National Real Estate News

The Karachi administration has completed fire safety audits of 1,369 buildings across the city's seven districts as part of an extensive inspection campaign launched under the directives of the Sindh government to strengthen building safety standards and prevent fire-related emergencies.

The progress was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi at his office on November 11, 2026, where officials presented detailed reports on inspections, safety assessments, regulatory compliance and enforcement measures.

According to the briefing, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has begun uploading approved building plans and maps to the Commissioner Karachi Safety Audit Portal. Documentation for 207 buildings has been uploaded to facilitate emergency planning and improve coordination among firefighting agencies.

Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi directed deputy commissioners, SBCA officials and other relevant departments to accelerate inspections and ensure that identified fire hazards are eliminated without unnecessary delays. He emphasised that compliance with prescribed fire safety regulations must be ensured in residential, commercial and other buildings covered by the inspection programme.

The meeting reviewed district-wise progress, including audits of 287 buildings in Korangi, 113 in Central, 107 in East, 103 in West and 98 in South. Officials also presented findings from inspections conducted by eight departments involved in the citywide safety campaign.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) analyst Diyal Das Rathore briefed participants on risk assessments, the classification of non-compliant buildings, follow-up inspections and emergency evacuation exercises. The meeting was informed that repeated inspections had helped reduce safety risks in several previously identified buildings. However, the commissioner instructed officials to revisit properties where deficiencies remained and ensure implementation of all necessary preventive measures.

Authorities reported that assistant commissioners had issued reminder notices to 17 buildings failing to comply with fire safety requirements, while one building had been sealed. Fire drills have also been conducted in 279 buildings to assess emergency preparedness and strengthen evacuation procedures.

In another significant decision, firefighters from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Fire Brigade and Rescue 1122 will receive specialised training in interpreting building plans. The SBCA will coordinate the training programme in collaboration with the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD).

The initiative is intended to help emergency responders understand building layouts, access routes and internal structures during firefighting and rescue operations. ABAD will also upload building plans of relevant properties to the digital safety portal to support coordinated emergency response.

Commissioner instructed departments to strengthen standard operating procedures, improve interdepartmental coordination and take enforcement action against persistent violations. He stressed that notices, follow-up inspections and building closures should be undertaken wherever necessary to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

The ongoing campaign is particularly significant for Karachi's residential and commercial property sector, where building safety compliance remains essential for protecting occupants, businesses and property investments. Authorities believe that systematic inspections, digital building records and improved emergency training will strengthen fire prevention measures across the metropolis.

The administration has directed all concerned departments to complete the remaining audits and ensure that buildings meet the required safety standards.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that a building known as “Bari Imam House” is an unauthorised occupation of land acquired by the authority in 1963. The CDA has also disputed any legal connection between the building and the shrine of Hazrat Bari Imam.

In a written response submitted through its counsel, Kashif Ali Malik, the authority said the property is not listed in its official land acquisition or revenue records. It argued that the petitioner has no lawful ownership, title or permission to occupy or use the premises.

The CDA identified the disputed land as comprising Khasra Nos. 435, 582, 591, 592 and 593 in Mauza Noorpur Shahan. According to its response, the land was acquired under Award No. 4/DC CDA/1963, and compensation and other admissible benefits were paid to the respective landowners. The authority said the acquisition record contains no reference to a building or establishment called “Bari Imam House.” On that basis, it considers the occupation an encroachment on land acquired by the CDA.

The authority also distinguished the disputed building from the shrine, or Darbar, of Hazrat Bari Imam. It said the shrine is situated on separate land comprising Khasra Nos. 277, 665, 677, 678, 679 and 680, recorded in the name of Darbar Aalia Hazrat Bari Abdul Latif Shah (R.A.). According to the CDA, the shrine land is located across the road from the disputed premises.

The authority argued that the two properties are separate both legally and geographically, and that associating the building with the shrine does not establish ownership or a right to occupy the land. The CDA has also challenged the maintainability of the constitutional petition, raising objections to the petitioner’s legal standing and entitlement to use the premises.

The response follows an IHC order issued on November 3, 2026, directing the relevant authorities to de-seal the building and restraining its demolition until the next hearing. The CDA has requested an early hearing, preferably during the week beginning November 9, instead of the date previously scheduled for January 18, 2027. It said it wants to present its legal and factual position before the court.

