Karachi Division

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
A court ruling concerning the conversion of residential plots for commercial and recreational use in Karachi has triggered a fresh debate across social media platforms.
Videos, reels and posts are describing it as a decision that could reshape Karachi. However, the ruling does not automatically convert every residential plot in the city into commercial property.
The Federal Constitutional Court recalled broad Supreme Court orders issued in December 2018 and January 2019 that had imposed a complete restriction on changes in land use across Karachi. The court directed the relevant authorities to deal with individual cases under existing laws, lawful powers and prescribed procedures.
The decision means that applications for changing the category of privately owned residential plots may once again be considered by the competent authorities. It does not remove the requirement to obtain approvals from the Sindh Building Control Authority, master planning bodies, development authorities and other relevant departments.
Applicants will still have to comply with requirements relating to approved building plans, road width, parking, traffic management, drainage, utilities, zoning and the city master plan.
The court explicitly stated that its ruling was not intended to legalise unauthorised construction or provide protection to buildings developed in violation of the law.
According to the judgment, a comprehensive legal framework and designated regulatory authorities already exist to address building and land use violations. Enforcement remains primarily the responsibility of the Sindh government and its agencies.
Therefore, the claim circulating on social media that any house can now be converted into a shop, office, restaurant, marriage hall or commercial building without approval is misleading.
A residential property can only be considered for commercial use after completing the applicable legal process, paying prescribed charges and meeting planning and construction requirements.
The ruling also places particular emphasis on protecting land reserved for public amenities. Parks, playgrounds, green belts, schools, hospitals, libraries, community centres, open spaces and other civic facilities were recognised as assets connected to citizens’ rights to a safe and dignified life.
The court said such public assets must be protected from unlawful encroachment, arbitrary conversion, misuse or deprivation.
Reports on the ruling have clarified that amenity plots, including parks, hospitals, schools, mosques, playgrounds and graveyards, cannot be converted for commercial or residential purposes.
The relief relates mainly to the lawful consideration of category changes for private plots and does not extend to land reserved for community facilities.
Supporters of the decision argue that it could allow properties located near major roads and established business districts to be brought into legal commercial use. They believe the process could support investment, create business space and regularise activities already operating in suitable locations.
Critics, however, fear that weak enforcement could result in uncontrolled commercial activity inside residential neighbourhoods. They warn that poorly planned conversions could increase traffic congestion, parking shortages and pressure on water, sewerage, electricity and other public services.
The legal position is that the court has removed a blanket judicial restriction on land use changes. It has not granted unrestricted permission for illegal construction or unapproved commercial activity.
Responsibility now rests with the Sindh government, building control authorities and urban planning departments to assess each application transparently and in accordance with planning regulations.
The ruling could influence Karachi’s real estate market, commercial corridors and future urban development. However, the extent to which it changes the city will depend less on viral social media claims and more on the regulations, approvals and enforcement standards applied by the relevant authorities.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
K Electric has received a Gold Stevie Award at the 11th annual Stevie Awards for Great Employers, while the company’s Chief People Officer, Muhammad Rizwan Dalia, has been recognised as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader of the Year.
The achievement came during K Electric’s first participation in the international awards programme. The company said the recognition reflected its efforts to promote equal opportunities, workplace inclusion and an environment in which employees from different backgrounds could develop and perform effectively.
The official Stevie Awards winners’ list names Muhammad Rizwan Dalia of K Electric as the Gold Stevie winner in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader of the Year category. The winners were selected following a two month assessment process involving more than 160 professionals from around the world.
K Electric shared the achievement across LinkedIn and its other social media platforms, describing it as a proud global milestone. The announcement attracted congratulatory messages from employees, business professionals and members of the online community.
Commenting on the award, Dalia said the recognition represented years of dedication, perseverance and commitment behind K Electric’s diversity, equity and inclusion journey.
He said the global recognition was particularly significant for a company operating in Pakistan’s power sector, which has faced a range of challenges at both national and regional levels.
According to Dalia, organisations can achieve global standards when they invest in their people with consistency and a clear purpose.
More than 1,000 nominations from organisations in 38 countries were submitted for the 2026 Stevie Awards for Great Employers. The categories covered employer performance, human resources leadership, workplace safety, employee relations and human resources teams and solutions.
Stevie Awards President Maggie Miller congratulated the winners and said the programme recognised employers, human resources professionals, teams and workplace leaders whose efforts helped create better places to work.
The winners will be celebrated at an awards event scheduled to take place in Paris on October 28, 2026.
K Electric said the award strengthened its commitment to developing a future ready workforce, adopting global people management practices and building an organisational culture that places employees at the centre of its transformation.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
BankIslami Pakistan Limited has announced the sale of residential and commercial properties located in different cities through a public auction. According to an advertisement issued by the bank, the properties will be sold in their existing condition and on the basis of the available legal documentation.
Interested buyers have been directed to submit sealed bids, along with the required documents and prescribed earnest money, to the designated bank office by 5:00 pm on August 10, 2026. Offers received after the deadline will not be considered.
The properties offered for auction include two sites in Multan. One covers an area of 23 kanals, while the other measures 8 kanals and 7 marlas. A third property is located in Faisalabad and has a reported area of 76 kanals and 9 marlas.
According to the advertisement, prospective bidders may inspect the properties during office hours after obtaining prior permission from the relevant bank officials. The successful bidder will be required to pay the outstanding amount and other applicable charges within the stipulated period.
All government taxes, registration fees, transfer charges and other related expenses will be borne by the buyer. BankIslami has also reserved the right to accept or reject any offer without assigning a reason. Further information regarding the auction may be obtained through the contact numbers provided in the advertisement.