In a bid to address Karachi’s chronic traffic congestion and improve urban infrastructure, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Sunday inaugurated a vertical parking facility at the Boulton Market developed by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Karachi Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, City Council Parliamentary Leader Karamullah Waqasi, Deputy Parliamentary Leader Dil Muhammad, Jaman Darwan and other elected representatives.
Speaking to the media, Wahab said all ongoing development work in Karachi was being carried out in line with the manifesto of the Pakistan Peoples Party. He acknowledged the presence of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president and his team, noting that while the project should have been completed years ago, it was now finally a reality.
He underscored the importance of timely decision-making in driving economic progress, recalling that the initial plan to construct a vertical parking facility at the Boulton Market dated back to the era of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. However, the idea was abandoned when General Zia-ul-Haq assumed power. A formal agreement was signed in 1976, but legal disputes led to the matter being taken to the Sindh High Court in 1986, where the case had remained pending.
“Today, on 20th July 2025, after 49 years, we are opening this facility for the public,” Wahab announced, expressing satisfaction that shoppers and traders in Boulton Market and surrounding areas will now have access to a safe and secure vertical parking structure capable of accommodating over 200 cars and 250 motorcycles simultaneously.
He said this development marked the beginning of a solution to Karachi’s longstanding parking woes. Recalling a conversation with a senior citizen who had raised concerns about traffic chaos on MA Jinnah Road, the mayor said he personally investigated the matter and worked to resolve land ownership issues that had remained unresolved by the courts. He added that Rs100 million in revenue was recovered as a result of this intervention.
The facility also includes 50 office spaces — 25 under a public-private partnership model and 25 under the KMC’s direct control. “Had this matter been resolved earlier, imagine the revenue generated over the past 49 years, and the taxes that could have been paid to the government,” he remarked.
Wahab praised the Boulton Market as one of Pakistan’s leading commercial hubs, generating billions in taxes. “When Boulton Market thrives, Karachi and Pakistan thrive,” he said.
Criticising the culture of fear created by accountability institutions and judicial interventions, he said, “Three to four decades ago, we didn’t face such issues. Today, the fear of allegations and investigations has paralysed leadership and delayed decision-making across the country.”
Wahab said income from the new facility would benefit both KMC and the private sector. He also highlighted several other parking projects initiated during his tenure, including the People’s Square and Empress Market.
Rejecting the perception that Karachi was not functioning, the mayor asserted, “This city will be run by Karachiites. The projects launched under the leadership of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will be completed.”
He also announced upcoming inaugurations: the 100 MGD Hub Canal and Gutter Baghicha Treatment Plant next month, the Karimabad Underpass on September 30, the Korangi Causeway Bridge on November 15, Shahrah-e-Bhutto to Kathore Road on December 31 and the Murghi Khana Bridge soon after. “Our intention is sincere, and our vision is clear,” he said.
The mayor acknowledged the KCCI’s persistent advocacy for the K-IV water project and stressed the need to allocate export development funds for Karachi. He criticised the federal leadership, stating, “One prime minister visits Karachi during Ramazan to collect donations, while another inaugurates our Thar coal project. The Sindh governor promised Rs100 billion in funding, which we have yet to receive. Even if inquiries are initiated against me, I will stand my ground.”
Referring to legacy projects, Wahab said the largest hospital in District Central was built under Bhutto. On the matter of the Karachi Development Authority-controlled parking plaza, he said he would raise the issue with Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani.
He also confirmed that work on municipal bonds was ongoing, with experts estimating a five-to-six-month completion timeline.
Wahab also advised the citizens not to pay parking fees in the name of the KMC clarifying that all the KMC roads were parking-free zones. He urged the motorcyclists to ride cautiously.
Later in the day, the mayor inaugurated Allama Qari Muslehuddin Siddiqui Garden in the Old City area of Khori Garden. He noted that the park and adjacent historic mosque had long lacked basic amenities. “Karachi’s journey toward development will continue with the same passion and commitment. We hope to ensure the proper upkeep of this garden in coordination with the mosque administration,” he said.