SBCA seals ex-president Dr Arif Alvi’s dental clinic in Karachi’s residential area

Notices posted outside clinic, stating it has been sealed due to illegal commercial use of residential property

KARACHI:

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) sealed a dental clinic operating in the residence of former President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi, on Thursday.

The clinic, located at House 23B, Sindhi Muslim Society, was sealed following complaints of commercial activities in a residential area.

According to reports, the SBCA team, led by Assistant Director Shakeel Jamali, took action against the clinic, with police providing security during the operation. Notices were posted outside the clinic, stating that it had been sealed due to the illegal commercial use of the residential property.

Residents had long complained about the unauthorised clinic, citing issues with parking and privacy in the residential neighbourhood. Several formal complaints had been lodged with the SBCA and the local deputy commissioner’s office over the illegal commercial activities at the property.

"Alvi Dental Clinic was established in a strictly residential area, causing severe problems for the neighbourhood, especially with parking and disturbance of privacy," a resident said.

The SBCA’s action follows months of complaints. The residents claimed that previous complaints against the clinic had been ignored due to Alvi’s influential position. "Authorities were reluctant to take action against the illegal operations run by the former president," a local resident alleged.

The assistant director of SBCA, Shakeel Jamali, stated that prior verbal warnings had been given to the clinic’s management, providing them seven days to address the concerns. However, no legal documents or responses were submitted, leading to the sealing of the premises.

Residents expressed relief at the SBCA's long-overdue action, stating, "Finally, justice has been served. This operation brings hope that the law still works for the public."

The operation aligns with the Supreme Court’s directives against illegal encroachments and construction in residential areas. SBCA Director-General Abdul Rashid Solangi had previously appealed to the public to report any illegal constructions or commercial activities in residential areas.

This action is part of an ongoing campaign by the SBCA to curb illegal commercial activities across the city.