Amenity plot use for other purposes are sheer violations of the law and negation of the rights of citizens
KARACHI: In civilised societies of the world, civic facilities are meant for the benefit of the public and they must be determinedly guarded to protect the interest of the citizens. From the perusal of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973, it is clear that the allotment of amenity plot for a purpose other than amenity is sheer violation of the law and negation of the rights of citizens. Article 38 specifically provides that, the state shall provide for all citizens, within the available resources of the country, facilities for work and adequate livelihood with reasonable rest and leisure.
Unfortunately, the precious amenity lands of Karachi have continuously been illegally converted for profitable businesses. In Karachi, several amenity plots have been allotted to foreign petroleum companies to construct petrol pumps in residential areas. The conversion of amenity plots to commercial is also barred by the Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations, 2002.
Plots that have now been converted into commercial marriage halls or marquees are an absolute violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution and as a result of which easement rights, privacy and the right of air have now been seriously jeopardised due to heavy rush, blockage of roads and traffic congestion that eventually take a toll on people’s mental and physical health.
It has perhaps become a common practice for the authorities, for their own benefits or of their subordinates, to encroach upon public areas, plots, especially greenbelts, parks and playgrounds for commercial purposes and such activities have created a lack of trust in the system.
Arsalan Raja
Published in The Express Tribune, August 15th, 2018.
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