SHC restrains action against petitioner in hostel misuse case

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has restrained authorities from taking any adverse action against a petitioner who has challenged the alleged commercial misuse of a hostel intended for retired women in Clifton.

The court has also issued notices to a private school and other commercial occupants operating on the premises, ordering them to submit their responses by August 18.

The petitioner resides at the Dr Salma Ahmed Women's Complex, a facility managed by the Pakistan Federation of Business and Professional Women's Organisation.

According to the petitioner's counsel, parts of the hostel — originally allotted for welfare purposes — have been unlawfully converted into a private educational institution and commercial shops.

The counsel informed the court that female residents who objected to the alleged misuse were subjected to harassment. A formal complaint was submitted to the Social Welfare Department, but authorities failed to take any action, the petitioner claimed.

Arguing that the property was allocated strictly for social welfare and not for profit-making ventures, the petitioner pleaded for judicial intervention to prevent further violations and harassment.

Recognising the potential abuse of welfare land, the SHC barred any retaliatory measures against the petitioner and sought written responses from all concerned parties, including the hostel administration and commercial tenants.

The case has brought renewed attention to the misuse of public welfare assets in urban centres and underscored the need for greater oversight and accountability in the allocation and management of properties designated for charitable or nonprofit purposes.

The court will resume hearing the case after the respondents submit their responses by August 18.