KARACHI: The Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) has announced plans to purchase the plot on which Karachi’s demolished Nasla Tower once stood and reconstruct the building, following a landmark ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court.
Speaking on a private television programme on Friday, ABAD Chairman Hassan Bakhshi welcomed the court’s decision to set aside the Supreme Court’s earlier orders that had led to the demolition of the high-rise. The constitutional court ruled that action against illegal constructions does not fall within the judiciary’s jurisdiction.
Bakhshi hailed the verdict as a long-overdue correction but urged the authorities to ensure that all affected families receive full compensation without further delay.
He said residents had endured severe financial hardship and mental distress over the past eight years, arguing that while the review of the earlier judgment was welcome, the prolonged delay in delivering justice had caused irreparable losses.
“The decision is positive, but the victims of Nasla Tower have yet to receive any compensation,” Bakhshi said, adding that any mistake made in the past should now be rectified. He proposed that the plot be sold and the proceeds used to compensate the affected residents.
The ABAD chief also claimed that attempts had previously been made to persuade the then chief justice, Justice Gulzar Ahmed, before the demolition order was issued. He said representations had also been made to various state institutions and the Prime Minister’s Office, but those efforts did not succeed.
Announcing ABAD’s proposal, Bakhshi said the association intended to purchase the Nasla Tower plot and rebuild the project. He noted that the tower’s original developer, whom he described as belonging to a modest economic background, had since passed away.
Reiterating his proposal, Bakhshi said the auction or sale of the plot could generate the funds needed to compensate those who lost their homes in the demolished building.
