Sindh government notifies lifting ban on high rise buildings

Sindh government notifies lifting ban on high rise buildings

The Sindh government, in compliance with a Supreme Court ruling, has officially lifted the ban on the approval of high-rise buildings in the province.

This move comes after the apex court’s decision on December 11, 2018, to withdraw its previous order prohibiting the construction of high-rise buildings in Karachi.

The Supreme Court, in a judgment handed down on that date, directed the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to permit the construction of high-rise buildings in accordance with the established rules and regulations. This decision followed an application filed by the Association of Builders and Developers (Abad), represented by their lawyer Faisal Siddiqui, who challenged the ban on constructing buildings with more than six floors.

The ban on high-rise construction had been in place since March 16, 2017, when the Supreme Court initially imposed it. At that time, the court had not only halted the construction of new high-rise and multi-storey commercial and residential projects but also restrained the SBCA and cantonment boards from approving building plans for such projects. The court’s decision was prompted by concerns related to the availability of potable water and deteriorating sanitation conditions in Karachi and other parts of the province. Under the 2017 ruling, only buildings with a ground-plus-two floor structure were permitted.

However, on January 14 of a more recent year, the Supreme Court granted provisional permission for builders to construct structures with up to six stories in the city. This relaxation was granted following petitions by Abad and other industry groups requesting a review of the March 2017 order.

The recent decision by the Sindh government to lift the ban on high-rise buildings aligns with the Supreme Court’s updated stance, which allows construction in accordance with the Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations of 2002. This move is expected to have significant implications for the real estate and construction industry in Karachi and other urban centers in Sindh.

The decision to permit high-rise construction has been met with enthusiasm from stakeholders in the real estate and construction sectors, as it offers opportunities for expansion, modernization, and infrastructure development in Karachi. High-rise buildings are an integral part of urban development, especially in densely populated areas, and they can help meet the increasing demand for residential, commercial, and mixed-use spaces.

The Sindh government’s decision will likely have a positive impact on the local economy, as it is expected to generate investment and employment opportunities within the construction industry and related sectors. Furthermore, it will facilitate the growth and modernization of urban areas, contributing to the overall development and competitiveness of the region.

As construction projects are set in motion and high-rise buildings begin to take shape, it is imperative that all stakeholders adhere to the regulations and guidelines set forth by the SBCA and other relevant authorities to ensure the safety, quality, and sustainability of these developments. With the ban lifted, builders and developers now have an opportunity to contribute to the transformation and advancement of Karachi’s skyline while adhering to the necessary standards and regulations.