The Sheikhupura Interchange on the Lahore/Islamabad Motorway (M-2) has been temporarily closed as repair crews work on a section of the northbound carriageway between kilometres 45 and 48.
Syed Imran Ahmed, spokesperson for the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) Central Region, said both entry to and exit from the motorway at the interchange had been suspended during the work.

Authorities have put traffic diversions in place, though no completion time was specified in the report.
Motorists who normally use the Sheikhupura Interchange have been advised to enter or leave the M-2 through Hiran Minar Interchange instead. NHMP officers are stationed in the area to guide drivers and provide information about the alternative route.

The repair work is part of a broader maintenance activity on the motorway. An earlier NHMP travel advisory listed roadwork-related lane restrictions on the northbound carriageway between Hadiyala Virkan and Sheikhupura, around kilometres 42 to 46.

The police have urged road users to follow officers’ instructions and use the diversion until the repair work is completed. Motorists should check the latest NHMP travel advisory or call helpline 130 before travelling, as closures and diversions may change.

A high-level Saudi business delegation has expressed keen interest in investment and trade cooperation at Gwadar Port. The delegation discussed opportunities in cargo services, transit trade, transshipment and proposed energy terminals with Pakistani officials.
The Saudi delegation visited the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) head office, where Gwadar Port Chairman Noorul Haq Baloch briefed its members on the port’s commercial potential, operational capabilities, strategic location and available investment opportunities.

The meeting reviewed the potential to develop Gwadar Port into an important regional hub for trade and cargo movement. The Saudi delegation showed particular interest in investment and cooperation in cargo handling, transit trade and transshipment.

Participants also discussed the proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) terminals at Gwadar Port, including possible Saudi investment in their construction. Baloch told the delegation that Gwadar’s geographical location gave it significance for regional and international trade. He also highlighted the port’s potential to become a major centre for transit trade and transshipment in the region.

The Saudi delegation expressed particular interest in Gwadar’s geographical and commercial importance outside the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as a potentially valuable location for cooperation in maritime trade and logistics.
During the meeting, Saudi-Pakistan Business Council Chairman Prince Mansour Al Saud accepted an invitation to visit Gwadar Port. The delegation said it would visit soon to assess the port’s commercial, operational and investment opportunities.

The participants also discussed ways to expand maritime trade, port services, investment in the energy sector and broader economic cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

No specific investment agreement, project cost or final investment amount was announced during the meeting.

Construction work on the Winder Dam project in Balochistan’s Lasbela district is continuing, with the development expected to facilitate irrigation across approximately 10,000 acres of land, improve agricultural productivity and provide clean drinking water to surrounding communities. Commissioner Lasbela Division Saira Atta visited the project site to review ongoing construction activities and assess progress. During the visit, Project Director Engineer Nasir Majeed and Deputy Project Director Nawabzada Junaid Gichki briefed her on the project's technical and economic aspects, construction activities, current status and implementation challenges.

According to Project Director Engineer Nasir Majeed, Winder Dam is an important water infrastructure project being developed with federal government support under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). Construction has been underway since 2021. During the briefing, officials stated that the dam measures approximately 1.5 kilometres in length and 41 metres in depth, while its water conveyance system extends over 20 kilometres and includes four distributaries. Once operational, the project is expected to improve groundwater levels, expand access to irrigation facilities and enable farmers to cultivate additional agricultural land. These improvements could contribute to higher crop yields and strengthen the local agricultural economy.

Officials further informed the commissioner that the completion of Winder Dam would support agricultural development and improve water availability in Lasbela, while potentially creating employment opportunities and raising living standards in nearby communities. The irrigation network is expected to provide a more reliable water supply to agricultural areas, supporting increased cultivation and improved farm productivity. Authorities believe the project could also contribute to the broader socioeconomic development of Lasbela district and Balochistan by strengthening agricultural infrastructure, improving water resource management and supporting economic activity in surrounding areas.

During her inspection, Commissioner Saira Atta examined construction activities at different sections of the dam and emphasised the project's importance for agricultural development, irrigation and the regional economy. She directed the relevant departments and project officials to accelerate construction, maintain prescribed engineering and quality standards, and take effective measures to complete the remaining work within the stipulated timeframe. The commissioner also instructed officials to address administrative and technical obstacles on a priority basis to prevent unnecessary delays and ensure that local communities benefit from the project as early as possible. Senior officials from the relevant departments were also present during the visit.

