The Commissioner orders a crackdown on eateries encroaching on roads, footpaths
Police and authorities stand outside a restaurant during a roadside attack in Karachi. Photo: Handout
The busy tea stalls and fast food joints of Karachi are under fire as Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi has ordered a crackdown on the roadside.
In line with his directives, Deputy Commissioners across South, East, Central, Malir, Korangi and Keamari districts on Wednesday launched aggressive operations to clear paths and roads of portable chairs, tables and counters placed by eateries operating deep into the night.
Municipal corporation Saddar impounds carts and illegal setups loaded on a truck during a roadside drive in Karachi. Photo: Handout
In District Central, popular places like New Quetta Bismillah Hotel, Zahid Jamalo Hotel, Daniyal BBQ and Baithak Ice Cream were among dozens targeted in Nazimabad, Hyderi and Liaquatabad.
In Gulberg sub-division, the stretch from Ayesha Manzil to Mukka Chowk was cleared of outdoor furniture, stools and counters of 15 food joints obstructing the flow of traffic and pedestrians.
Three roadside hotels near Super Market, Liaquatabad were also targeted while encroachment near Buffer Zone Degree College was removed to improve traffic flow. Further drives took place in Kiryana Market and No. 10 Liaquatabad where goods belonging to trespassers were confiscated.
Photo: Handout
The South District sealed two tea stalls near PIDC and several shops on Nishter Road and Burns Road. Stalls and carts were removed from Mansfield Street, Dr Daud Pota Road and Shahrah-e-Iraq.
In the east, operations extended from the Meteorological Department to Safoora and from Hassan Square to Essa Nagri, clearing carts and illegal installations. Malir’s Bin Qasim area saw the demolition of unauthorized structures near Hadeed Market and Steel Town.
Crackdown in Model Colony led to FIRs and the sealing of a car shop, while Shah Faisal Town saw over 100 stalls and 20 huts removed. In Keamari, the SITE sub-division cleared Manghopir and Masan Roads of several stalls, carts and illegally set up counters.
Authorities sealed off a restaurant during a roadside assault in Karachi. Photo: Handout
The administration has warned that all goods confiscated by the district authorities will not be returned without prosecution.
The commissioner’s office confirmed again that the campaign will continue across the metropolis to reclaim public spaces, ensure smooth traffic flow.
“The use of public roads for private business will not be tolerated,” the commissioner’s office said in its statement, warning that strict legal action will be taken against repeat offenders.
