KARACHI, August 7, 2025: In a major breakthrough for the judiciary and legal fraternity in Karachi, a 14-storey building project valued at Rs. 18 billion has been approved for the establishment of 125 new courts at the Karachi City Court. The announcement comes in the backdrop of a constitutional petition filed by Advocate Zia Ahmed Awan, citing deteriorating infrastructure and serious security lapses at existing court facilities.

The development was unveiled at a press conference held at the CPLC Parking Area, City Court, chaired by Advocate Zia Ahmed Awan. The event was attended by representatives of the Sindh Bar Council, Sindh High Court Bar Association, and Karachi Bar Association.

Key Highlights of the Project:

• Advocate Zia revealed that the Development Committee under the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court had approved the massive project.

• The project aims to resolve severe space shortages and enhance security and facilities at the existing City Court.

• A constitutional petition filed by Zia Ahmed Awan had earlier led to the extension of the petition to the Monitoring Cell of the Sindh High Court.

• The new 14-storey building will accommodate 125 courts, alongside essential facilities including judges chambers, parking, IT infrastructure, separate chambers for judges, and security systems.

Security and Structural Concerns Prompt Action

Advocate Awan highlighted ongoing threats to lawyers, especially in the vulnerable Block F of the current court complex. Recent incidents have included:

• Violent assaults on lawyers,

• Malfunctioning of baggage scanners and metal detectors,

• Disabled CCTV systems,

• Unauthorised access and presence of illegal encroachments.

He stated that these long-standing issues were addressed in detail in the constitutional petition, prompting immediate judicial and administrative attention.

Reports and Recommendations

Reports from District and Sessions Judges across five districts further underscored:

• Inadequate space and infrastructure,

• Unsafe record rooms,

• Absence of family court blocks and judge chambers,

• Lack of basic facilities such as ramps for disabled persons, and security cameras.

Recommendations include:

• Establishing a separate block for family courts,

• Secure meeting areas for women and children,

• IT upgrades, security enhancements, and sanitation improvements.

Government and Judicial Support

The Sindh Governments Works and Services Department has proposed Rs. 2 billion for infrastructure upgrades, including:

• Court repairs, waterproofing, new chambers, sanitation,

• Green building features such as energy-efficient lighting and cooling systems.

Advocate Zia Awan has called for immediate initiation and funding for the Central Judicial Complex, labeling the initiative a historic step to restore public trust and ensure justice delivery in a safe environment.