In a landmark legal move, Justice Nadeem Akhtar, leading a two-member bench at the Sindh High Court, has taken decisive action on a petition addressing the issue of illegal parking charges in Karachi. The court has directed the Municipal Corporation of Karachi (MCK) to provide detailed information on parking laws, fee collection processes, and a comprehensive plan. Simultaneously, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) ordered to immediately cease illegal parking.
During the court proceedings, questions raised regarding the legal basis for collecting parking fees. KMC’s legal representative cited the Sindh Local Government Act, justifying the collection as necessary for road maintenance. According to officials, KMC authorized to collect parking fees on 41 roads and service lanes.
However, Justice Nadeem Akhtar expressed concerns about the implementation of parking fees across all areas, questioning the use of foreign-installed machines. He emphasized the need for transparency in understanding KMC’s liabilities and whether the fees are justified in all locations.
In response to discrepancies pointed out by the petitioner’s counsel, Justice Nadeem Akhtar highlighted contradictions between the reported facts and the details available on the KMC website. The court presented with a list of 43 places, while the website indicated 81 sites. The lingering issue of unimplemented court decisions on parking matters also brought to the forefront.
The courtroom tension escalated as the legal counsel debated the separation of parking lots between KMC and District Municipal Corporations (DMCs). Justice Nadeem Akhtar dismissed the submitted report as mere paperwork, insisting that tangible solutions were imperative.
The petitioner’s counsel raised a critical question about collecting fees outside KMC limits. The court demanded clarity on how fees charged in areas where road maintenance responsibility did not lie with KMC. The court, adjourning the hearing until December 13, sternly directed KMC to put an immediate end to illegal parking.
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