The Sindh government has approved a revised development framework for the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) in Thatta district, allocating 1,171 acres of saleable land for industrial and commercial development under a proposed 36-month implementation plan.

The decision was taken at the 53rd meeting of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy Board, chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on November 10, 2026, as part of the provincial government's efforts to accelerate industrial development and encourage private-sector investment.

Under the approved planning framework, 1,071 acres have been designated for industrial activities, while another 100 acres have been reserved for commercial purposes. The allocation is intended to accommodate manufacturing facilities, industrial enterprises and supporting commercial services within the economic zone. The project will be developed in two phases, with a total implementation period of 36 months proposed under the revised development framework. The government has also approved a restructuring of the project's implementation model, replacing the earlier Build, Operate and Transfer arrangement with a joint venture approach involving public and private-sector participation.

Under the revised structure, the Sindh government, through the Sindh Economic Zones Management Company, will contribute land, previously completed development works and other agreed resources. Private investors will be expected to provide financing, technical expertise and development capabilities. The PPP Policy Board has endorsed a two-stage competitive bidding process for selecting private-sector partners. This process will involve the assessment of prospective investors, consultations and the submission of technical and financial proposals before contractual arrangements are finalised.

Dhabeji Special Economic Zone is among the priority industrial development projects associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Located near Port Qasim and the National Highway, the economic zone is strategically positioned to provide industrial investors with access to transportation networks, port facilities and major commercial markets. The proposed industrial area is expected to accommodate manufacturing and processing activities across sectors including engineering, automobiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, steel and construction materials. Meanwhile, the land designated for commercial development is intended to support business activities and services associated with the industrial estate.

The availability of industrial and commercial land within a planned economic zone could create opportunities for domestic and foreign investors seeking facilities close to Karachi's port and logistics infrastructure. The development is also expected to generate demand for industrial construction, warehousing, transportation services and supporting infrastructure as investment activity progresses. However, approval of the revised development framework does not mean that all construction activities have commenced or that the proposed completion period is guaranteed.

The selection of private-sector partners, finalisation of investment agreements and execution of the remaining development works will determine the project's implementation schedule. The revised framework represents a significant planning step towards developing Dhabeji into an organised industrial and commercial investment destination in Sindh.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that illegal occupation of government-owned land does not create any legal or ownership rights, dismissing an appeal challenging the Punjab government's decision to change the allocation scheme for 76 kanals of state land in Pakpattan district.

A two-member division bench comprising Justice Chaudhry Muhammad Iqbal and Justice Muzamil Akhtar Shabir upheld the government's authority to determine how its property should be utilised and allocated.

The six-page judgment, authored by Justice Muzamil Akhtar Shabir, was delivered on November 10, 2026, in an intra-court appeal filed by Masood Ahmed against an earlier decision of a single-member bench.

The dispute concerned the conversion of 76 kanals of government-owned land from the Temporary Cultivation Scheme to the Lambardari Grant Scheme.
The appellant challenged the government's decision, arguing that it conflicted with observations recorded in an earlier court order dated March 4, 2015.

However, the division bench rejected the argument, observing that the disputed land belonged to the provincial government and that the appellant had no legally established ownership or occupancy rights. The court held that the government, as the lawful owner of the property, possessed the authority to determine its intended use and change the applicable allocation scheme in accordance with the law.

It further observed that an unauthorised occupant could not challenge such administrative decisions merely because they affected land under his illegal possession. According to the judgment, the appellant had not denied his unauthorised occupation of the disputed property, and the findings regarding his illegal possession had remained unchallenged throughout the proceedings.

The bench also examined whether observations made in previous judicial proceedings could establish enforceable rights over government property.
It concluded that temporary or tentative observations recorded in an earlier court order did not create permanent legal entitlements or vested interests in favour of an unauthorised occupant.

The judges emphasised that constitutional relief is available to persons whose legally recognised rights have been affected, rather than individuals seeking to protect possession unsupported by law. In its detailed findings, the court stated that the appellant could not claim the status of an aggrieved person simply because the competent authorities had decided to allocate government land under a different scheme.

