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In a legal move, Bahria Town (Pvt) Ltd Karachi (BTLK) approached the Supreme Court, alleging discriminatory treatment compared to a nearby housing project and seeking a level playing field. The real estate entity argued that it should be treated similarly to other projects, including DHA City Karachi, without facing discrimination that puts it at a significant disadvantage.
The application, submitted through senior counsel Salman Aslam Butt, highlighted disparities in land pricing between BTLK and DHA City Karachi. BTLK claimed that while DHA City Karachi was allotted 19,640 acres at a cost of Rs1.96 billion, equivalent to Rs100,000 per acre, BTLK received 16,896 acres at Rs460 billion, or Rs27.2 million per acre, both having 99-year lease terms.
Additionally, BTLK pointed out that DHA City Karachi enjoyed exemptions from capital value tax (CVT) on 11,640 acres and deferment on 8,000 acres. The application raised concerns about differential treatment impacting fundamental rights, affecting citizens and entities who acquired plots within the Bahria Town project.
Invoking constitutional articles related to personal security, freedom of trade, and equality of citizens, the application urged the Supreme Court to ensure fair treatment for BTLK, aligning it with its peers in the same area and business. The significant difference in pricing compared to DHA City Karachi posed financial challenges for BTLK, risking severe repercussions and hampering its competitiveness.
The case is scheduled for review by a three-judge Supreme Court bench, including Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Aminuddin Khan, and Justice Athar Minallah.
Key Points:
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Legal Move by BTLK: Bahria Town Karachi (BTLK) approached the Supreme Court, alleging discrimination and seeking fair treatment compared to a nearby housing project.
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Land Pricing Disparities: BTLK highlighted significant disparities in land pricing, stating that DHA City Karachi received favorable terms compared to BTLK.
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Differential Treatment Concerns: The application expressed concerns about the impact of differential treatment on fundamental rights, affecting citizens and entities associated with the Bahria Town project.
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Constitutional Articles Invoked: BTLK invoked constitutional articles related to personal security, freedom of trade, and equality of citizens, urging the Supreme Court to ensure fair treatment.
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Financial Repercussions: The significant difference in pricing compared to DHA City Karachi posed financial challenges for BTLK, risking severe repercussions and affecting its competitiveness.
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Scheduled Review: The case is set for review by a three-judge Supreme Court bench, including Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Aminuddin Khan, and Justice Athar Minallah.
Bahria Town Karachi seeks a resolution to ensure equitable treatment and address concerns regarding pricing disparities in comparison to DHA City Karachi.
