Karachi: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has passed orders against the hosting of commercial activities in residential areas of Block 4, Kehkashan, Clifton, a news source reported. The orders apply to commercial businesses; such as beauty parlours, restaurants, private clinics, etc. Failure to follow through with the orders will result in appropriate action by the government.
The order was passed because more than two dozen lawsuits were filed against Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), which is responsible for restraining businesses from using residential areas in Clifton’s Block 4.
Counsels on behalf of the plaintiffs have stated that the Sindh High Density Development Board was selected and empowered in 2010 to identify several areas as ‘high density’ zones. This allows for the conversion of land for commercial uses. They further added that Clifton’s Block 4 is located in a commercial area that features several high rises buildings. This eliminates the need of owners to take any extra measures for converting their concerned properties.
It was also mentioned that SBCA has no jurisdiction in this matter. The properties being discussed fall either under the purview of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) or Karachi Development Authority (KDA). Therefore, SBCA should not be monitoring their usage.
Meanwhile, KDA’s counsel has reported that the authority was never approached. Also, NOCs have not been granted for using these properties commercially. SBCA’s counsel detailed that the plaintiffs have violated the authority’s policies by carrying out conversion for commercial usage.
The court has concluded that the commercial conversion took place without appropriate approvals, and was not in accordance with the law. It was noted that such mass conversions in the city disrupt the quiet and comfortable life normally led by residents. Therefore, the applications of plaintiffs have been rejected, and orders have been given to stop commercial usage within a month’s timeframe.
