KARACHI: In a decisive move to reinforce Karachis urban planning standards, theSindh Building Control Authority (SBCA)has officially repealed the controversial amendments made through Notification No. SBCA/PS to DG/2025/18, dated March 13, 2025. These amendments had allowed the commercial use of residential plots under the Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations, 2002.
The latestNotification No. SBCA/PS to DG/2025/31, issued onMay 13, 2025, and signed byDirector General Muhammad Ishaque Khuhro, declares the repeal of the earlier directive withimmediate effect. The reversal comes after a thorough review and reconsideration by SBCA, exercising powers underSection 21-A of the Sindh Building Control Ordinance, 1979.
The notification emphasizes that all commercial activity allowances previously granted for residential plots are no longer valid, reaffirming thatresidential zones must be preserved strictly for residential purposes. This action is seen as a step toward restoring order and legal zoning practices in Karachi, where unauthorized commercial use of residential spaces has long been a contentious issue.
This policy reversal aligns with a recent hearing at theSindh High Court, where the SBCA committed to reversing its March 13 notification. The court accepted the withdrawal and disposed of the case with a brief order.
The move has been widely welcomed by urban planning experts and Karachi residents, as it sets a precedent for protecting the citys residential infrastructure from unchecked commercialization.
