KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has issued notices to the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and other concerned parties regarding alleged illegal constructions on plots in the Ismailia Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited in Karimabad. The court has directed that these constructions be halted immediately.

A two-member bench, comprising Justice M. Faisal Kamal and Justice Sana Akram Manhas, heard the case. The petitioner, a resident of Karimabad Society, stated that constructions are ongoing on plots KA-8 and K-4 in violation of SBCA rules and approved plans. According to the 1998 approved plan, only four floors were allowed on plot KA-8, but the builder, AH Constructors, is constructing up to ten floors. Similarly, no approved building plan exists for plot K-4, yet construction continues there as well.

The petitioner’s lawyer informed the court that in a report submitted to the office of the Sindh Ombudsman on June 25, 2024, SBCA stated that only ground plus four floors were permitted for the constructions in question, and no NOC or sealing was required since both plots’ units were intended for the welfare of the Ismaili community. The lawyer argued that SBCA’s statement is illegal because no new approvals have been granted after 1998, which contradicts KBTR (Karachi Building & Town Planning Regulations) rules.

The court noted that the petitioner’s stance appears worth considering and directed that the Karimabad Ismailia Society be included as Respondent No. 6. It further instructed that the amended petition be filed before the next hearing and notices issued to all parties, but newspaper publication is not required; electronic notification is sufficient.

The court also ordered that no construction contrary to the approved plan or KBTR rules be carried out on plot KA-8, while the situation on plot K-4 should remain unchanged as no approved plan exists for it yet.

SBCA was directed to submit a detailed report addressing the court’s observations before the next hearing, including the current status of constructions and the regulations that justify the claim that NOC or approval renewal is not required even after 25 years. The next hearing is scheduled for October 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.