sattar Hakro said that there were three illegal bachat bazaars in District Keamari, which have been eliminated.

The meeting also reviewed the bachat bazaar set up near Aladdin Park on Rashid Minhas Road. It was decided that even if a historical or pre-existing bazaar has been granted permission under the rules, it must still adhere to the specified limits and terms and follow the conditions.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2026