KARACHI: In a decisive move addressing the ongoing threat posed by illegal billboards, the High Court of Sindh (SHC) has issued a three-week ultimatum for compliance reports from provincial and municipal authorities in Karachi. This directive aims to curb the dangers these structures pose to the public.
According to Pasban Democratic Party, the order emerged from a petition filed by its Chairman, Altaf Shakoor, spotlighting the proliferation of hazardous billboards on high-rise buildings and public roads. The petition cites non-compliance with a 2016 Supreme Court judgment intended to regulate such installations. The SHC’s divisional bench, comprising Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon and Justice Zulfiqar Ali Sangi, expressed concerns over the resumed unlawful practices, especially given the risks associated with monsoon seasons and climate-induced windstorms.
The Court has summoned accountability from senior officials, including the CEOs of Cantonment Boards and the Chief Municipal Commissioner of Karachi, demanding evidence of action taken against illegal structures. An interim order now mandates that no unauthorized billboard should remain in a state that poses a public hazard.
The SHC’s action underscores a significant judicial intervention intended to ensure adherence to safety standards, with a follow-up hearing scheduled to assess compliance and consider further legal measures.