Karachi – The Sindh High Court (SHC) has taken serious notice of the alleged conversion of a public playground into residential property in Rehmanabad, Federal B Area, and summoned senior officials for an explanation.
A two-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon heard the petition filed by citizen Muhammad Yousuf and others, challenging the legality of the land conversion. The petitioners argued that the plot, located in Federal B Area Block 5, was originally allocated by the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) for welfare purposes and later developed into a playground.
According to the case details, the land was subsequently handed over to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) for maintenance as a public park. However, it was later allegedly leased out by the Human Settlement/Katchi Abadis Department and allotted to private individuals for residential use.
During the hearing, the bench expressed concern and surprise over the apparent change in land use. Justice Memon questioned how a welfare-designated plot could be legally converted into residential property without due process.
The counsel for the Human Settlement Department informed the court that the decision was taken under directives of the Sindh Chief Minister, adding that residents have been living on the land for over two decades. Meanwhile, KDA’s legal representative maintained that the authority had relinquished control of the land after handing it over to KMC.
The petitioners’ lawyer claimed that nearly 400 houses and shops have been constructed on the site, despite alternative plots reportedly being allocated to occupants. In contrast, the respondents argued that many residents have been living there since 1975 and possess valid lease documents.
The court has directed the Secretary of the Human Settlement/Katchi Abadis Department to appear in person at the next hearing and justify the conversion. The case has been adjourned until April 2, with further proceedings expected to shed light on the legality of the allotments.