Karachi Neighborhood Faces Illegal Construction Despite Legal Interventions

KARACHI: Residents of Faran Cooperative Housing Society on Hyder Ali Road are up in arms against the ongoing illegal construction of a massive townhouse complex at Plot No. 17/60, Block-3. Despite numerous complaints to the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and clear directives from the High Court, the development continues unchecked.

Eyewitness accounts reveal that the construction notably violates building norms by including an oversized basement. The structure, which spans approximately 7,000 sq ft, far exceeds the permissible area of 2,503.80 sq ft. Furthermore, regulations mandate a single basement for residential plots of this size, yet the builders have added a second sub-basement, posing additional risks to nearby properties.

The development also infringes on the mandatory Compulsory Open Space (COS) guidelines, which are designed to ensure adequate light and ventilation in urban areas. The encroachment has sparked fears among local residents about potential privacy violations, as construction workers have been reportedly accessing rooftops, leading to significant discomfort and concerns about future stalking and intrusion.

The excessive height and scale of the construction have also blocked sunlight and fresh air, further degrading the living conditions of neighboring households. In response, the community escalated the issue to the High Court, which reaffirmed the necessity for lawful construction practices and tasked the SBCA with enforcing these regulations.

In light of the court’s ruling, the neighborhood is cautiously optimistic that the SBCA will take decisive action to address the unauthorized developments. The authority has been ordered to report back on the measures it has implemented, ensuring compliance with the law and safeguarding the well-being of the society’s residents.