Sindh Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) revealed that Karachi’s Master Plan Authority has been operating without a legal act or Board of Governors. The Director General of Audit Sindh deemed the authority as non-compliant, raising questions about its autonomy and legality. PAC Chairman Nisar Khuhro directed that a formal act be established and a Board of Governors formed to legitimize and operationalize the authority.
The PAC meeting, chaired by Nisar Khuhro, reviewed audit reports for 2019 and 2020, where Additional Chief Secretary of Local Government, Khalid Haider Shah, explained that due to the absence of an act, the Master Plan Authority is currently functioning under the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). Committee member Qasim Soomro expressed concern, noting that builders are being issued NOCs (No Objection Certificates) without comprehensive planning, which puts undue pressure on the city’s infrastructure.
Chairman Khuhro voiced concern over unplanned construction permits and questioned how buildings are being approved without a proper master plan. It was also disclosed that the last master plan for Karachi was made in 2007, with no updated or comprehensive planning since. The PAC chairman instructed the swift creation of a formal act and master plan to better regulate and guide Karachi’s urban development
