Patients, families face financial strain; traders warn that the number of inflows may fall further
ISLAMABAD:
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has again come under fire after imposing a Rs 100 parking charge in Islamabad’s extended blue zone, a move residents say is causing significant hardship to ordinary citizens, patients, visitors and businesses.
The extended Blue Area was originally developed as a modern commercial district designed to offer accessible public facilities including hotels, hospitals, cafes, restaurants and corporate offices.
For years, the area remained easily accessible to families, tourists, office workers and patients without parking charges. However, the introduction of a Rs100 parking charge per visit dramatically changed the situation.
The policy has raised particular concerns about its impact on hospitals and medical centers operating in the area. Patients and their companions, many already struggling with rising medical costs, are now required to pay parking fees at each visit. For those who undergo regular treatment or repeated consultations, the additional cost is considered an unnecessary financial burden.
Business owners, particularly operators of cafes, coffee shops and small commercial outlets, have also expressed concern about the declining number of customers. According to retailers, many customers are now reluctant to visit the area for short meetings or casual dining because of what they describe as excessive parking charges. The reduction in visitor numbers is said to add pressure on businesses already struggling with rising operating costs and financial uncertainty.
Residents have also questioned the CDA’s planning priorities and regulatory oversight. Critics argue that commercial buildings, plazas, hotels and hospitals should have been required to provide adequate parking facilities before receiving building permits. However, many structures in the extended blue area were reportedly allowed to operate without adequate parking arrangements.
