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The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to SBCA and others against the recent amendments in Karachi town planning.
Clifton residents filed a petition against recent amendments to the Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations made by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA).
The court has issued notices to the SBCA, Karachi Development Authority (KDA), Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), and Master Plan Department.
Justice Nadeem Akhtar asked all respondents to submit their replies by April 22 regarding the legal status of the recent regulatory amendments.
According to the petitioner’s lawyer, the SBCA has redefined residential and commercial land use, allowing businesses on residential plots through the amendment.
The petition argues that these changes violate previous Supreme Court rulings, the Sindh Building Control Ordinance, and environmental protection laws like the SEPA Act.
READ: SBCA legalize commercial activities on residential plots in Karachi
The lawyer further stated that SBCA has exceeded its legal authority by amending regulations that impact zoning and land-use classification in Karachi.
The petitioners demanded that the amendment be declared illegal, null, and void, as it undermines the city’s planning framework and legal boundaries.
It is worth noting here that the SBCA has amended the 2002 building regulations to permit commercial and recreational use on plots originally designated as residential.
This amendment has sparked concern among citizens, who fear an increase in schools, restaurants, and shops disrupting peace in residential neighborhoods.
It is worth noting here that the various benches of the SHC have issued orders on several petitions filed by citizens against running schools, restaurants, and other commercial establishments in their respective residential areas in violation of building and town planning laws.
The SHC has ordered authorities to take action against illegal commercial establishments, but no action was taken by the authorities.
