KARACHI: In a significant legal development, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has rescinded its contentious notification to commercialize welfare (amenity) plots in Karachi. This decision comes in the wake of a legal challenge spearheaded by the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), which argued that such commercialization would negatively impact the city’s urban planning.
The move to withdraw the notification was made just before the commencement of a court hearing at the Sindh High Court. With the SBCA’s decision to retract, the court subsequently disposed of the case, marking a victory for the PDP.
Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party, lauded the outcome, viewing it as a triumph for the residents of Karachi. He asserted that the legal battle had effectively countered the plan to fully commercialize the city, ensuring that welfare plots remain protected from commercial interests.
The notification’s withdrawal highlights the ongoing debates about urban development in Karachi, where economic aspirations must be balanced with community welfare and environmental considerations.