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The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed city authorities to demolish unlawful constructions across Karachi.
The Supreme Court Karachi Registry on Tuesday ordered that the city be restored to how it was 40 years ago and directed authorities to demolish unlawful constructions.
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 how it was 40 years ago. Further, the bench summoned the chief secretary in personal capacity.
A two-judge bench comprising Justice Gulzar Ahmed and Justice Sajid Ali Shah heard the case regarding illegal construction of wedding halls, shopping malls and plazas in residential areas.
While hearing a case pertaining to illegal constructions in the megalopolis at the apex court’s Karachi registry, the bench also barred the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) from issuing no-objection certificates (NoCs) for the construction of commercial buildings unless the projects are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency as well.
The bench directed the authorities to demolish illegal constructions from Jam Sadiq Ali Park, Abdullah Gymkhana and other areas. The judges further directed relevant authorities to submit details of how they plan to raze unlawful constructions.
During the hearing, the top court’s Karachi Registry ordered, “In Karachi, no house will be demolished to be used for commercial purposes.”
Barring the use of residential houses for commercial purpose, the Bench said, “Wedding halls, shopping malls and plazas will not be constructed on residential plots.”
Censuring DG SCBA, 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,” Justice Ahmed remarked.
“Does anyone feel ashamed after looking at the condition of this city?” the judge asked. “SCBA officials only care about making billions,” he added.
‘All encroachments should be immediately demolished’
The judge further remarked, “Eight-storey buildings have been constructed on government quarters. Everyone was involved in making money and the city was destroyed. Is this anybody’s father city that they may do as they please?”
Qaimkhani offered a meek apology and assured the bench that the SBCA will obey the court’s orders. Justice Gulzar, however, was not satisfied and said that by allowing the construction of wedding halls in the city, SBCA had “created a new culture” of holding functions in expensive halls.
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