1,035 residential properties found being illegally used for commercial purposes, SHC told

Over 1,035 residential properties have been discovered in 15 per cent survey of Karachi that are being used for commercial purpose and in violation of lease terms, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has told the Sindh High Court (SHC).

Filing compliance report on petitions with regard to commercial use of residential properties in the Clifton area during a recent hearing, the SBCA submitted that a show-cause notice had been issued in all such instances seeking cessation of such illegal activities.

The SBCA’s counsel submitted that an exercise was ongoing with regard to the survey of remaining areas of Karachi and issuance of consequent show-cause notices. He submitted that the SBCA also required assistance of other regulatory authorities and the law enforcement agencies.

A counsel for the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) submitted that the authority had also finalised a public notice to be published in daily newspapers so as to assist with the endeavour.

A division bench of the high court headed by Justice Agha Faisal directed the SBCA and KDA to continue with the endeavours and observed that in such regard they shall remain at liberty to seek the assistance of any regulatory or law enforcement agency deemed necessary. The SHC observed that the authorities shall also remain at liberty to prefer an application to seek assistance of the court if warranted.

Referring to Supreme Court orders in identical cases, the high court observed that the Supreme Court had already held in an order that a complete ban in cessation of conversion of residential plots, amenity plots like that of parks, playgrounds and other amenities shall apply all across Karachi, including its cantonment areas.

The high court also disposed of petitions with regard to commercial use of properties in Clifton that said residential properties shall not be used or permitted to be used for any illegal/unsanctioned purpose and for any purpose contrary to the terms of allotment of the lease.