A new and allegedly controversial land-use change game has begun in Karachi by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) enforcing it as law. This new regulation allows residential plots in Karachi to be converted into commercial properties, aiming to openly generate financial gains across the city.
According to the new law, plots ranging from 400 to over 2000 square yards can be converted into commercial properties. This includes the establishment of schools, colleges, universities, clinics, hospitals, restaurants, and hotels in residential areas. As a result, commercial activities can now flourish in places once meant for residential purposes, turning parts of Karachi into towering buildings. However, the city still suffers from a lack of basic amenities, leaving residents to endure mental and physical distress.
Despite the Supreme Court’s injunction, thousands of residential properties across Karachi have already been converted into commercial centers.
For instance, allegedly a residential plot in Clifton, Plot G-24, has been transformed into a commercial plaza, contrary to the Supreme Court’s directive.
This change was made under the leadership of the Director General of the SBCA, who altered the law without any consultation or public input, showcasing an authoritarian approach.
The new law was borne out of the construction of a restaurant on a 2484 square-yard residential plot in Clifton, a decision backed by a powerful figure in Sindh.
This law, which has not undergone any public discussion, was approved unilaterally by the SBCA Director General, Isaq Khoro.
This action has been widely criticized for undermining the law and ignoring procedural due diligence.
Notably, the Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA), established in 1979, had a consultation committee that was responsible for drafting and amending laws related to building control and land use.
However, this time, the SBCA Director General allegedly made the changes without any consultation with the committee or stakeholders, thus raising concerns about corruption and misuse of power.
The Supreme Court had, in 2019, issued an order halting the conversion of 903 residential plots into commercial ones, a ruling that was ignored by several authorities, including the SBCA.
These plots, initially designated for residential use, were illegally converted into commercial spaces, causing significant inconvenience to residents.
In response to this, opposition leaders in the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) have called for action against the responsible officials, particularly DG SBCA, to prevent further misuse of power and to safeguard the city’s future.
As a result of these land-use changes, Karachi’s residents feel increasingly alienated from their city and these actions are leading the city toward irreversible destruction.
