Examining challenges experienced by street vendors in the global south: Case of Karachi

Abstract

This research study documents and analyses the precarious situation of the street vendors in Karachi with respect to the challenges they face on an everyday basis in terms of accessibility to physical space, and the hindrances that come forth in the form of non-accommodating operations and administrative policies. Three localities from district south in Karachi have been chosen and compared as case studies. The lessons that can be drawn from these practices in terms of quasi-self-regulated regimes of public space utilisation and the services offered through it within the urban informal domain are outlined. The study demonstrates the tenacity of the vendors in negotiating a niche for their operations in an otherwise challenging urban context, without any facilitation from municipal agencies or formal sector. This study contributes towards the changing attitude towards urban informality and rather than viewing informality as being problematic, it outlines its potentials and resultant policy implications. The methodology for case studies documentation and analysis is based on open-ended interviews of street vendors and concerned officials, participation in court proceedings and field notes of discussion with relevant government functionaries. The findings highlight the opportunities that are available for the street vendors within the informal paradigm.