KARACHI: A constitutional petition challenging a recent amendment to building laws has been accepted by the Sindh High Court, with notices issued to the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and other relevant parties. The petition, filed by Pasban Democratic Party Chairman Altaf Shakoor, contests the amendment that permits the use of welfare plots and residential areas for commercial purposes.
The case was heard by a two-member bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Muhammad Junaid Ghaffar and Justice Muhammad Abdul Rehman. PDP’s legal representative, Advocate Khurram Lakhani, presented the arguments against the amendment, which was introduced on March 13, 2025.
Altaf Shakoor, the petitioner, highlighted his concerns about the amendment, claiming it is unconstitutional and an overreach of the SBCA’s authority. He argued that the amendment threatens to transform peaceful residential neighborhoods into commercial zones, leading to issues such as increased traffic, noise pollution, and other disturbances.
Shakoor, a resident of Adamji Nagar Cooperative Housing Society, emphasized the absence of planning in the amendment and questioned its benefits to residents. He pointed out that the definition of residential areas does not allow for commercial activities and urged the court to annul the amendment.
In his petition, Shakoor questioned the knowledge of the Chief Minister, an engineer, regarding town planning principles. He suggested that if the government believes the law serves the city’s interests, shopping centers should first be established in government residences like the Governor and Chief Minister’s Houses.
The petition also referenced previous court rulings that restricted the use of residential properties for commercial purposes, arguing that the amendment could lead to corruption and bribery. Shakoor requested the court to declare the amendment illegal and reinstate the Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulation of 2002.