Karachi, Pakistan (HRNW)- In a clear contravention of law and urban planning regulations, illegal construction of a restaurant has once again resumed on Plot No. 32/2, KDA Scheme, Tipu Sultan Road, located in District East, Karachi. The plot, measuring 300 square yards, is officially designated for residential use only, making any commercial construction unlawful under existing building and zoning laws.
According to local residents, the same illegal restaurant had previously been demolished on the orders of the former Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) after strong objections from area residents and widespread exposure on social media. However, despite this earlier enforcement action, construction work has mysteriously restarted at the same site.
Residents allege that the renewed illegal activity is taking place under the watch of the newly appointed DG SBCA, raising serious concerns about institutional failure and administrative complicity. Community members further claim that a culture of bribery has resurfaced within SBCA, with allegations of collusion involving the Assistant Director and Building Inspector, allowing the unlawful construction to proceed unchecked.
Urban governance experts warn that converting residential plots into commercial restaurants not only violates SBCA regulations and zoning laws, but also endangers public safety by overburdening local infrastructure, increasing traffic congestion, and heightening fire and safety risks in residential neighborhoods.
Local citizens have called upon the Chief Minister of Sindh, Chief Secretary, Anti-Corruption Establishment, and accountability institutions to take immediate notice, conduct a transparent investigation, and initiate strict legal action against all officials found facilitating or ignoring the violation. They have also demanded the immediate demolition of the illegal structure to uphold the rule of law and protect residents’ rights.
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HRNW emphasizes that repeated violations of building laws, especially after prior demolitions, highlight deeper governance and accountability failures that directly impact citizens’ right to safe housing, lawful urban development, and equal application of the law.
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