Karachi Government Announces New Rules
Karachi Government Announces New Rules: Commissioner of Karachi has implemented new SOPs to regulate roadside hotels, cafes, and restaurants across the city these SOPs aim to ensure public safety, keep footpaths clear, and bring order to the growing number of unregulated outdoor setups officials confirmed that the move was made after continuous complaints from citizens about blocked sidewalks and disruptions in pedestrian movement caused by roadside furniture.
According to the Commissioner office, these rules will be applied across all districts of Karachi without exception the main focus is to balance commercial activities with public convenience and prevent encroachments that have become a common sight in busy food areas the government believes this decision will improve city management, ensure pedestrian safety, and enhance Karachi’s urban environment.
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| No. | Rule Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Furniture Ban on Wide Roads | No chairs or tables allowed on roads wider than 100 feet. |
| 2 | NOC Requirement | Businesses on 60–100 ft roads must obtain an NOC before setup. |
| 3 | Public Pathways Protection | Footpaths, service lanes, and shoulders must remain clear. |
| 4 | Complaint-Based Action | Permissions can be revoked if residents report inconvenience. |
| 5 | City Cleanliness and Order | The policy aims to keep Karachi cleaner and better organized. |
Restrictions on Outdoor Seating and Road Usage
Under the new SOP no restaurant, café, or hotel is allowed to place chairs or tables on roads wider than 100 feet the administration has also prohibited businesses from occupying footpaths, service lanes, and road shoulders these areas are reserved for public movement, and any obstruction will lead to immediate removal by municipal authorities.
For restaurants operating on roads between 60 and 100 feet, outdoor setups will be allowed only after obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the relevant departments the authorities have emphasized that this permission will only be granted if the setup does not hinder pedestrian or vehicular movement.
Summary of New SOPs for Karachi Restaurants and Cafes
- Strict action to be taken against encroachments on public land.
- Continuous inspections to monitor roadside hotels and cafes.
- Citizen complaints will lead to immediate revocation of permissions.
- New rules designed to balance business needs with public safety.
- The initiative focuses on improving city cleanliness and order.
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Public and Business Response to the SOPs
The new SOPs have received mixed reactions from the public and restaurant owners. Citizens have largely welcomed the decision, saying it will help improve the city’s traffic flow and restore footpath access for pedestrians. Many residents believe the enforcement will make Karachi’s roads cleaner and more organized.
On the other hand, some restaurant owners have expressed concerns, saying outdoor seating attracts customers and supports small businesses. They have requested the government to make the approval process easier and more transparent. Urban experts, however, have supported the initiative, calling it a positive step toward disciplined urban planning and better management of commercial areas.
Key Highlights of Karachi SOPs 2025
- Furniture placement banned on roads wider than 100 feet.
- NOC required for roads between 60 and 100 feet.
- Tables allowed on narrow streets only if pedestrians are not blocked.
- Blocking footpaths, shoulders, or service lanes strictly prohibited.
- Permissions can be canceled if citizens file valid complaints.
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