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Islamabad’s New Rs. 100 Parking Fee Sparks Backlash in Blue Area

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has come under criticism after imposing a Rs. 100 parking fee in Islamabad’s extended Blue Area.

Residents say the new charge is creating problems for ordinary citizens, patients, visitors, and businesses that depend on easy access to the commercial district.

Designed for Public Access

The extended Blue Area was originally developed as a modern commercial zone with public facilities such as hotels, hospitals, cafés, restaurants, and corporate offices.

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For years, families, tourists, office workers, and patients could visit the area without paying parking charges. The new Rs. 100 fee per visit has changed that arrangement and triggered public concern.

Patients Face Additional Burden

The policy has raised particular concern for hospitals and medical centres operating in the area.

Patients and attendants, many of whom are already dealing with high medical expenses, now have to pay parking charges on every visit. For people who need regular treatment or repeated consultations, the fee is seen as an avoidable financial burden.

Businesses Report Lower Footfall

Business owners, especially those running cafés, coffee shops, and small commercial outlets, have also expressed concern over the impact of the parking fee.

Traders say many customers are now avoiding the area for short meetings or casual dining because of the parking charge. They say the decline in visitors is adding pressure on businesses already facing rising costs and economic uncertainty.

Residents Question CDA Planning

Residents have also questioned CDA’s planning priorities and regulatory oversight.

Critics say commercial buildings, plazas, hotels, and hospitals should have been required to provide proper parking facilities before receiving construction approvals.

They argue that many buildings in the extended Blue Area were allegedly allowed to operate without sufficient parking arrangements, leaving visitors to bear the cost through paid parking.