Karachi's late-night tea spots, fast food hangouts in hot water

Commissioner orders city-wide crackdown on eateries encroaching on roads, footpaths

The bustling late-night tea stalls and fast food hangouts of Karachi are under fire as Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi has ordered a sweeping crackdown on roadside encroachment.

Acting on his directives, deputy commissioners across South, East, Central, Malir, Korangi, and Keamari districts launched aggressive operations on Wednesday to clear footpaths and roads of portable chairs, tables, and counters placed by eateries operating deep into the night.

Municipal Corporation Saddar seizes carts and illegal setups loaded onto a truck during a drive against roadside encroachments in Karachi. Photo: Handout

In District Central, popular spots 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 Subdivision, the stretch from Ayesha Manzil to Mukka Chowk was cleared of outdoor furniture, stools, and counters from 15 food outlets obstructing traffic flow and pedestrians.

Three roadside hotels near Super Market, Liaquatabad, were also targeted, while encroachments near Buffer Zone Degree College were removed to improve traffic flow. Further drives took place in Kiryana Market and Liaquatabad No. 10, with goods belonging to encroachers confiscated.

Photo: Handout

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 East, operations stretched from the Meteorological Department to Safoora, and from Hassan Square to Essa Nagri, clearing carts and illegal setups. Malir’s Bin Qasim area saw demolition of unauthorised structures near Hadeed Market and Steel Town.

Crackdown in Model Colony led to FIRs and sealing of an auto shop, while Shah Faisal Town saw over 100 stalls and 20 cabins removed. In Keamari, SITE Subdivision cleared Manghopir and Masan Roads of multiple stalls, carts, and illegally set up counters.

Authorities sealing a restaurant during a crackdown on roadside encroachment in Karachi. Photo: Handout

The administration has warned that all goods confiscated by the district authorities will not be returned without legal proceedings.

The commissioner’s office reaffirmed that the campaign will continue across the metropolis to reclaim public spaces, ensure smooth traffic flow.

“The use of public pathways 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.