ISLAMABAD, Sep 03 (APP):Restaurants around the public sit-out area at F-10 Markaz will be allowed to use their respective frontages for temporary seating for two weeks, subject to unobstructed pedestrian movement, public access and emergency routes, the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) said on Thursday. The decision was taken at a consultative meeting between the MCI and representatives of restaurant owners and their union association on the proposed Open Space Policy …
Restaurants allowed two-week temporary seating at F-10 Markaz
ISLAMABAD, Sep 03 (APP):Restaurants around the public sit-out area at F-10 Markaz will be allowed to use their respective frontages for temporary seating for two weeks, subject to unobstructed pedestrian movement, public access and emergency routes, the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) said on Thursday.
The decision was taken at a consultative meeting between the MCI and representatives of restaurant owners and their union association on the proposed Open Space Policy for 2026-27. The meeting was chaired by MCI Chief Officer Dr Anam Fatima.
According to a statement issued after the meeting, any seating arrangement beyond the two-week period would require a licence under the prescribed open-space/seating procedure and would be subject to relevant rules.
The MCI said public open spaces would remain accessible to citizens and that stalls, counters, displays or other structures obstructing pedestrian pathways, parking areas or public access would not be allowed.
It also decided to protect existing green areas and street furniture. Commercial establishments found to have occupied or altered designated green or open spaces could be directed to restore them to their approved condition.
The proposed policy is intended to regulate the use of public spaces by commercial establishments while ensuring pedestrian access, parking, traffic circulation and protection of public infrastructure, the statement said.
During the meeting, Dr Anam Fatima directed the Directorate of Municipal Administration to continue shifting municipal services to a cashless and paperless system. Applications for licences, permissions and other relevant services will be submitted through the designated online NITB portal.
The participants agreed on the need for a policy that allows regulated commercial activity while safeguarding public spaces and citizens’ access to them.
