The Sindh High Court (SHC) issued on Friday a notice to the provincial government to submit comments on a petition against the pedestrianization of Karachi’s iconic Burns Road food street.
This is a second petition challenging the Sindh government’s move to close the road for traffic after 6pm. The petitioner, a residents of the Burns Road area, stated before the court that the locals face hardships due to the closure of the road. His lawyer Hakim Ali contended that the road is being closed illegally.At this, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, who headed the two-judge bench that heard the case, questioned: “You want the food street meant for leisure and recreation closed?”
“There must be some facility for recreation for the people of Karachi. Where will they go?” he asked.After a preliminary hearing, the court directed the official respondents to file their response to the petition by March 9.
It is to note that from 10 January, 2021, Burns Road food street was designated for pedestrians to move around and enjoy yummy grub.Shahrah-e-Liaquat from Fresco to Court Road will remain blocked by 7pm for traffic, daily, as specified by UC administration South.Vehicles coming from Araam Bagh to Fresco will be diverted towards M.A Jinnah road and People’s Square instead.
The new food street will start from Fresco Chowk and go all the way to Fatima Jinnah Women’s College.
Residents will be provided stickers as proof of vehicle parking, the district administration announced.
