شہری اور ضلعی ریئل اسٹیٹ خبریں

Karachi : ReNews Pakistan
The Sindh Master Plan Authority has withdrawn the notification that had imposed an immediate ban on the conversion of residential land for commercial and recreational use in Karachi, marking a significant development in the city’s long running and contentious land-use dispute.
The withdrawal has been made in compliance with the Federal Constitutional Court’s order issued on May 12, 2026, effectively removing the restrictions imposed through a Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) notification issued in January 2019.
Officials, however, clarified that the withdrawal of the notification does not mean that residential properties can automatically be converted into commercial properties. Any change in land use will continue to remain subject to the applicable laws, approved master plans, zoning regulations and permission from the relevant competent authorities.
The latest notification formally implements the Federal Constitutional Court’s ruling and directs all concerned departments and stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with the court’s order in letter and spirit.
The issue of residential to commercial conversion has remained a major source of controversy in Karachi for several years. Property owners, developers and businesses have repeatedly sought clarity over the legal status of land use conversions, particularly in areas where residential properties have gradually become centers of commercial activity.
The restrictions became particularly significant following Supreme Court orders issued in December 2018 and January 2019. Subsequently, the SBCA issued a notification freezing land-use changes, creating uncertainty for property owners and developers seeking approval for commercial utilization of residential plots.
Amenity Plots Remain Protected Under Court’s Directions
The Federal Constitutional Court had earlier lifted the general ban on the conversion of residential plots into commercial and recreational use, providing relief to property owners, builders and developers affected by the previous restrictions.
At the same time, the court made it clear that amenity plots cannot be converted for commercial or residential purposes. These include parks, hospitals, schools, mosques, playgrounds and graveyards, which are required to retain their designated public and community-oriented purposes.
During the proceedings, Justice Aamer Farooq observed that the court would not interfere with the routine functioning of institutions such as the Sindh Building Control Authority. The court also noted that affected parties retained the right to challenge or appeal decisions arising from High Court proceedings in accordance with the law.
The court further observed that its suo motu jurisdiction was no longer available and that existing laws and regulatory mechanisms were sufficient to address violations of building and land-use regulations.
Senior Director Shakeel Siddiqui, whose signature appears on the latest notification, said the new land-use regime would take effect immediately.
The development is expected to have implications for Karachi’s property market, particularly for owners of residential plots, developers and businesses operating in areas where commercial activity has expanded over the years.
However, the withdrawal of the earlier notification does not remove the requirement for regulatory scrutiny. Property owners seeking commercialization will still have to comply with zoning rules, master plans, building regulations and approval procedures prescribed by the relevant authorities.
The latest move therefore marks the beginning of a new phase in Karachi’s land-use policy rather than an unrestricted opening of residential areas for commercial development. The implementation of the court’s order, and how regulatory authorities process future land-use applications, is likely to remain closely watched by the city’s property sector.

A meeting on the Lahore Development Authority’s (LDA) upcoming balloting and auction was held under the chairmanship of Director General Tahir Farooq. Participants were briefed on the Pine Axes and Pine Executive projects in LDA City.

The DG said Pine Axes, located at a prime site on Pine Avenue, would become a new commercial centre for the city. He said a residential project featuring one-kanal plots was being developed at Pine Executive. In the first phase, 8-marla and 2-kanal commercial plots at Pine Axes, as well as one-kanal residential plots at Pine Executive, have been offered to the market. The plots will be allotted through balloting, with payments spread over two years. The deadline to apply for the Pine Axes and Pine Executive balloting is December 3. Applications can be submitted online through the LDA website.

The DG reviewed progress on development work at both projects. The Director of Auctions briefed the meeting on Lahore Technology Park’s development and its upcoming auction. Commercial plots measuring 8 marla, 15 marla and one kanal at the park will be auctioned at Expo Centre on December 3.

