From Geo News · · 1m 10s
Rs600 seating fee sparks Karachi food walk backlash
Karachi's new food walk charges Rs600 to sit, drawing criticism over public space fees.
In brief
Karachi's new food walk charges Rs600 to sit, drawing criticism over public space fees. Karachi's Sindhi Muslim food walk requires Rs600 for seating without food orders, sparking complaints from residents and traders. Originally reported by Geo News.
New food walk charges Rs600 to sit
Karachi's newly developed Sindhi Muslim food walk requires visitors to pay Rs600 to sit on chairs without ordering food.
“Rs600 charge was linked to monthly fees allegedly collected from restaurants by the karachi metropolitan corporation (kmc) and the relevant town municipal corporation (tmc) for tables and chairs”
Local authorities deny collecting fees
TMC Chanesaar Town clarified the food walk falls within its jurisdiction but denied collecting seating charges from restaurants.
“the town administration also encouraged citizens to submit written complaints or photographic evidence against restaurants demanding such charges”
Traders report declining sales
Traders say sales have dropped since the food walk opened, with parking arrangements cited as a factor.
“restaurant sales had declined since the inauguration, citing parking arrangements as one of the contributing factors”
Residents complain of traffic issues
PECHS residents say the food walk closure shifted traffic congestion into residential streets, causing disruptions.
“we have been living here for 40 years. this is not a new food street”
Security concerns reported
Residents report increased mobile phone thefts and fears of more crime due to the food walk's congestion.
“increased activity and congestion could contribute to further incidents of theft in the neighbourhood”
Public space controversy continues
Questions remain over why some visitors are charged Rs600 to sit without ordering food despite authorities denying fees.
“the town administration has denied collecting fees for outdoor seating”
What matters most
Karachi's Sindhi Muslim food walk requires Rs600 for seating without food orders, sparking complaints from residents and traders.
