Sindh Real Estate News and Land Insights

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed the Karachi mayor to take immediate and effective measures to recover approximately 25 acres of valuable public amenity land in Orangi Town, expressing serious dissatisfaction over the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s (KMC) failure to address illegal allotments, encroachments and unauthorised land conversion. A two-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Riazat Ali Sahar issued the directions on Thursday while hearing petitions concerning land located in Sector 16, Block-I, Orangi Town. According to the approved layout plan, the property was originally reserved for a Norwegian school and technical institute, along with football and hockey grounds for students. However, the petitioners alleged that land grabbers had occupied the property, subdivided it into residential plots and obtained illegal leases in collusion with government officials.

The court observed that an inquiry committee constituted following its September 2024 directions had confirmed serious illegalities and irregularities in the issuance of leases for the land, which was designated exclusively for public purposes, particularly educational and healthcare facilities. Despite the committee’s recommendations for immediate restoration and legal action against those responsible, the bench found that KMC had failed to demonstrate meaningful progress. The court noted that the measures undertaken by municipal authorities had largely remained limited to official correspondence and procedural formalities. During the proceedings, KMC officials acknowledged that civil lawsuits against the leaseholders had been filed only three days earlier, while no criminal or departmental proceedings had been initiated against the individuals or officials allegedly involved.

Expressing strong displeasure over the prolonged administrative inaction, the bench observed that the delay raised concerns about possible undue protection being extended to beneficiaries of illegal land transactions and public officials involved in facilitating them. The court emphasised that public amenity land is held by government institutions in trust for the community and cannot lawfully be transferred, converted or utilised for private commercial or residential purposes in violation of its designated use. It further observed that the unauthorised conversion of land reserved for educational and healthcare facilities undermines public welfare and adversely affects the rights and legitimate interests of local residents.

The SHC directed the Karachi mayor to personally supervise the matter, pursue the cancellation of illegally issued leases and ensure recovery of the occupied land for its original public purpose. The bench also ordered the initiation of appropriate civil, criminal and departmental proceedings against individuals and government officials found responsible for illegal allotments, leasing, occupation or misuse of the property, without extending preferential treatment based on official status or influence. The mayor was instructed to submit a comprehensive compliance report, supported by documentary evidence, within 30 days, detailing the measures taken for land recovery and legal proceedings. The court adjourned further hearing until December 15.

Pakistan Services Limited (PSL), the owner and manager of the Pearl Continental hotel chain, has told the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) that it was not informed of a definitive agreement between Thatta Cement Company Limited and Fauji Foundation regarding PSL’s proposed restructuring. In a filing to the stock exchange on Thursday, PSL said it had not received notice of the agreement disclosed by Thatta Cement a day earlier. The company also clarified that it was not a party to the agreement.

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has laid the foundation stone for infrastructure development projects worth approximately Rs 732 million in the North Karachi Industrial Area, aimed at improving road networks, drainage systems and essential facilities to support industrial growth and economic activity.

The projects are being undertaken by the North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI). The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by representatives of the industrial community, City Council members and NKATI President Faisal Moiz Khan. Speaking on the occasion, the mayor emphasised that modern infrastructure in industrial zones was essential for attracting investment, facilitating business operations and creating employment opportunities. He said stronger industrial activity would contribute to economic development through increased tax revenues, foreign exchange earnings and job creation.

Addressing challenges faced by Karachi’s industrial sector, Wahab highlighted gas shortages, high electricity tariffs and inadequate water supply. Referring to Article 158 of the Constitution, he maintained that Sindh was not receiving its rightful share of natural gas despite being a major gas-producing province. He urged the federal government to address the issue while advocating greater utilisation of Sindh’s wind energy potential to provide affordable electricity to industries. Regarding Karachi’s water shortages, he said the city's existing infrastructure had the capacity to transport an additional 100 to 200 million gallons of water daily and called for an increase in its water allocation.

The mayor also announced plans to collaborate with industrialists on environmental compliance, chemical analysis, wastewater recycling, sewage treatment and biogas initiatives. He assured the business community of the Sindh government's continued support and directed consultants and contractors to expedite the development works, particularly road construction and drainage improvements. Wahab said approximately Rs 732 million would be spent on the projects, with the amount subsequently sought from the provincial government. He expressed confidence that improved infrastructure would strengthen North Karachi's industrial environment and support long-term economic development.