Rs600 being charged to visitors sitting without ordering at Karachi’s Sindhi Muslim Food Walk

Visitors to Karachi’s newly developed Sindhi Muslim Food Walk have reported being asked to pay Rs600 for using restaurant seating without ordering food or drinks.

According to media reports, several visitors said restaurant staff demanded the amount from them for sitting on chairs placed along the pedestrian walkway.

A restaurant employee reportedly told visitors that the charge covered monthly fees allegedly collected by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the relevant Town Municipal Corporation (TMC) for tables and chairs.

The furniture has been placed along the revamped pathway, which was developed to provide space for pedestrians and outdoor dining.

Town administration denies collecting fees

Responding to a social media post about the complaints, TMC Chanesaar Town confirmed that it oversees the food walk but denied that the town administration or KMC collects fees from restaurants for using the space.

The administration asked citizens to submit written complaints or photographs identifying restaurants demanding payment. It said it would seek explanations from the businesses concerned.

Another social media user also reported being asked to pay Rs600 for using the seating, questioning whether such charges could discourage families who cannot afford to purchase food and drinks from visiting the public space.