The Sindh High Court’s Constitutional Bench, led by Justice KK Agha, has ordered the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and other relevant departments to submit a report within two weeks regarding the ongoing commercial activities in a residential building on Burns Road. The order came after a petition highlighted concerns about illegal businesses operating within a building that is part of an archaeological site.
During the court proceedings, SBCA’s lawyer informed the bench that several illegal shops in the building had been sealed. However, the seals were repeatedly removed by individuals who resumed their commercial activities, prompting the SBCA to take further action. Legal cases are being registered against those involved in reopening the shops despite the initial re-sealing efforts.
Also Read: Karachi Administration Sets Official Rates for Graves
The petitioner’s lawyer pointed out that the court had previously ordered the SBCA to halt all commercial activities within the residential building. He also expressed concerns over the structural integrity of the building, citing that the construction of shops in the building, which is located in an archaeological area, could lead to damage and potential collapse.
In response, the court instructed SBCA to take strict legal action against the violators and ensure that cases were filed against those flouting the law. The court has given SBCA and other relevant authorities a two-week deadline to submit a detailed report on the matter.
