Commission orders removal of commercial settlements on industrial plots

Sindh advocate-general told to present a report by January 11

KARACHI: The Supreme Court-mandated Water Commission Head Justice (Retd) Amir Hani Muslim has ordered the removal of the commercial settlements that have been established on water drains and industrial lands. Justice (r) Muslim told the Sindh advocate-general to present the policy report till January 11, in this regard.

The Water Commission proceedings, headed by Justice (r) Muslim, were held at the Sindh High Court in which the Sindh advocate-general, Sindh Building Control Authority director-general and others appeared before the commission. The issue of industrial plots being used for commercial purposes was raised in the commission. Sindh Advocate-General Salman Talibuddin said that how the commercial activities could be stopped now when they have been present on the industrial plots for years. Some of these commercial activities had been set-up for the factory workers, he added.

The commission remarked that almost 80% of the industrial plots were already being used for commercial activities, even the water drains were covered.



Justice (r) Muslim remarked that it seemed no policy had been prepared or implemented by the government. Sindh advocate-general asked for a month’s time to present the policy report. Justice (r) Muslim told him to present the policy report till January 11.

Justice (r) Muslim remarked that it should be mentioned in the report that what the government policy is regarding commercial use of land. He asked for an explanation that under which law these industrial plots were being used. The plots which have been made commercial should be included in a separate list. The policy for buildings that are being constructed for commercial use should also be made. The commission, directing to stop the commercial use immediately, adjourned the proceeding.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2018.