The Sindh High Court on Monday ordered action against ‘illegal’ parking fee collectors in Karachi – one of the many problems citizens face during their trip to markets and tourist spots, Aaj News reported.

A high court bench comprising Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro and Justice Abdul Amin Lakhor was hearing a petition against illegal charged parking in the city. Officials from district municipal corporations appeared before the court.

The court expressed annoyance at the collection of illegal parking fees from citizens and ordered action against such collectors.

Justice Kalhoro said that illegal parking fee collectors were present everywhere in Karachi and groups controlling such activities have employed “mobsters” to perform duties.

“These people humiliate citizens if they do not have Rs20. Why doesn't anyone take action against such people?” the judge asked, adding that police and traffic police say it is “not their problem” when asked about these illegal activities.

The court questioned the procedure of charging parking fees, adding that a fee was also being charged if someone parks vehicles outside their house. To this, the Kemari DMC said that there were no procedures of this kind.

The DMC was not able to submit a notification related to charged parking fee for different vehicles after the court asked for one, irking the court.

Later, the court asked counsels of the parties to come prepared for the next hearing and adjourned it till January 31.

On October 7, 2021, the two-member SHC bench sought detailed replies on charged parking on roads from the traffic DIG, Karachi commissioner and the district municipal corporations. The bench led by Justice Kalhoro had expressed annoyance at the collection of parking fees from citizens while hearing a petition against charged parking.