Karachi: Curse of illegal construction of high rise and apartments is severe threat to ecology in Karachi on one hand and on another poor construction of structures are to utter threats against public life-boarding in such poorly constructed buildings.

Dr Asim Hussain a senior leader of Pakistan Peoples' Party and former Petroleum Minister in an exclusive talks with publication is of the view that due to poor policies and flaws in Sindh Building Control Authority's rules and regulations novice builders and constructors are busy in constructing projects in city. This is because of absence of clear-cut screening system to check builders' credentials at time of awarding no objection certificates and accepting tenders for construction sans any proper documentation and approval by the concerned authorities.

He said, "I am not against any quarter but always favour merit in all sphere of socio-economic activities that ensure principled stand to work and deliver without harming others".

In this regard, construction of apartment projects should be carried by those having expertise and certified with authorities responsible for this sector which also falls under the domain of laws and regulations. He said that no one should be permissible for any such construction where the approved layouts, NOCs and building plans of SBCA are not present.  Dr Asim also said that material checking on every stage of construction should also be ensured by officials of SBCA, and it should be made mandatory in by-laws. It is pertinent to mention here that in the light of  Sindh High Court vide orders passed in different Construction Professional Services has strictly restrained from registering .documents of portions and without completion/approved layout and building plans of SBC, another authorities as required under section-18-G (II) SBCA Ordinance 1979 and relevant laws.

Moreover, Registration Act/Rules also restrain from registering document without NOCs from concerned land owning department/authorities.

Dr Asim further said that all illegal constructions in city would be dealt with iron hands and no any builder would be allowed to construct flat schemes without approval of the competent authority and completion of all prescribed and legal formalities. "No one will be allowed to construct flat projects, portions and high rise without SBCA's NOC in future otherwise will have to face music", Dr Asim said. Former minister also added under such SHC order there is nothing left behind to involve in illegal construction and without permission of concerned authorities whatsoever. Dr Asim Hussain also asked all district registrars, sub-registrars and microfilming officials to abide by the orders of SHC in letter and spirit and in favour of public interest aspirant for acquiring flats/apartments in city without any discrimination under any circumstances.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 08 2022

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