SBCA without rules since 1979

KARACHI:

A two-member bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC), headed by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, heard a petition regarding the failure of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to compile rules, summoned the additional chief secretary (CS).

The petitioner argued that despite the Sindh Building Control Authority Ordinance, enacted in 1979, the authority is yet to frame its rules.

The SBCA's lawyer claimed that proposals for amending the Sindh Building Control Ordinance have been sent to the Law Department. However, a representative of the Law Department denied receiving these proposals.

The court expressed frustration with the SBCA officials for failing to submit an implementation report. The hearing was adjourned until September 23, with the Additional Chief Secretary of Sindh ordered to appear in person at the next hearing.

Meanwhile, Sarim Burney's lawyers have filed another bail application in the court of the Judicial Magistrate in the case of child smuggling and document tampering.

In the new application, lawyers have argued that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is using delaying tactics and that the investigating officer is yet to present the challan even after several months. They requested for a bail to be granted.