KARACHI: Authorities on Sunday sealed 21 eateries on the renowned Burns Road Food Street for occupying pedestrian walkways, officials said, as part of a broader campaign against encroachments in the city.
District South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso said the restaurants and food shops had placed furniture on footpaths, obstructing both pedestrian and vehicular movement. “These outlets have been sealed to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs). They will be allowed to reopen only after payment of fines and submission of written undertakings to fully adhere to the rules,” he added.
The DC noted that the commissioner had instructed all deputy commissioners to take strict action against “soft encroachments” that disrupt public movement in any part of Karachi. Most of the sealed establishments were located in the Arambagh sub-division, where Burns Road Food Street is situated.
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Some shops sealed in the initial phase of the operation two days ago have already been allowed to resume operations after paying fines and submitting affidavits, Mr Khoso said.
The anti-encroachment drive is ongoing across other parts of the city. Korangi Deputy Commissioner Masood Bhutto reported that two restaurants were sealed in Model Colony, while five others were shut down in Korangi and nearby areas for similar violations.
As many as 21 eateries on the famous Burns Road Food Street have been sealed by authorities for occupying footpaths and walkways.https://t.co/Vdtka7WPEn
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) January 18, 2026
City authorities have recently intensified their crackdown on footpath encroachments, targeting commercial establishments that occupy public spaces. Several markets, including the city’s largest motorcycle market at Akbar Road, Saddar, have also been sealed as part of the operation.
Officials emphasized that the campaign aims to restore pedestrian rights and ensure orderly use of public spaces in Karachi. Shopkeepers and market operators have been urged to comply with the regulations to avoid further penalties or closures.
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