KARACHI: The Commissioner of Karachi, Hassan Naqvi, has approved the reopening of sealed shops in the city under strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The decision came during a meeting reviewing ongoing operations against encroachments across various districts. Authorities emphasized that the crackdown on illegal setups will continue despite allowing shops to reopen.
Read More: Over 60 shops, restaurants sealed over violation of Covid-19 SOPs
Shopkeepers seeking to reopen must submit an application after a three-day period and provide an affidavit pledging full adherence to SOPs. Any future violations will result in immediate re-closure and possible arrest. Commissioner Naqvi warned that compliance is mandatory, and only those who prove full adherence will be allowed to operate.
Anti encroachment operation in Karachi in full swing – hundreds of shops sealed – owners told they can only reopen once they give a written assurance to not use footpaths and roadsides pic.twitter.com/VaXeGBbuQP
— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) January 6, 2026
The meeting also reviewed the scale of the ongoing crackdown. So far, a total of 430 shops and 177 hotels have been sealed across the city. District South recorded the highest number of closures, with 245 shops and 76 hotels sealed. District East saw 98 shops and 52 hotels closed, while Central and Korangi districts had 27 and 33 shops shut down, respectively. Hotels in Central and Korangi districts numbered 19 and 31.
Sealing operations included over 400 eateries, tea stalls, auto workshops, and shops occupying footpaths and roads. Key commercial areas affected include the Akbar Road motorcycle market, Mobile Market, Preedy Street, M.A. Jinnah Road, Pakistan Chowk, Lilly Bridge Road, Clifton Block-2, and Nishtar Road.
Read More: More markets, shops sealed across Karachi as anti-encroachment drive continues
Commissioner Naqvi reiterated that any establishment violating SOPs, despite previous written assurances, would be immediately resealed and the owners could face arrest. “The sealed premises will stay shut until the owners can prove they are fully compliant,” he stated. The administration continues to balance the reopening of businesses with strict enforcement against encroachments and violations in Karachi.