Saddar Parking Plaza: Saylani Welcomes KDA Move to Revive Neglected Facility

Saylani Welfare International Trust Founder and Chairman Maulana Muhammad Bashir Farooq Qadri has welcomed Karachi Development Authority (KDA) Director General Zain-ul-Abideen Ansari’s decision to revive Saddar Parking Plaza. He described the move as an opportunity to restore a neglected public asset and put it to productive use.

In a statement issued on Monday, Maulana Bashir Farooq Qadri said the multi-million-rupee project had remained underutilised despite its original purpose of facilitating the public. He attributed the situation to administrative disputes, institutional differences and the absence of a comprehensive operational policy.

Saylani’s Proposal for Displaced Traders

The Saylani chairman recalled that the organisation had previously proposed turning Saddar Parking Plaza into an alternative commercial centre for traders affected by the restoration of historic Empress Market.

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During the redevelopment, several shopkeepers reportedly lost their established businesses. Saylani had proposed to the then provincial minister for local government that authorities allocate vacant shops in the parking plaza to displaced traders through a transparent, merit-based process.

According to Maulana Bashir Farooq Qadri, the proposal could have helped affected traders resume their livelihoods while ensuring productive use of the government-owned building.

Parking, Shops and Offices Remain Underutilised

Maulana Bashir Farooq Qadri said Saddar Parking Plaza was developed with extensive infrastructure, including dedicated parking facilities, more than 150 commercial shops and over 120 office spaces.

However, he said the parking facility had not become fully operational and commercial activity had not started as intended. Meanwhile, traders displaced from areas around Empress Market continued to seek alternative business arrangements and rehabilitation opportunities.

Call for Timely Rehabilitation

The Saylani chairman urged KDA Director General Zain-ul-Abideen Ansari to take decisive steps to prevent further deterioration and ensure the facility becomes operational as soon as possible.

He also called on the KDA leadership to prioritise public interest and address administrative obstacles that could delay the revival process.

Maulana Bashir Farooq Qadri stressed that infrastructure developed with public funds should generate value for citizens and contribute to government revenue. He said the plaza could support better parking management, commercial activity and economic opportunities in one of Karachi’s busiest business districts.

He expressed hope that the project’s revival would demonstrate how effective coordination and sustained administrative efforts could transform neglected infrastructure into a useful public facility.

Issued by: Public Relations Department, Saylani Welfare International Trust, Bahadurabad, Karachi.