KARACHI: Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab inaugurated a vertical parking facility at Bolton Market to help ease the city’s traffic issues and improve urban infrastructure. The project was built by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC).
Speaking to the media at the opening ceremony, the mayor said that all development work in Karachi is being carried out under the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) manifesto.
He was joined by the president of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders. Wahab said the project should have been completed years ago but is finally being delivered.
He shared that the idea of a vertical parking plaza was first proposed during the government of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. A formal agreement was signed in 1976. However, the project was shelved after General Zia-ul-Haq took power. In 1986, the matter went to court and has been stuck in litigation in the Sindh High Court ever since.
“After 49 years, this parking facility is finally open to the public,” Wahab said. The new structure can accommodate over 200 cars and 250 motorcycles in a safe and secure environment.
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The mayor said the city’s parking crisis is now being addressed and shared a personal story about a senior citizen who had highlighted the issue on M.A. Jinnah Road. He said this feedback pushed him to investigate the matter and work with landowners to find a solution.
Wahab also revealed that Rs100 million in revenue, previously stuck due to legal delays, had been recovered. He said 50 office spaces had also been created at the site — half under public-private partnership and half under KMC’s control.
“If this project had been completed earlier, it could have generated huge revenue and contributed significantly to government taxes,” he said. He noted that Bolton Market is one of Pakistan’s top markets in terms of tax contribution.
“When Bolton Market grows, Karachi and Pakistan benefit,” the mayor added. “Traders know business and the law better than anyone — including me.”
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He also criticised the environment of fear created by accountability institutions and court interventions, saying it has slowed down decision-making across the country. “In the past, we didn’t face such hurdles. Now, fear and allegations are blocking leadership from making bold decisions,” he remarked.
Wahab said the income generated from the new offices in the parking facility will benefit both the public and private sectors. He also pointed out similar parking projects underway at People’s Square, Empress Market, Pakistan Stock Exchange, and I.I. Chundrigar Road.
Rejecting claims that Karachi is not progressing, Wahab said, “This city will be run by the people of Karachi. Projects started under PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s leadership will be completed.”
The event 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 officials.
