Islamabad, September 3, 2026: A meeting regarding the formulation of the Open Space Policy for 2026–27 was held between the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) and representatives of the Restaurant Owners/Union Association. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Anam Fatima, Chief Officer, MCI.
The proposed policy aims to establish a balanced and transparent framework for the use of open spaces by commercial establishments while safeguarding public convenience, pedestrian movement, accessibility, parking, traffic circulation, green areas and street furniture.
It was agreed that open spaces shall remain accessible to the public, while stalls, counters, displays or other obstructions affecting pedestrian pathways, parking areas or public access will not be permitted. Existing green areas and street furniture will also be protected, while commercial establishments that have altered designated green/open spaces may be required to restore them to their approved condition.
Regarding the F-10 Markaz public sit-out area, restaurants around the site may use their frontage as a temporary seating arrangement for two weeks, strictly ensuring that pedestrian movement, public access, traffic circulation and emergency routes remain unobstructed. Thereafter, seating arrangements will be subject to the prescribed open-space/seating licensing procedure.
The Chief Officer further directed that the Directorate of Municipal Administration will continue its transition towards cashless, paperless and contactless municipal administration, with applications for relevant licences and permissions submitted through the designated online NITB portal.
The participants expressed consensus on a balanced approach that protects public interest while allowing reasonable commercial activity within the prescribed framework.
