The Sindh High Court has ordered the immediate dismantling of an illegal food street on a service road in Korangi, Karachi, declaring all commercial activity there unlawful.
The Sindh High Court has ordered the immediate closure of an illegal food street set up on a service road in Karachi’s Korangi area, directing authorities to clear all commercial activity from the site. The court’s decision reinforces that service roads are meant strictly for traffic flow and public safety, not for markets, stalls or entertainment spaces.
A Constitutional Bench issued the orders after hearing a petition challenging the legality of the food street. The bench instructed the concerned departments to dismantle the setup without delay and submit a detailed report within two weeks, outlining the steps taken to restore the road to its original status.
How the Korangi Food Street Came Under Scrutiny
The case centred on a food street established along a service road in Korangi, where 144 temporary shops and stalls had been allowed to operate. According to the town administration’s written comments, the food street was described as a public facility intended to provide entertainment and dining options for local residents.
However, the petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Haseeb Jamali, argued that the very idea of converting a service road into a commercial strip was unlawful. He maintained that service roads are an integral part of traffic planning and must remain open to support smooth vehicle movement and emergency access.
The petition pointed out that once a service road is blocked or narrowed by stalls, makeshift structures and parked vehicles, it creates bottlenecks, increases travel time and raises the risk of serious accidents. The counsel stressed that no town administration has the legal authority to change the designated use of a service road under any circumstances.
Court Declares Commercial Use of Service Roads Illegal
After reviewing arguments from both sides, the Sindh High Court made it clear that any form of commercial activity on a service road is illegal. The bench rejected the justification that the food street served as a public facility, holding that even temporary stalls and kiosks cannot be allowed if they obstruct a road meant for traffic.
The court also noted that government departments and local administrations cannot unilaterally change the status of a road. Service roads, it emphasised, are part of the city’s planned road network and must remain free of encroachments to fulfil their intended purpose. Any deviation from this principle not only violates planning rules but also compromises public safety.
In its order, the bench directed the relevant authorities—including the Ministry of Local Government, the town administrator, the deputy commissioner and other named officials—to ensure that the food street is dismantled immediately and that the area is restored for vehicular use.
Safety, Traffic and Encroachment Concerns
During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel highlighted that encroachments on service roads and side lanes are a growing problem in many parts of Karachi. Makeshift markets, workshops and food stalls often occupy these spaces, pushing vehicles onto main carriageways and creating dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Advocate Haseeb Jamali warned that such practices directly increase the likelihood of traffic accidents and can result in the loss of human lives. When ambulances, fire brigades or police vehicles face delays due to blocked roads, the impact can be especially severe in emergencies.
The court’s order sends a strong signal that the right to run a business cannot override the public’s right to safe and unobstructed roads. It also reminds local bodies that their role is to enforce planning laws, not to regularise or encourage encroachments in the name of public convenience.
What the Ruling Means for Karachi’s Urban Management
Urban planners and legal experts say the Sindh High Court’s decision could have wider implications for how roadsides and public spaces are managed in Karachi and other cities. If implemented strictly, the ruling may prompt authorities to review similar food streets, markets and informal setups that operate on service roads and designated traffic corridors.
For residents, the judgment offers hope that long-standing traffic bottlenecks caused by illegal stalls and structures may finally be addressed. Clear service roads can improve traffic flow, reduce congestion on main roads and make neighbourhoods safer for pedestrians and motorists.
At the same time, there is a parallel need to provide vendors and small businesses with lawful, well-planned spaces where they can operate without blocking roads. Experts argue that sustainable solutions will require better urban planning, transparent leasing policies and strict enforcement against future encroachments.
For now, the Sindh High Court has drawn a firm line: service roads are for traffic, not for food streets, and any violation of this principle will be treated as illegal encroachment. The next step will depend on how quickly and effectively the concerned authorities act on the court’s instructions in Korangi and beyond.