The division bench found no legal defect, jurisdictional error or misinterpretation of the record in the earlier decision issued by the single-member bench on April 25, 2017. Consequently, the court dismissed Masood Ahmed's intra-court appeal and maintained the government's decision to allocate the disputed land under the Lambardari Grant Scheme.

The ruling clarifies the legal distinction between physical possession and lawful entitlement to state-owned property.It also reinforces the principle that government land allocation decisions cannot be challenged solely on the basis of unauthorised occupation. The judgment provides important guidance for public land administration and disputes involving individuals occupying government property without legally established rights.

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has announced a significant discovery of natural gas and condensate reserves in Sindh’s Khairpur district, marking an important development in Pakistan’s efforts to expand domestic energy production and reduce dependence on imported fuels. The company disclosed the discovery in a notification submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on November 11, 2026, confirming successful exploration and testing at its Bitrisim Northwest-1 exploratory well.

According to OGDCL, initial production testing recorded a gas flow of 12.8 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD), alongside approximately 175 barrels of condensate per day. Condensate is a valuable liquid hydrocarbon recovered from natural gas production and can be processed into various petroleum products. The discovery was made in the Basal Sands of the Lower Goru Formation within the Bitrisim Exploration Licence in Khairpur district.

OGDCL operates the exploration block with a 95 percent working interest, while Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL) holds the remaining five percent.Exploratory drilling at Bitrisim Northwest-1 commenced on August 21, 2026, and continued to a total depth of 3,732 metres in the Sembar Formation. Following the examination of geological data and well logs, engineers conducted a Drill Stem Test (DST) to assess the presence and flow characteristics of hydrocarbons in the targeted geological formation.

During testing, the well delivered 12.8 million standard cubic feet of natural gas and 175 barrels of condensate daily through a 32/64-inch choke. The wellhead flowing pressure was recorded at 3,020 pounds per square inch, indicating substantial pressure during the initial testing process.

OGDCL said it was accelerating the necessary technical and infrastructure arrangements to connect the newly discovered well to the national gas gathering system. The company intends to bring the discovery into commercial production as early as possible, allowing the newly identified resources to contribute to domestic energy supplies.

The development is expected to strengthen OGDCL’s hydrocarbon resource base while supporting Pakistan’s broader efforts to address the gap between energy demand and local production. Increasing indigenous natural gas supplies could also help reduce pressure on imported energy resources, although the actual contribution will depend on sustained production and successful integration into the national network.

The Khairpur discovery is particularly relevant to Sindh’s energy sector, where hydrocarbon exploration and production activities remain important components of the provincial industrial economy. Additional domestic gas availability may support industrial operations, electricity generation and other energy-dependent economic activities once commercial production begins.

However, the reported daily production figures represent initial well-testing results rather than confirmed long-term commercial output.
The company has not yet announced a specific date for connecting the well to the national gas network or beginning sustained commercial production. The new discovery nevertheless represents a promising addition to Pakistan’s domestic hydrocarbon resources and reinforces the importance of continued oil and gas exploration in Sindh.

The Balochistan government has completed 14 out of 34 strategic development projects across the province, while work on the remaining 20 projects is continuing, according to officials.

The progress was disclosed during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan in Quetta on Tuesday, November 10, to review ongoing and pending development schemes. Secretaries of the relevant provincial departments attended the meeting and briefed the chief secretary on project implementation, progress and obstacles affecting completion.

The chief secretary directed officials to accelerate construction and development activities, remove administrative and technical hurdles and ensure that all remaining projects are completed within their stipulated timelines. He emphasised that development schemes must meet prescribed quality standards and that transparency in the utilisation of public funds should remain a priority.

According to the chief secretary, these projects are intended to improve essential public services, strengthen infrastructure and address the basic needs of communities across Balochistan. He said their timely completion would contribute to economic activity, create employment opportunities and improve living standards in the province.

The meeting also reviewed arrangements for monitoring development schemes. Relevant departments were instructed to strengthen oversight, improve coordination and regularly assess implementation progress.

Officials were further directed to develop maintenance plans for completed projects to ensure their long-term sustainability and continued public benefit. The chief secretary warned against unnecessary delays and stressed that departments responsible for the projects must ensure effective implementation and accountability.

Although officials confirmed that 14 projects had been completed, the meeting’s reported proceedings did not provide a district-wise breakdown, individual project costs or completion schedules for the remaining 20 schemes.