The Supreme Court of Pakistan, under the leadership of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa along with Justices Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Naeem Akhtar Afghan, has instructed both private entities and government bodies at provincial and federal levels to clear all encroachments on pavements within three days for security purposes. This order originated from a 2010 petition by former Karachi mayor Naimatullah Khan, seeking court intervention to reclaim amenity plots from what was described as the "land mafia and political parties" in Karachi. The court session also addressed around 145 other cases related to encroachments on public spaces, unauthorized constructions, and the unlawful conversion of residential properties into commercial ones.
During the proceedings, the Chief Justice highlighted various encroachments, including those outside prominent governmental facilities like the Governor House, Chief Minister House, Naval Headquarters, rangers headquarters, and even the Supreme Court itself. Chief Justice Isa raised concerns about the government encroaching on public pavements under the guise of security, questioning the practice of prioritizing protection for government buildings over public safety. Additionally, he emphasized that pavements are meant for the public and not for the exclusive use of certain entities.
Continuing the session, the Supreme Court directed all land-owning agencies to ensure the removal of encroachments from pavements within the prescribed three-day period. Chief Justice Isa stressed the importance of maintaining public access to pavements and criticized the practice of barricading outside buildings, suggesting that law enforcement agencies relocate if security concerns are paramount. The court also held government officials accountable for the cost of removing encroachments, signifying a stance against individuals who misuse public spaces for personal gain. Finally, assurances were given by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation counsel regarding the clearance of encroachments on pavements adjacent to designated roads within the city.