Sindh Province

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has launched an inquiry into the alleged illegal issuance of no objection certificates by the Sindh Building Control Authority for marriage halls and marquees in Karachi, along with the reported construction of commercial buildings on amenity plots.
According to available details, NAB has taken notice of complaints regarding illegal commercial activity, misuse of public and amenity spaces and failure of the relevant authorities to act against unauthorized constructions. The bureau has sought a detailed report from SBCA on alleged violations, financial losses to the national exchequer and reasons behind the authority’s lack of effective enforcement.
In its communication to the Sindh Building Control Authority, NAB also pointed out that previous requests for information had not been properly answered. The anti graft body has now asked the authority to submit a comprehensive report covering illegal NOCs, enforcement gaps and action taken against unauthorized marriage halls, marquees and commercial structures.
The inquiry comes amid growing concern among residents, urban rights activists, legal experts and business stakeholders over the unchecked commercialization of residential areas in Karachi. Critics say illegal wedding venues and commercial buildings have increased traffic congestion, worsened environmental conditions and placed additional pressure on the city’s already fragile civic infrastructure.
An SBCA spokesperson said the authority has started a city-wide survey to identify illegal marriage halls and marquees. According to the spokesperson, data is being collected from different districts of Karachi and a consolidated report will be shared with the relevant institutions after completion of the exercise.
However, several stakeholders have raised questions over the effectiveness and fairness of the ongoing survey. They argue that many illegal structures are already known to the authorities, while legitimate business operators continue to face repeated documentation requirements, inspections and regulatory pressure.
The All Karachi Marriage Hall, Lawn and Banquet Owners Association has also expressed serious concern over the growing number of unauthorized wedding venues.
Association president Rana Raees Ahmed said nearly 200 illegal ballrooms are operating in residential buildings without proper fire exits, structural safety measures or regulatory approvals.
He described such venues as serious safety hazards and warned that they could become death traps in case of fire, emergency or structural failure. He said lawful marriage halls are required to comply with building regulations and safety standards, while illegal operators continue to function freely due to weak enforcement and administrative negligence.
The NAB inquiry is expected to increase pressure on civic and building control authorities in Karachi, where urban planning violations have become a major public concern. Civic stakeholders say unregulated commercialization must be addressed through transparent enforcement, legal scrutiny and strict action against those responsible for approving or protecting illegal structures.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The Protection of Properties of Overseas Pakistanis Act 2024 has been enforced to safeguard the properties of Pakistanis living abroad, under which special courts will be established across the country.
According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, the new law is aimed at protecting the properties of overseas Pakistanis from illegal occupation, forgery and property related disputes. A special judicial mechanism will be introduced under the law to ensure the speedy disposal of such cases.
According to the statement, overseas Pakistanis will be provided full legal rights regarding their properties so they can effectively take part in the protection of their assets and legal proceedings while living abroad.
The new law will also provide the facility of electronic filing, allowing overseas Pakistanis to submit applications and relevant documents online. In addition, the facility of participation in hearings through video link will also be provided so applicants can pursue their cases without travelling to Pakistan.
Officials said the establishment of special courts would help speed up the resolution of illegal occupation and ownership disputes involving properties, while also strengthening the confidence of overseas Pakistanis in the legal system.
According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, the law is an important step for the protection of the interests of overseas Pakistanis, as a large number of Pakistanis living abroad have long been facing issues such as property occupation, forged documents and delays in court proceedings.
Officials said that after the enforcement of the new law, property related complaints would be handled on a priority basis, while efforts would be made to make the legal process more transparent, effective and accessible.

Karachi: [ReNews Pakistan]
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has inaugurated the 39 kilometre long Shahrah e Bhutto Expressway, a major road corridor designed to improve connectivity between Karachi and the M-9 Motorway.
The expressway links Qayyumabad with the M-9 Motorway and is expected to ease traffic pressure on key city routes while reducing travel time for commuters heading from Karachi towards other parts of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan.
During the ceremony, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also laid the foundation stone of another major expressway project that will connect Karachi Port with Qayyumabad. The proposed link is aimed at improving cargo movement from the port and supporting smoother transport operations across the city.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, while addressing the inauguration ceremony, said Shahrah-i-Bhutto Expressway consists of six lanes, six interchanges and a five kilometre elevated section. He said the project had been completed in different phases.
According to the chief minister, the first nine kilometre section of the expressway was inaugurated in January 2025, while another four kilometre portion was opened in June last year. The remaining section has now been completed and formally inaugurated.
Murad Ali Shah said the project took around four to four and a half years to complete. He added that one of the reasons behind the timeline was the government’s effort to avoid displacement of communities living along the route.
The chief minister said the expressway is expected to reduce travel time by nearly one hour for people leaving Karachi for other cities and provinces. He described the project as an important addition to Karachi’s road infrastructure and a step towards improving urban mobility.
He further said development projects worth PKR 1.7 trillion are currently underway in Karachi, while projects worth more than PKR 70 billion have been approved during the past three months.
Officials said the newly inaugurated expressway and the planned Karachi Port to Qayyumabad link would play an important role in reducing traffic congestion, improving freight movement and strengthening Karachi’s position as the country’s main commercial and port city.