Karachi Announces New SOPs for Hotels and Chai Dhabas – Unseals Food Outlets
Here is a latest update for all the residents in Karachi related to the Food stalls and chai dhabba that have been shut down by the administrators and are now de-seals with new SOPs.
New standard operating procedures (SOPs) have been published by the Karachi administration for roadside hotels and tea shops (chai dhabas), which were causing encroachments, obstructing walkways, and adding to the city’s ongoing traffic problems.
New SOPs For food Hotels and Stalls In Karachi
The Commissioner of Karachi has authorized new guidelines that provide clear and comprehensive directions for all hotels and chai dhabas that operate along major highways and walkways.
New SOPs Outline:
- A special committee led by Additional Commissioner Ghulam Mehdi Shah has officially approved the desealing of several hotels and chai dhabas that meet the required standards.
- Under the newly issued SOPs, Karachi’s roads are now divided into three categories, with strict rules to prevent encroachment.
- No hotel, restaurant, or chai dhaba will be allowed to occupy more than 100 feet of space on any category of road.
The final decision on how much space an establishment can use will be made through a multi-step verification process:
- Traffic Police will inspect and verify the available space.
- Mukhtar-kar will confirm the site details and compliance.
- Town Officer will submit a recommendation after reviewing all conditions.
Once all verifications are complete, the relevant Deputy Commissioner will issue the final NOC (No Objection Certificate) to allow the establishment to resume operations.
The administration emphasized that these SOPs aim to:
- Remove all encroachments from roads and footpaths
- Ensure smooth pedestrian movement
- Improve traffic flow
- Promote a cleaner and more organized urban environment across Karachi.
In order to improve order, cleanliness, and pedestrian safety throughout Karachi, the government has now begun the process of desealing complying hotels and chai dhabas, allowing them to reopen under the revised regulations.
Owners Submit Sworn Affidavits
Following the submission of written documents guaranteeing compliance, Karachi’s sealed roadside motels and chai dhabas have started to be unsealed as part of the process.
Roadside Food Stalls Are De-sealed
After signing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) created by the committee led by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi and submitting undertakings, the deputy commissioners of the seven districts of the Karachi division de-sealed roadside tea shops and restaurants in the city, meeting legal requirements.
On October 27, 255 roadside cafes and tea shops were sealed as part of the Karachi administration’s crackdown on food establishments and tea shops set up along roadways and walkways.
Violators to Face Immediate Action
The amended criteria will be properly implemented, according to written promises from hotel groups and owners.
According to Commissioner Karachi, all legal procedures have been met, and de-sealed hotels will continue to be monitored.
He cautioned that harsh punishment and re-sealing would follow any breach of the sworn affidavit. A total of 255 roadside motels and tea shops in Karachi were shut down during the crackdown last month.
The goal of the new SOPs is to preserve traffic flow and public convenience in the city while averting a recurrence of such extensive encroachments.
Conclusion
The Karachi administration’s new SOPs mark a major step toward keeping the city’s roads clear and ensuring safer, cleaner public spaces. With hotels and chai dhabas now reopening under strict rules, the government has made it clear that any violation will lead to immediate action and re-sealing. These updated guidelines aim to prevent future encroachments, improve traffic flow, and maintain convenience for the public.