The Sindh government has launched a decisive crackdown on restaurants and commercial outlets refusing to accept debit and credit card payments, marking a significant step in enforcing consumer rights across the province. According to a report by The News, the Sindh Consumer Protection Authority (SCPA), operating under the Bureau of Supply Prices, has already taken legal action against several businesses, particularly in Karachi’s Clifton area.
This move comes in response to increasing public complaints about cash-only policies at prominent eateries, coffee shops, shopping malls, and even biryani centres — a practice deemed a violation of the Sindh Consumer Protection Act, 2014. Notices have been issued to establishments found in breach of the law, and formal legal proceedings are now underway.
Director General Zahid Hussain Shar of the SCPA made it clear that all restaurants across Sindh are required to provide digital payment options to customers. Emphasizing the government’s firm commitment to consumer convenience and financial inclusion, Shar stated that the refusal to accept card payments would lead to strict legal consequences.
The authority’s enforcement has been initiated under Section 23(4) of the Sindh Consumer Protection Act, based on consumer complaints. An official inquiry has been launched to investigate such violations and ensure corrective actions are taken promptly. Assistant Director Mir Shahnawaz has also issued stern warnings to business owners, instructing them to immediately comply or face legal penalties.
Restaurant owners who received notices have been asked to appear personally or send authorised representatives to the SCPA office to provide clarification. Failure to do so will trigger legal proceedings under relevant consumer laws.
Shar underscored that businesses must offer multiple payment options, including card payments, as a basic consumer right. He reiterated that negligence in this matter would not be tolerated, and the government is fully prepared to safeguard the rights of customers.
This latest development highlights the Sindh government’s broader push to modernize the payment landscape and align local commerce with the country’s digital financial goals. With increasing reliance on digital transactions and a growing cashless culture, especially in urban centres like Karachi, the enforcement of such regulations is seen as a critical move toward transparency, accountability, and consumer empowerment.
The crackdown sends a strong message to all commercial operators: providing convenient and inclusive payment methods is not just a courtesy — it’s the law.
