AS the process for demolition of allegedly ‘illegal’ buildings has begun in Karachi, the Sindh Government has drafted an ordinance to regularize such structures to provide relief to the affected people.
The ordinance seeks establishment of a seven-member commission to decide on conditions and penalties to regularize unauthorized buildings where demolition is likely to cause human tragedy.
This is the most appropriate response to the situation arising out of the order of the Supreme Court for demolition of Nasla Tower in Karachi, an issue that has sparked fears among builders and also their prospective customers.
It is appreciable that the proposed commission would not just consider cases for regularization but also take action against officers who did not act against the illegal occupation of land and unauthorized construction.
This would surely act as deterrence against corrupt practices and illegal authorization for construction on encroached land.
The move of the provincial government is in line with a five-point charter of demands by the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) to ensure security of their precious investment.
The demand of the Association for creation of a single authority, which cannot be challenged for the issuance of various non-objection certificates (NOCs) to the builders, deserves serious consideration by the provincial government to avoid any ugly situation in future.
Similarly, its demand for preparation of a master plan of Karachi in cooperation with all stakeholders also merits urgent implementation so that haphazard construction activities are stopped in the mega city of the country.
The construction sector contributes immensely to the national economy besides provision of employment opportunities and it should not be left at the mercy of uncertain conditions.
It would be worthwhile if an across-the-board policy and strategy for the entire country is framed by the Federal Housing Ministry in close coordination with its provincial counterparts as the issue of illegal constructions and encroachment is not confined to Karachi alone.