LDA Chief Engineer Israr Saeed, Additional DG (UP), Chief IT Officer, Chief Town Planners I and II, Director of Auctions, Director of Engineering and Director of LDA City attended the meeting.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has directed federal and regional authorities to accelerate development projects in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), emphasizing the need for stronger institutional coordination, efficient governance and timely implementation of public development schemes.

Chairing a high-level review meeting in Islamabad, Dar stressed that development initiatives must deliver tangible socio-economic benefits to residents of both regions. He called for improved cooperation between the federal government and the respective regional administrations to overcome procedural delays, address administrative challenges and ensure that approved development programmes are implemented effectively. The meeting focused on strengthening governance mechanisms and improving the institutional framework needed to support infrastructure development, economic opportunities and essential public services in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan.

During the meeting, the deputy prime minister reviewed key administrative, legislative and financial matters affecting the implementation of development projects. Discussions focused on improving coordination among federal and regional institutions, resolving governance bottlenecks and addressing budgetary and administrative issues that could delay development activities. Dar urged the governments of AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan to introduce practical, results-oriented initiatives aimed at strengthening public administration and improving service delivery at the local level. He also emphasized the importance of modernizing administrative procedures, increasing transparency and ensuring that development resources are utilized efficiently. The proposed improvements are intended to create a more effective environment for public infrastructure projects and other government-led development initiatives while enhancing the capacity of regional institutions to respond to local development needs.

Referring to the historical significance of both regions and the contributions and sacrifices of their people, Ishaq Dar reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to supporting their socio-economic development. He stressed that improved institutional cooperation and the timely resolution of financial and administrative challenges were essential for translating development priorities into practical results. The meeting highlighted the need for continued engagement between federal and regional authorities to strengthen governance, improve accountability and facilitate the implementation of development programmes. Although no project-specific budgets, construction schedules or completion deadlines were disclosed in the meeting details, the directives signal a renewed focus on accelerating development activities in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on coordinated implementation, the availability of financial resources and the ability of the concerned institutions to address outstanding administrative and regulatory issues.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has suspended an e-tender for a road construction project in Rajanpur district financed through funds collected under the Sugarcane Development Cess, raising questions about the legality of the committee responsible for allocating and utilizing the development levy.

Justice Jawad Hassan issued the interim order while admitting a petition filed by Indus Sugar Mills Limited for regular hearing. The sugar mill challenged the constitution and composition of the committee overseeing the cess funds, as well as the allocation and proposed expenditure of those funds on road construction and improvement projects. Following preliminary arguments, the court suspended the e-tender notice issued on October 9, 2026, by the Superintending Engineer, Highway Circle, Dera Ghazi Khan, and restrained further proceedings by the committee until the next hearing scheduled for December 9. The order temporarily halts the tendering process while the court examines whether the relevant authorities complied with statutory requirements in approving the development initiative.

Representing Indus Sugar Mills Limited, counsel Ahmad Raza argued that Rule 9(a-1), clause (ix), of the Punjab Sugarcane (Development) Cess Rules, 1964, establishes mandatory requirements for the committee's composition to ensure stakeholder representation, accountability and transparent utilization of funds collected through the statutory levy. He submitted that Muhammad Awais Drashik, the Member of the Provincial Assembly representing constituency PP-296, where the sugar mill is located, had not been included in the committee despite the prescribed legal requirement.

According to the petitioner, repeated representations were submitted to the concerned authorities and the committee seeking correction of the alleged irregularity, but no effective action was taken. The counsel maintained that the petition was not intended merely to secure the inclusion of a particular individual; rather, it raised a broader legal question concerning the validity of a statutory committee empowered to determine how public development funds should be spent. He also referred to Articles 4 and 10-A of the Constitution, previous Lahore High Court observations regarding the limits of statutory powers and a Supreme Court judgment concerning petitions involving matters of public importance.

