Karachi: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday issued notices to several provincial and city authorities in response to a constitutional petition filed by Altaf Shakoor, Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP). The petition challenges the installation of commercial billboards on tall poles and high-rise buildings without adequate safety measures.
The petition names several respondents, including the Secretary of Housing and Town Planning, the Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), the Commissioner of Karachi, the Cantonment Board Karachi, and the Sindh Environmental Protection Agency. Shakoor argues that these billboards are erected without a proper policy, solely to generate rental income. He highlights past incidents where billboards have fallen, resulting in loss of life and property.
Shakoor also referenced a decision by the Supreme Court of Pakistan, which had previously directed the removal of hazardous billboards and imposed a ban on their installation. These directives were initially followed, but Shakoor claims that illegal installations have resumed over time.
With heavy rains predicted for the upcoming monsoon season, Shakoor expressed concerns about the potential dangers posed by these billboards, particularly those on private buildings that lack proper maintenance. He warned that rusted poles could bend and collapse under the strain of heavy rain and strong winds.
The petitioner urged the court to direct the immediate removal of billboards from high-rise buildings and poles. He also called for detailed reports from the respondents on the removal of hazardous billboards from Karachi.
The SHC has admitted the petition and issued notices to the respondents. According to PDP Advocate Khuram Lakhani, Justices Muhammad Karim Khan Agha and Adnanul Karim Menon presided over the hearing and issued the notices. Lakhani affirmed that on the instructions of Altaf Shakoor, the PDP will continue advocating for the safety and welfare of Karachi’s residents.