Sindh govt lifts ban on commercial use of residential plots

KARACHI: In a major development that could reshape the city’s long-running battle over land use, the Sindh Master Plan Authority on Friday withdrew the notification that imposed an immediate ban on the conversion of residential land for commercial use, opening the door to a fresh regulatory chapter for Karachi’s property landscape. However, officials said the withdrawal of the notification does not amount to an automatic green light for commercialisation, as any change of land use remains subject to applicable laws, master plans and approvals of the competent authorities. The move, made in compliance with the Federal Constitutional Court’s (FCC) May 2026 order, effectively removes the 2019 Sindh Building Control Authority notification that had frozen changes in land use following the Supreme Court’s orders of 2018 and 2019. The FCC in May 2026 had lifted the ban on the conversion of residential plots to commercial and recreational use in Karachi, providing major relief to builders and developers. Master Plan Authority withdraws notification freezing land-use changes following SC orders of 2018 and 2019; officials say commercialisation ‘subject to applicable laws’ A two-member bench, headed by Justice Aamer Farooq while disposing of the case overturned a previous ruling that prohibited the conversion of residential plots into commercial properties in Karachi. The bench clarified that amenity plots, including parks, hospitals, schools, mosques, playgrounds, and graveyards, cannot be converted for commercial or residential purposes. During the hearing, Justice Aamer remarked that the court would not interfere in the functioning of institutions such as the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). He further said that the affected parties also have the right to file appeals against the High Court decisions. Justice Aamer also said that the court’s suo motu powers no longer exist and emphasised that laws are already in place to address violations of building regulations. The fresh notification from the Sindh Master Plan Authority marks a significant turn in the city’s contentious land-use regime, coming after the FCC recalled the earlier Supreme Court orders that had formed the basis for the citywide restrictions on conversion of land use. In the notification, the Sindh Master Plan Authority has now formally spelled out the consequential step taken pursuant to the court’s May 12, 2026 order. “With the approval of the Competent Authority and in pursuance of the Order dated 12. 05. 2026, passed by the Honorable Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan in C. P. L. A. No. 815-K of 2016, whereby the Orders dated 21. 12. 2018 and 22. 01. 2019, passed by the Honorable Supreme Court, together with all directions issued and actions taken pursuant thereto or awaiting implementation, were recalled. Consequently, the notification No. SBCA/PS-CE/2019/01 dated 24. 01. 2019, issued by the Sindh Building Control Authority in pursuance of the Order dated 22. 01. 2019, regarding the immediate ban on conversion (change of land use), is hereby withdrawn with immediate effect, ” said the notification. “All concerned shall ensure strict compliance with and implementation of the directions contained in the aforesaid Order dated 12. 05. 2026 of the Honorable Federal Constitutional Court, in letter and spirit. ” When contacted senior director of Sindh Master Plan Authority Shakeel Siddiqui, under whose signature the notification was issued, told Dawn that the fresh regime of land use would be “applicable immediately” 12. 05. 2026 of the Honorable Federal Constitutional Court, in letter and spirit. ” When contacted senior director of Sindh Master Plan Authority Shakeel Siddiqui, under whose signature the notification was issued, told Dawn that the fresh regime of land use would be “applicable immediately” after the fresh move from the institution. “The city’s regulation of residential and amenity plots has remained a contentious issue for years, particularly over their conversion for commercial purposes and the expansion of commercial activity into residential areas, ” said a former official privy to the affairs of land regulation and real estate business in the city. “The issue gained renewed significance following the Supreme Court’s orders of December 21, 2018 and January 22, 2019, after which restrictions were imposed on changes in land use. The measures had a significant impact on property owners, developers and businesses seeking approval for commercial use or conversion of residential plots. ” The FCC order of May 12, 2026, recalling the earlier Supreme Court orders and consequential directions, he added, has brought the long-running legal and regulatory question back into focus. Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2026

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