Action will be taken against 155 properties in Latifabad within 30 days, SHC told.

HYDERABAD -- The Sindh High Court, Hyderabad circuit bench, on Tuesday directed the Hyderabad deputy commissioner to ensure protection to the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) team during its action against 155 properties within the next 30 days.

The bench comprising Justice Nadeem Akhtar and Justice Arshad Hussain Khan, issued the directive after SBCA regional director Naveed Asim informed it that 172 properties unlawfully converted from residential to commercial status in Latifabad were identified by his institution. He submitted a list of 155 properties which were illegally raised or built in violation of the approved plan.

The bench was seized with a constitutional petition filed by Muzammil Memon, a resident of Latifabad Unit-10, through Advocate Tahir Nisar Rajput.

DC, SSP directed to ensure assistance, protection to SBCA team

Advocate Irfan Ali Bughio represented the Hyderabad Development Authority (HDA), Advocate Ayaz Rajpar appeared on behalf of Hyderabad municipal commissioner and Advocate Zaheeruddin Sahito represented SBCA regional director Naveed Asim.

The SBCA official stated that a compliance report dated Jan 28, 2021 was submitted by him along with the list of 172 properties, whose status had been changed, that existed in Latifabad units No. 1 to 12.

On Tuesday, he filed an interim compliance report along with a list of 155 properties where constructions were made in violation of the approved plan. He said the nature of violation and action to be taken against them had been explained in the compliance report.

He undertook that the SBCA would take action against these 155 properties within the next 30 days from today (Tuesday) and a compliance report would be submitted on the next date of hearing.

On his request, the court directed the Hyderabad DC and SSP to ensure protection and police assistance to the SBCA team at the time of action.

The court directed all utility agencies to ensure disconnection of their respective supplies before the action was taken.

The SBCA official also submitted a reply to the listed contempt application.

HDA's counsel Irfan Ali Bughio and HMC's Municipal...