SHC expresses ire over illegal construction

Directs petitioner to make Cantonment Board Korangi Creek party in case

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the petitioner to make the Cantonment Board Korangi Creek a party within seven days on the application pertaining to illegal possession and sale of 14 amenity plots of Korangi Crossing Sector 30 A.

The court remarked that as tall buildings are erected, who will be responsible when they fall? Only 68 and 80 square-yard plots were marked and sold. Illegal construction of houses in sectors is alarming.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi heard the application.

Petitioner's counsel submitted that 14 amenity plots of Sector 30-A Korangi Township were occupied and sold illegally.

The court remarked that it is an eye opener. What is happening in Karachi? When China Cutting is happening, people buy cheap plots. There is no resistance from the locals at that time.

Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi said in his remarks that no one is going to check China Cutting. They build tall buildings on small plots. Who will be responsible when buildings collapse. Plots of 68 and 80 square yards were cut on grabbed amenity pieces of land and sold. Just look at the report and you will feel ashamed. I live in front of this area myself.

Justice Rizvi asked if the approval was given by the Cantonment Board. Korangi Creek Cantonment Board should be made party. The court adjourned the hearing till September 22 directing the petitioner to make the Cantonment Board Korangi Creek a party.

Land mafia carves up park
in plots

The Sindh High Court has ordered DMC west to take immediate action on the application related to illegal possession of park land in Sector 14/B Orangi Town. The court directed the Chief Secretary to implement the decision.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi heard the application. The petitioner's counsel informed the court that Plot No. ST-4 was occupied by land mafia. The city is already running out of parks. The counsel in his arguments has said that occupation of park's land is illegal.

The court ordered DMC west to take immediate action against the land mafia. The court in its remarks said that immediate action should be taken if the constructions are illegal.

The court also directed to send a copy of the decision to the chief secretary.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd, 2022.