SHC orders demolition of illegal structures

Court also calls for action against officials who permitted unauthorised construction

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the complete demolition of illegal constructions in Nazimabad No2 within the next 15 days.

Furthermore, the court has called for immediate action against the officials of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) allegedly responsible for allowing these illegal structures.

Appearing before a two-member bench, comprising Justice Yousuf Ali Sayeed and Justice Mohammad Abdul Rehman, the counsel representing SBCA, Dhan Baksh Lashari, informed the judges that an implementation report had been submitted and an inquiry committee formed to investigate the issue of illegal constructions.

The bench inquired about the actions taken against the officers who held positions during the time period when the illegal structures had been built. Justice Sayeed specifically sought information regarding the directors and deputy directors in the past two years.

In response, the SBCA attorney lamented the prevalence of premature appointments and postings within the Authority. Justice Sayeed asserted a determination to put an end to such practices, including the resolution of the issue of early transfers. Providing an update, the SBCA lawyer informed the court that the third floor of the building had already been demolished, with plans to proceed to the second floor in the morning. Assuring the court, the counsel stated that all illegal constructions would be razed within the stipulated 15-day timeframe.

Additionally, they committed to drafting a letter to the concerned department, urging the initiation of criminal proceedings against the building owner.

The SBCA’s director central and his deputy affirmed their commitment to removing the illegal constructions within the given period. The SBCA counsel requested the court’s intervention in facilitating coordination with other agencies to ensure a smooth operation.

It was highlighted that during the operation against the constructions, criminal elements had interfered, and utility providers such as K-Electric and SSGC had made connections without obtaining the necessary completion certificates.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2023.