In a surprising policy reversal, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has discontinued its flagship Digital Parking initiative, reinstating the manual ticketing method-commonly referred to as the Perchi System-at several major parking sites across Islamabad.

The digital parking system, launched under the leadership of CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa, had been introduced as part of a broader effort to modernize the capital’s infrastructure.

Designed to enhance transparency, curb revenue leakage, and streamline operations, the system was initially rolled out at eight prominent locations, including Centaurus Mall, Kohsar Market, F-7 Multi-level Parking, Shakar Parian, Lake View Park, Daman-e-Koh, and the H-9 Weekly Bazaar.

The project, widely welcomed by Islamabad residents, had shown promising results. Official figures indicate that revenue collection during the eight months of digital operations significantly outperformed the previous year’s manual collections. However, insiders claim the enhanced transparency disrupted entrenched interests, leading to mounting opposition.

According to sources, certain quarters within the system were unsettled by the elimination of under-the-table commissions and other malpractices. This led to mounting pressure on the contractor, including harassment and the registration of multiple FIRs against its staff. Despite the contractor having a valid agreement and obtaining a stay order from the court, CDA abruptly took over the parking sites.

The affected company-AJCL-has since filed a contempt petition against senior CDA officials, demanding accountability. The case has seen multiple hearings, with the court extending the stay order until June 16, 2025.

Adding another layer of complexity, a competing firm from the original bidding process has filed a writ petition challenging the authority’s decision. In response, CDA submitted documentation to affirm that AJCL was selected following a transparent and competitive evaluation process, both technically and financially.

The reversal has sparked criticism from civic groups and Islamabad residents, many of whom had embraced the digital system as a long-overdue modernization step. Observers question the authority’s commitment to transparency and innovation, especially when the digital initiative had proven both effective and popular.

With legal proceedings ongoing and public scrutiny intensifying, the future of digital parking in Islamabad remains uncertain.