SC stays construction on amenity plot

Petitioner claims illegal constructions taking place at site of former Chandni Cinema

KARACHI: The Supreme Court (SC) stayed on Friday the construction of a commercial plaza on the site of former Chandni Cinema.

A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Gulzar Ahmed, also issued notices to the chief secretary, advocate-general, a representative of the revenue board and others.

During Friday's proceedings, the petitioner, Rashid Khan, argued that the plot of Chandni Cinema was an amenity plot on which the construction of a high rise commercial building was illegal. The petitioner also alleged that some officials of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and Karachi Building Control Authority had been conniving in the illegal construction.

After listening to the petitioner's stance, Justice Ahmed asked how an amenity plot was converted into a commercial one.



A defence lawyer, however, contended that the plot had never had the status of an amenity plot, to which the bench replied that the matter will be decided once documents are submitted to the court. Till then, the apex court ordered to stop construction at the plot in question.

SHC issues stay order

Meanwhile, the Sindh High Court (SHC) also issued on Friday a stay order against the construction of portions on a residential plot in Nazimabad.

The petitioner, Zia Umar, argued that illegal construction was taking place in front of his house in Nazimabad No 5. He claimed that no action was taken to stop the construction despite complaints registered with the SBCA in this regard.

The SHC ordered to stay the construction. The court also issued notices to the relevant authorities and directed them to submit replies after summer vacations.