By: Aziz Khatri
Karachi: In an effort to address the city’s traffic challenges and improve urban infrastructure, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab inaugurated a vertical parking facility at Bolton Market, developed by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), on Sunday.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Mayor Karachi Salman Abdullah Murad, Parliamentary Leader in the City Council Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Jaman Darwan, and other elected representatives.
Speaking to media representatives later, Mayor Murtaza Wahab stated that all new development work in Karachi is being carried out under the manifesto of the Pakistan People’s Party. He acknowledged the presence of the President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and his team, noting that this project should have been completed years ago but is now finally coming to fruition.
He emphasized the importance of decision-making in running any economy. Mayor Wahab recalled that the decision to construct vertical parking at Bolton Market was initially made during the government of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. However, this idea was abandoned when General Zia-ul-Haq came into power. A formal agreement for the site was signed in 1976, but the issue ended up in court in 1986, where it has remained pending in the Sindh High Court ever since.
“Today, on July 20, 2025, after 49 years, we are opening this parking facility to the public,” he said. The mayor expressed satisfaction that visitors to Bolton Market and its surroundings now have access to this vertical parking facility, which can accommodate over 200 cars and 250 motorcycles in a safe and secure environment.
Mayor Wahab indicated that Karachi's significant parking problem is now beginning to be addressed. He shared a personal story about a senior citizen who pointed out parking issues on MA Jinnah Road, which prompted him to investigate and identify landowners to seek a solution—something the courts had failed to resolve. He mentioned that Rs. 100 million in revenue had been recovered because the funds were previously stuck in litigation.
The facility also includes 50 office spaces—25 created through a public-private partnership and 25 under KMC's control. “Had we resolved this matter earlier, think of how much revenue could have been generated over the past 49 years and how much tax could have gone to the government,” he remarked.
He further stated that Bolton Market is one of the few markets in Pakistan that contributes billions in taxes. “When Bolton Market thrives, Karachi and Pakistan thrive,” he said. “I cannot trade better than traders, and traders know the law better than I do,” he added.
The mayor criticized the atmosphere of fear created by NAB and court interference, which he believes has hindered decision-making across the country. "Three to four decades ago, we didn't face these issues. Allegations and fear have paralyzed leadership."
Mayor Wahab mentioned that the income from the offices in the vertical parking structure would benefit both KMC and the private sector. He highlighted other projects such as the parking areas developed at People’s Square, Empress Market, near the Pakistan Stock Exchange, and on I.I. Chundrigar Road.
He firmly rejected the perception that the city is not functioning, asserting, “This city will be run by Karachiites. The projects we’ve initiated under the leadership of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will be completed.”
He announced several upcoming inaugurations: the Hub Canal and Gutter Baghicha Treatment Plant, the Karimabad Underpass on September 30, the Korangi Causeway Bridge on November 15, Shahrah-e-Bhutto to Kathore on December 31, and the Murghi Khana Bridge coming soon. Mayor Wahab affirmed, “Our intentions are sincere, and our vision is clear.” He acknowledged the Karachi Chamber of Commerce’s ongoing advocacy for the K-IV project and underscored the need for Export Development Funds to be allocated to Karachi.
He criticized federal leadership, stating, “One Prime Minister visits during Ramadan to collect donations, while another inaugurates our Thar coal project. The Sindh Governor promised Rs. 100 billion in funding, which still hasn’t arrived. Even if inquiries are initiated against me, I will stand my ground.”
Referring to legacy projects, he mentioned that the largest hospital in District Central was built under Shaheed Bhutto. Regarding the KDA-controlled parking plaza, he stated that he would speak to Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani. “If the intentions had been honest, previous mayors would have resolved Bolton Market’s parking issue,” he said.
“I will continue working with full commitment as long as I am in office,” he added. He confirmed that work on municipal bonds is ongoing, with financial experts estimating a 5–6-month timeline for completion.
He also advised citizens not to pay any parking fees under the name of KMC, clarifying that all KMC roads are parking-free.
.gif)
0 Comments
Please do not post any spam links in the comments box.