Commissioner orders citywide crackdown on restaurants encroaching on roads, trails
Police and authorities stand outside a restaurant during a crackdown against roadside encroachment in Karachi. Photo: Handout
Karachi’s bustling tea stalls and fast food joints are under fire as Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi ordered a sweeping crackdown on roadside encroachment.
Acting on his directives, deputy commissioners of South, Eastern, Central, Malir, Korangi and Keamari districts on Wednesday launched aggressive operations to clear footpaths and roads of chairs, tables and portable counters placed by restaurants operating till late night.
Saddar Municipal Corporation seizes carts and illegal fixtures loaded on truck during drive against roadside encroachments in Karachi. Photo: Handout
In the Central district, popular places such as Hotel New Quetta Bismillah, Hotel Zahid Jamalo, Daniyal BBQ and Baithak Ice Cream were among dozens targeted in Nazimabad, Hyderi and Liaquatabad.
In Gulberg subdivision, the stretch from Ayesha Manzil to Mukka Chowk was cleared of outdoor furniture, stools and counters of 15 food outlets obstructing traffic and pedestrians.
Three roadside hotels near Liaquatabad Super Market were also targeted, while encroachments near Buffer Zone Degree College were removed to improve traffic flow. Other trips took place at Kiryana Market and Liaquatabad No. 10, with property belonging to the invaders confiscated.
Photo: Handout
The southern district has closed two tea stalls near PIDC and several shops on Nishter Road and Burns Road. Stalls and carts have been removed from Mansfield Street, Dr Daud Pota Road and Shahrah-e-Iraq.
In the east, operations extended from the meteorological service to Safoora, and from Hassan Square to Essa Nagri, clearing carts and illegal installations. Bin Qasim area of Malir saw demolition of unauthorized structures near Hadeed Market and Steel Town.
The crackdown in Model Colony led to FIRs and the closure of an auto shop, while Shah Faisal town saw over 100 stalls and 20 booths removed. In Keamari, the SITE subdivision cleared Manghopir and Masan roads of several stalls, carts and illegally installed counters.
Authorities close a restaurant in a crackdown on roadside encroachment in Karachi. Photo: Handout
The administration has warned that all properties confiscated by district authorities will not be returned without legal proceedings.
The police station reaffirmed that the campaign will continue across the metropolis to reclaim public spaces and ensure smooth traffic.
“The use of public roads by private companies will not be tolerated,” the commissioner’s office said in its statement, warning that strict legal action will be taken against repeat offenders.
