Islamabad High Court Directs MCI to Formulate Policy for Street Vendors

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court has directed the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) to formulate a comprehensive policy regarding street vendors operating in the federal capital.
Justice Sardar Ejaz Ishaq Khan presided over the hearing of contempt petitions filed against the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and MCI. The main petition and the contempt of court applications will now be heard together, the court announced.
During the proceedings, petitioner’s counsel Imaan Mazari argued that CDA is also a party to the case, but it is the responsibility of MCI to develop a policy for street vendors. She highlighted that relevant authorities have failed to issue licenses to vendors.
The Director of DMA (Directorate of Municipal Administration) responded that the administration is not against the vendors and is working on a mechanism to regulate them. He stated that no action has been taken against the vendors for years.
The court, however, expressed dissatisfaction. Addressing the DMA Director, Justice Khan remarked, “Are you saying you’re doing them a favor?” MCI officials informed the court that they had proposed allocating a plot for a weekly bazaar for the vendors, but the suggestion was not accepted.
Justice Khan responded, “This is their daily livelihood; it cannot be limited to a weekly basis.” He inquired about the number of street vendors currently operating in Islamabad.
Counsel Imaan Mazari informed the court that there are between 20,000 to 21,000 street vendors in the city.
A court-appointed assistant noted that 16 vendors had provided feedback, stating they faced no issues, had not been asked for bribes, and did not face problems from shopkeepers. However, some concerns were raised in the I-10 sector, mainly related to parking and space management.
The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce has also requested time to present its stance on the matter.
The court adjourned the hearing until June 13.