Islamabad: The Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) has banned outdoor seating and other temporary installations on public walkways, directing food outlets in commercial centres to clear footpaths and comply with approved outdoor seating regulations.
The decision was taken following an inspection of F-10 and F-11 Markaz led by the MCI chief officer and senior officials of the Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA).
Under the new directives, footpaths and pedestrian corridors must remain completely unobstructed. Food outlets will not be allowed to place outdoor seating, planters, decorative items or temporary structures on public walkways.
Eligible businesses may operate outdoor seating only in designated Public Sit-Out Areas that comply with standard designs approved by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and MCI. Unauthorised structures and perimeter fencing will also be prohibited.
Restaurant owners have been asked to form a representative committee and submit unified proposals for their outdoor seating arrangements. The DMA is also introducing a digital portal to process applications for open spaces and allow restaurant owners to obtain outdoor seating licences through a streamlined process under prescribed regulations.
According to municipal officials, the measures are part of a broader campaign to protect pedestrian access, improve urban aesthetics and ensure organised commercial spaces across Islamabad.
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