SC orders cantonment boards to raze illegal structures in Karachi

Apex court orders officials to redraw the metropolis' master plan

KARACHI: The Supreme Court on Friday ordered all illegal structures within the jurisdiction of Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) in Karachi to be demolished immediately.

A three-member bench of the SC, headed by Chief Justice Pakistan (CJP) Justice Gulzar Ahmed, heard the case against building violations in CBC-controlled areas of Karachi.

Officials from the CBC and the Attorney General of Pakistan Anwar Mansoor Khan were present in the courtroom.

During the hearing, the chief justice questioned how construction was allowed in different localities of CBC, including Delhi Colony, Punjab Colony, P&T Colony and Girzi road.

The chief justice ordered the demolition of highrise buildings in the said areas and added that strict action must be taken against the offenders.

The counsel of CBC claimed that there is permission to construct ground-plus-one buildings in Delhi Colony.

"Who said Delhi Colony is a residential area? You have not gone to the place in question yourself," remarked Justice Gulzar.

"The attorney general should explain why construction activities are continuing in the said areas. Buildings with nine floors are being constructed, demolish them immediately," said the chief justice.

Cantonment board officials present during the hearing, however, stated that action has been taken against illegal construction in areas under their jurisdiction.

"Destroy the buildings and make a park," added the CJP.

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Justice Gulzar further questioned the top land official of CBC and asked on what grounds was permission given for such construction projects.

"Is this your government that you can do as you please? Can the CBC explain its position?"

The top CBC official responded that many structures have already been demolished.

'Redraw Karachi's master plan'

Hearing the case pertaining to lack of town planning in the metropolis, the chief justice ordered the authorities concerned to redraw Karachi’s master plan.

The apex court also admonished concerned officials in regards to the haphazard planning in the city and directed a redesign of the city, adding that officials should seek help from civil engineers, experts and town planners to improve the city.

Blaming the provincial government for the current state of affairs, the chief justice said Karachi has become “a mega-problem city”.

Advocate General Sindh Salman Talibudin, who was present during the hearing, suggested that a high-level committee should be formed to look into the matter and added that officials from the concerned departments will continue to provide positive reports regardless of what happens in the city.

“It is not our job to make a committee. If the government wants to do so, they can,” said Justice Sajjad Ali Shah.

During the hearing, the chief justice also inquired how a flyover was allowed to be constructed near the Quaid’s mausoleum along with other high-rise structures.

The chief justice also said an awareness campaign should be launched for the citizenry of the port city.

The provincial advocate general assured the court that a committee would be formed and he would personally look into the matter.