During the proceedings, Additional Advocate General Bashir Ahmed Buzdar challenged the maintainability of the petition and informed the court that only the Rajanpur deputy commissioner had submitted a written response, while three other respondents had yet to file their reports or comments. The law officer requested additional time to obtain the remaining submissions. Justice Jawad Hassan observed that the dispute involved more than an ordinary administrative disagreement because it concerned compliance with legally prescribed procedures governing the constitution and functioning of a public committee. The court emphasized that when legislation specifies a particular procedure, the relevant authorities cannot replace it with an alternative administrative arrangement or disregard mandatory legal requirements. After examining the preliminary submissions, the judge found that the petitioner had established a prima facie case and that the balance of convenience supported granting interim relief. The court also observed that allowing the tendering process to proceed could create third-party contractual interests, potentially complicating the dispute and undermining the effectiveness of its eventual judgment.

Consequently, the Lahore High Court suspended the October 9 e-tender notice and further proceedings of the disputed committee pending the next hearing. The court directed the government law officer to ensure that all respondents submit their written statements before December 9 and summoned the Rajanpur deputy commissioner to appear in person alongside senior officials from the other concerned departments. The judge clarified that the interim suspension should not be interpreted as a final determination of the legality of the committee, the proposed allocation of Sugarcane Development Cess funds or the road construction project itself. The case highlights the importance of statutory compliance and transparent decision-making in the financing of public infrastructure, particularly road development schemes supported by funds collected from specific economic sectors.

The rapid expansion of housing schemes, residential townships and commercial developments in Charsadda district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is threatening fertile agricultural land, raising serious concerns about declining crop production, environmental degradation and long-term food security.

Once recognized for its productive wheat and sugarcane fields, vegetable farms and extensive fruit orchards, Charsadda is witnessing increasing conversion of cultivated land into residential plots, housing colonies and concrete structures. According to official figures cited in reports, the district has approximately 500,000 jeribs of land, including around 141,000 jeribs classified as agricultural land. However, growing population pressure, unplanned urban expansion and the proliferation of housing projects have significantly affected farming activities. The conversion of fertile land into residential developments reportedly accelerated after 2018, with estimates suggesting that approximately 25% to 30% of productive agricultural land may have been converted into townships and housing projects, although a comprehensive official land-use survey is required to determine the actual extent of the transformation.

The expansion of residential and commercial construction has particularly affected agricultural areas across Charsadda, Tangi and Shabqadar tehsils. Earlier estimates placed the cultivated area at approximately 220,000 jeribs in Charsadda tehsil, 173,000 jeribs in Tangi and 95,000 jeribs in Shabqadar, highlighting the district's historically strong agricultural base. However, continuous land conversion has reportedly reduced wheat cultivation to around 50,000 acres, while sugarcane and maize production have also experienced declines. Tobacco, an important cash crop traditionally cultivated in Tangi and northern Hashtnagar, is now reportedly grown on approximately 7,163 acres.

The district's traditional fruit-growing industry has also suffered substantial losses, with plum orchards in Sherpao and surrounding areas, once known for supplying fruit to Punjab and other regions, having largely disappeared. Mango and persimmon orchards have similarly declined across several localities, with Abazai remaining among the areas where fruit cultivation continues. Farmers warn that the continued loss of agricultural land could further weaken the district's capacity to produce essential food crops and reduce its contribution to regional agricultural markets.

Beyond declining agricultural output, the uncontrolled spread of housing colonies and commercial infrastructure is creating additional environmental and economic challenges. Farmers and local residents have expressed concern that extensive construction, the replacement of cultivated fields with paved surfaces and increasing groundwater consumption could place further pressure on underground water reserves and the surrounding ecosystem.

The disappearance of agricultural land and orchards is also affecting farmworkers, agricultural labourers and families whose livelihoods depend on crop cultivation, fruit production and related rural economic activities. Growers believe that continued conversion of productive farmland into residential plots could increase Charsadda's dependence on wheat, vegetables and other essential food supplies from neighbouring districts and provinces. They also warn that the gradual decline of farming opportunities may contribute to rural unemployment and undermine the district's traditional agricultural economy.

