The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has amended building regulations to legalize commercial activities on residential plots in Karachi.
While the move may benefit businesses, experts warn it could further strain the city’s fragile infrastructure, leading to an increase in shops, schools, clinics, and restaurants in residential areas.
Under the amendment to the Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations (KBTPR) 2002, residential plots can now be used for commercial and recreational purposes.
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued multiple orders against commercial activities in residential areas, responding to petitions from affected citizens.
In February, the SHC even issued arrest warrants for a Karachi Development Authority (KDA) official and a property owner for ignoring its rulings.
Despite court orders, authorities failed to take action, allowing businesses to continue operating illegally.
Media reports suggest that the SBCA has struggled to enforce SHC decisions due to the involvement of influential individuals who own many of these businesses. Instead of shutting them down, the SBCA found a legal way to let them continue.
This decision could spark further legal battles as it clashes with existing court rulings against commercialization of residential plots in Karachi.
