Karachi tea sellers, fast food vendors protest against anti-encroachment drive

All Sindh Hotel and Restaurant Grand Association says around 400 hotels have been sealed on commissioner's orders

KARACHI:

The All Sindh Hotel and Restaurant Grand Association on Wednesday staged a protest against the Karachi Commissioner's campaign of sealing chai dhabas (tea stalls), fast food and BBQ outlets across the city during a crackdown on encroachments.

Most of the city's dhabas and restaurants remained closed, causing inconvenience to citizens, particularly in the early hours, as many struggled to find their morning caffeine dose places.

Members of the association staged a protest outside the Karachi Press Club, where a large number of hotel owners and employees participated. The demonstrators carried placards highlighting their demands and condemning the ongoing operations against restaurants and cafes.

Later speaking at a press conference, Association Chairman Haji Noor-ul-Haq, President Jafar Shah, and representatives Haji Ramzan and Wali Khan said that there are more than 14,000 chai dhabas in Karachi, each employing over 10 workers.

Restaurant and hotel owners and workers stage protest outside the press club against the closure of chai dhabas, fast food and BBQ shops. Photo: Express

They alleged that under the Karachi Commissioner's orders, deputy and assistant commissioners have sealed around 400 outlets in an anti-encroachment operation. "These hotels only sell chai and paratha. Many have been closed for over a week - this is economic murder," the leaders said.

They added that encroachments are not limited to restaurants and cafes alone, and while anti-encroachment actions are positive in principle, targeting small outlets hurts the poor and middle class who rely on them. The association claimed that authorities not only sealed cafes and restaurants but also confiscated their furniture, electrical appliances and other equipment.

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

The association pointed out that they place the chairs and tables outside the shops in the late hours when the traffic is thin. Moreover, there has been no public complaint or petition in the court agaisnt these hangouts which provide a gathering point to people to unwind after stressful day.

With the rising number of anxiety and depression patients in the city plagued with water, power, and gas outages, broken roads and collapsed law and order, these dhabas provide mental releif to citizens, they said.

The association appealed to the CM, chief secretary, and the commissioner to halt the operation and resolve the issue through negotiations. A meeting with the Karachi Commissioner is scheduled for today (Thursday), which the association hopes will lead to a resolution. "If the issue remains unresolved," the leaders warned, "We will launch a nationwide protest."