SC bars construction of wedding halls, shopping malls on residential plots in Karachi

KARACHI (January 22, 2019): The Supreme Court Karachi Registry today barred the use of residential houses for commercial purposes and the construction of wedding halls, shopping malls and plazas on residential plots.

A two-judge bench comprising Hon. ‘Justice Gulzar Ahmed’ and ‘Justice Sajid Ali Shah’, heard the case regarding illegal construction of wedding halls, shopping malls and plazas in residential areas.

During the hearing, the apex court’s Karachi Registry ordered, “In Karachi, no house will be demolished to be used for commercial purposes”.

“Do whatever but implement court orders,” the bench further directed. “If the orders are not implemented then we will ask DG Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) Iftikhar Qaimkhani to pack up”.

Criticizing DG SBCA, Justice Ahmed questioned, “If you can’t work then why are you sitting on the post? Should we give this city to the federal or Sindh government?”

“If they cannot run the city then the Sindh government can takeover,” Hon. ‘Justice Gulzar Ahmed’, remarked.

He further told the DG SCBA, “After a few days, you will also go to Canada.”

“Does anyone feel ashamed after looking at the condition of this city?” the judge asked. “SBCA officials only care about making billions,” he added.

Turning to the additional advocate general, Hon. ‘Justice Gulzar Ahmed’ said, “Finish the system of local government.”

Further, the bench summoned the ‘Chief Secretary’ in personal capacity. The bench also sought details of wedding halls, shopping malls and plazas constructed in the city in the last 30 to 40 years and sought recommendations from the Sindh government regarding restoring the city to the state as it was 40 years before, as per sources.