Local residents and farming communities have urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and relevant development and regulatory authorities to introduce stronger measures to protect fertile agricultural land from uncontrolled residential and commercial development. They have demanded strict action against unauthorized housing schemes, effective monitoring of land-use changes and legislation restricting the conversion of productive farmland into construction sites. Farmers have also called for comprehensive land-use planning to ensure that future housing developments are directed towards suitable non-agricultural locations rather than fertile cultivated areas. They emphasized that sustainable urban expansion must balance growing housing demand with the protection of agricultural resources, groundwater reserves and rural livelihoods. Without timely regulatory intervention, residents fear that Charsadda could face further agricultural decline, increased environmental pressure and growing food security challenges in the coming years.

Pakistan’s first water-sensitive sponge park has been inaugurated at Jamali Park in Federal B Area, Block 8, Karachi, introducing an innovative urban development model designed to conserve rainwater, reduce surface runoff and mitigate the risk of urban flooding.

Developed through a collaboration between World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-P), Gulberg Town Municipal Corporation and GSK (GlaxoSmithKline), the project has the capacity to temporarily retain up to100,000 gallons of rainwater during monsoon rainfall events. Spread over approximately one acre, the redesigned public park incorporates nature-based water management infrastructure intended to improve rainwater infiltration and groundwater recharge.

Experts believe the initiative offers a practical solution to Karachi's growing urban drainage challenges, where extensive concrete surfaces and paved roads prevent rainwater from naturally entering the ground, causing significant quantities of water to flow into drainage systems and eventually into the sea.

The park features specially designed rain gardens, bioswales and permeable pathways that enable it to absorb and temporarily store rainwater before allowing it to gradually infiltrate the soil. Rain gardens collect runoff in shallow, planted depressions, while bioswales help slow and filter stormwater through vegetated channels. Permeable walkways allow water to pass through their surfaces rather than accumulating on paved areas, helping reduce pressure on conventional drainage infrastructure during heavy rainfall. Beyond stormwater management, the park includes native tree plantations, a dedicated biodiversity zone, a pollinator habitat and a community learning area designed to promote environmental awareness and provide visitors with opportunities to understand sustainable water conservation practices. These improvements are also expected to support urban wildlife, increase green cover, reduce the urban heat island effect and improve the surrounding area's microclimate.

Speaking at the inauguration, Anum Farhan, Senior Programme Adviser for Asia, Conservation, Advocacy and Policy at WWF-UK, described the transformation of Jamali Park as an example of how local governments can translate climate commitments into practical improvements in public spaces. Naeem Ashraf Raja, Director of the Biodiversity Programme at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, welcomed the initiative for its contribution to urban biodiversity and its alignment with the objectives of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Sohail Ali Naqvi, Director of the Freshwater Programme at WWF-Pakistan, emphasized that the project demonstrates how nature-based infrastructure can support groundwater recharge, conserve urban vegetation and strengthen sustainable water management. He noted that similar interventions could be replicated and expanded across Karachi and other Pakistani cities to address the increasing environmental pressures associated with rapid urbanization.

Gulberg Town Chairman Nusratullah announced plans to introduce similar environmentally sustainable designs in other public parks across the town, indicating the potential for wider adoption of sponge park infrastructure in Karachi. The inauguration ceremony was attended by representatives of government institutions, academia, civil society, corporate organizations and local communities. Environmental experts believe the Jamali Park project provides a replicable model for municipalities seeking to integrate stormwater management into urban planning, public park development and rehabilitation programmes. By combining recreational facilities with rainwater conservation, groundwater recharge and biodiversity protection, the initiative demonstrates how existing urban spaces can be redesigned to improve climate resilience, reduce localized flooding risks and support more sustainable development in Pakistan's rapidly expanding cities.