The Sindh Building Control Authority has formally withdrawn its notification allowing commercial activities on residential plots, putting an end to the controversial SBCA residential plots commercial use policy. The withdrawal was confirmed in a written statement submitted to the Sindh High Court by SBCA Director General Muhammad Ishaq Khuhro, clarifying that the authority has reversed its earlier decision in response to legal and public concerns.

The Sindh High Court was hearing multiple petitions challenging the legality of SBCA residential plots commercial use when the authority informed the bench that it had rescinded the notification issued on March 13, 2025. This reversal marked a significant regulatory shift for residential areas across Karachi.

Court Hearing and Objections to SBCA Residential Plots Commercial Use

Following the withdrawal of the SBCA residential plots commercial use notification, the court disposed of petitions filed by Jamaat-e-Islami and other petitioners. These cases were submitted by City Council Opposition Leader Saifuddin Advocate along with nine town chairpersons, who argued that SBCA had unlawfully amended the Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations.

The petitioners contended that the amendments connected to SBCA residential plots commercial use altered the definition of amenity plots, which are legally protected for specific public purposes. They maintained that amenity plots cannot be used for activities beyond their originally approved intent under existing planning laws.

Amenity Plots, Public Consent, and SBCA Residential Plots Commercial Use

During the proceedings, it was argued that the changes introduced under the SBCA residential plots commercial use framework removed “healthcare” from the list of permissible uses for amenity plots. Petitioners further stated that residential land was being repurposed for education, healthcare, and recreational projects without public consultation or consent.
Another key concern raised was that the revisions linked to SBCA residential plots commercial use eliminated the public’s right to object to land transfers. According to the petitioners, this weakened transparency and reduced citizen oversight in matters affecting residential neighborhoods.

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SBCA Annuls Amendments to Building Regulations

Separately, the Sindh Building Control Authority revoked the recent amendments made to the 2002 Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations, which had formed the legal basis for SBCA residential plots commercial use. This action followed an internal policy review of the March notification and its implications.

According to the latest SBCA circular, the amendments have been annulled with immediate effect. The authority exercised its powers under Section 21-A of the Sindh Building Control Ordinance, 1979, and other relevant provisions to restore the previous regulatory framework governing residential and amenity plots.

Official Confirmation Ends SBCA Residential Plots Commercial Use Policy

The circular confirming the rollback of SBCA residential plots commercial use was officially signed by Director General Muhammad Ishaq Khuhro. The decision is being viewed as a corrective step that reinforces legal compliance, safeguards residential land, and restores public confidence in urban planning regulations.

With the notification withdrawn and regulatory amendments annulled, the SBCA residential plots commercial use issue stands resolved for now, reaffirming protections for residential and amenity plots across Karachi.