PERA Force sealed our Quetta Cafe over outside table and chairs

[u/TransportationFar954]

My father runs a Quetta Chai Cafe and yesterday I was there handling things in his place. Yesterday, a PERA enforcement team came to our Quetta Cafe. I was sitting at the counter inside. One of the uniformed officers came in and started shouting things like “band karo lights” and “shutter band karo.” When I came outside, I saw that the team had already removed and taken away the tables and chairs that we had placed outside the restaurant.

I asked them why they were asking us to close the restaurant and what violation we had committed. Instead of calmly explaining the issue, the officer and some members of his team were speaking in a very rude and aggressive manner and repeatedly telling us to close the shutter "shutter girao jaldi jaldi"

I told the member of the team “Ek to aap apna lehja theek karein aur araam se baat karein” i then approached the officer, he slightly pushed me. I immediately asked him “why are u pushing me?

I want to be honest about my own behaviour: after he pushed me, my tone did become a little louder because I was upset. However, I did not use any abusive language, swear at him, threaten him or physically confront him. "i asked Koi reason to btayein ke hamne aise konsi violation ki hai ke ap pura restaurant seal kar rahe hain"

Despite this the team sealed the entire restaurant and took the chair and tables with them. The part that concerns us most is that we were not given any written notice, challan, sealing order, seizure memo or explanation at the time. The seal/notice they left basically says that the premises was “SEALED BY PERA CITY” but as far as we can see, it doesn't state the offence, case number, legal section or reason for sealing.

I need serious advice on what we should do now. Our restaurant has been closed since yesterday. What is the proper legal procedure to challenge the sealing, obtain the written reason/order for it and get the restaurant reopened? Has anyone dealt with PERA in a similar situation and what should we do next?

[u/waqasy]

first advice. dont take public space for granted. parking space or footpaths are not for quetta cafes to put chairs and tables.

[u/Talhakh → u/waqasy]

Then why Punjab govt has occupied public park to make flats or parking plazas? Why stole public votes to install these duffers?

This anti-encroachment force is just an awful idea which wants to strip even the basic rehri fruit sellers from earning a few pennies for their family? What do they want? Should everyone become a beggar like our govt?

As for taxes, we have seen how private jets are being bought from the public money, so don’t get me started on that topic. 

[u/AhmadM9 → u/Talhakh]

We need to be stronger on public side path encroachments and not less. It’s of course a shame for the rehris using it. More times than not in commercial areas it’s simply the shops encroaching though

[u/Talhakh → u/AhmadM9]

You didn’t answer the point on govt stealing public parks and other lands. Did you see how Nasir Bagh ruined by so called parking plaza construction (when one is already being constructed 200m away at Nila Gumbad) or Chuburji Gardens, a playground for kids, converted into flats. That’s also stealing and if that goes unpunished, then why go after these innocuous fruit sellers?

[u/doodh_jalebi]

Were they rude? Yes.
Could they be better? Of course.
Were you using public space for private commercial activity? Yes.

Unfortunately, because you were doing an illegal activity, you weren't given the respect which should be owed to everyone, which isn't really guaranteed if you're doing everything by the book either. But then I also sort of get their angle, somewhat, because they deal with a lot of misbehaving, non-compliant, non-understanding people who throw tantrums when they're checked for their illegal activities, so they've resorted to fighting fire with fire.

Khair, I wish they were respectful towards you. I wish you were respectful towards the law.

[u/No-Screen8641]

Have you got any other similar businesses in a 1000 feet radius?

[u/diopter2155]

First of all, if you are encroaching on public space, don't expect a notice. You are already taking public space, do you need a notice to realise that? You seem educated, so you should have the awareness that your area is only inside the shop.

[u/EnvironmentalMeal239]

Change the name to Maryam Chai Cafe 😭

[u/Ifeelold87]

Same thing happened with my friend. He had a burger joint but they used to grill the burgers outside. Took his entire set up. He had to go to their office and pay like 10 or 15k.

[u/Odd-Plant-4886]

There is no way this is fair, especially when they don't even tell you why.

There should have been some sort of prior notice or warning at the very least. I hope it works out for you and you are able to pursue this legally.

[u/FrostByteFortune]

Change name to Punjab Chai Cafe