Islamabad, March 3, 2026 – The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has overturned a previous judgment by the Lahore High Court (LHC) concerning the conversion of a residential plot into commercial use. The case has been sent back to the high court for a fresh hearing, which must be concluded within 90 days.
Court Directions and Observations
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, directed the Lahore High Court to rehear the matter and issue a decision within the stipulated time frame. During proceedings, the bench highlighted the adverse consequences of converting residential plots into commercial zones.
Justice Rizvi noted that:
• Converting residential plots into commercial use leads to urban congestion, pollution, and civic problems.
• Residential houses typically accommodate five to six individuals, whereas commercial plots generate marketplaces, attracting high traffic.
• Older major cities maintain residential zones without converting them into commercial properties, a lesson relevant to urban planning.
• Karachi still faces challenges from past residential-to-commercial conversions.
Courtroom Conduct
During the hearing, Justice Rizvi expressed displeasure when a clerk spoke directly to the bench instead of the counsel. The judge stressed that courtroom decorum must be strictly observed, and the counsel apologized for the clerk’s conduct, with the apology recorded in the case file.
Importance of Public Interest
The bench emphasized that any conversion of residential areas must account for public interest, environmental impact, and master plan compliance. The case has now been remanded to the Lahore High Court for reconsideration under these guidelines.