Karachi eateries barred from using walkways for outdoor seating

Commissioner Karachi has declared, “zero-tolerance” policy against encroachments by roadside eateries and tea stalls. Under the newly issued SOPs, no food outlet is permitted to place chairs or tables on pedestrian walkways or roads.

Strict directives state that restaurants are completely barred from setting up any seating on pavements along roads that are 100 feet wide or more.

However, restaurants located on commercial roads measuring 60–100 feet, as well as on neighborhood streets under 60 feet wide, may use the space if they obtain an NOC from the relevant town office and deputy commissioner, provided they do not block pedestrian or vehicular movement.

The process for securing an NOC requires the restaurant owner to submit an application to the town municipal office along with their trade license, rental agreement, and a written undertaking.

A joint inspection by the town municipal officer, traffic police, and the mukhtiarkar will then be carried out to evaluate any potential obstruction, hygiene concerns, or public nuisance.

After the inspection, the town officer will send their recommendation to the deputy commissioner, who may grant a conditional approval valid for one year.

A total of 255 roadside tea stalls and restaurants that were previously sealed for occupying footpaths and pavements are now set to reopen after agreeing to comply with newly introduced SOPs.

According to officials, the city administration decided on Friday to unseal these establishments after their association provided written assurance that the new guidelines would be strictly followed. Hotels also submitted affidavits confirming compliance.

Earlier, Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi formed a committee led by Additional Commissioner Ghulam Mehdi Shah, including DCs of East and Central districts and representatives of the restaurant association, to draft the SOPs ensuring businesses operate within designated limits.

As per the new guidelines, roads have been categorized into three types: zero-tolerance roads (100 feet wide or more), commercial and secondary roads (60–100 feet), and neighborhood streets (less than 60 feet wide).

No encroachments will be permitted on roads 100 feet wide or more.

The selection of a permissible spot for any restaurant or tea stall will require approval from the authorized representative, traffic police, and a recommendation from the town officer, after which the concerned deputy commissioner will issue an NOC.

The commissioner added that anti-encroachment operations will continue across the city and the reopened eateries will be closely monitored.