ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has discontinued its digital parking system and returned to the old manual parchi-based method, drawing criticism from its private contractor, AJCL in Islamabad.
According to the private newspaper, the company claims the move violates a court stay order and ignores the benefits the digital system had brought in boosting revenues.
AJCL alleged that the CDA illegally ended its contract and took over parking sites during the Eid holidays, even though a court stay order had been issued on May 12. The company also accused the CDA of violating legal procedures.
On the other hand, CDA and its Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) claimed the contract was ended due to irregularities. They said AJCL failed to set up proper digital payment systems and continued to collect cash without proper records. The DMA also said the company ignored security protocols despite repeated warnings.
However, AJCL rejected these claims, calling them false and misleading. The company pointed out that CDA itself submitted screenshots of its digital dashboard in court, which proves the system did exist.
Independent checks also confirmed that digital payments through debit cards, credit cards, and a mobile app were working. The system included entry and exit barriers, handheld devices, and scratch cards. AJCL said digital usage increased every month and the contract was awarded fairly through bidding, with AJCL offering the highest revenue share.
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The company also claimed it faced problems from CDA officials, including delays in getting control of sites, lack of electricity, and harassment of workers.
Since CDA took back control, the parking fee is being collected manually through cash and local subcontractors.
In terms of revenue, AJCL says it deposited over Rs44 million from just the Centaurus site in 8 months, while CDA had deposited only Rs33.5 million in 18 months from all sites. At Daman-e-Koh, revenue increased by over 220% under the digital system.
AJCL also condemned the FIRs filed against its staff, calling them pressure tactics. The company said it is ready for arbitration or independent investigation and urged all sides to avoid one-sided claims and let the courts decide.
The case is set for hearing, June 30, 2025, and the judge has asked for all written pleas before any order is passed. Despite its statements, CDA appears to be contradicting itself. It denied the presence of a digital dashboard but submitted dashboard screenshots in court as evidence.
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CDA Starts Crackdown on Illegal Housing Societies in Islamabad
In another move, the CDA has launched a fresh crackdown against illegal housing and cooperative societies in Islamabad. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa.
Senior board members, planning officials, and enforcement teams attended the meeting. The CDA decided to take strong action against unauthorized housing projects.
To raise public awareness, CDA will soon publish a complete list of illegal societies in leading newspapers and on its official website.
“We want every citizen to check the legal status of a society before making any investment,” said a CDA spokesperson.
