Karachi administration de-seals chai dhabas, fast food outlets
Commissioner Karachi had decided to formulate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to curb these establishments and improve traffic flow. PHOTO: TRIBUNE
The deputy commissioners of the seven districts of the Karachi division have de-sealed roadside tea shops and eateries in the city after they signed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) prepared by the committee formed by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi and submitted undertaking, fulfilling the legal requirements.
The Karachi administration initiated a crackdown on tea shops and food outlets established along streets and on footpaths on October 27, sealing a total of 255 roadside cafes and tea shops.
Commissioner Karachi had decided to formulate SOPs to curb these establishments and improve traffic flow. A committee headed by Additional Commissioner Ghulam Mehdi Shah, comprising Deputy Commissioner East, Deputy Commissioner Central, and representatives of the association, was formed to prepare the SOPs.
The committee prepared recommendations after mutual consultations and obtained written assurances from the association and undertakings from the owners to abide by the rules.
According to the SOPs, roads have been categorised into three types, and occupying space or establishing tea shops or restaurants on roads 100 feet or wider will be strictly prohibited.
The decision to de-seal eateries and tea shops was made after the 'Hotels Association' provided written assurances to implement the SOPs. According to a handout, the de-sealing process was completed after fulfilling all requirements under the law.