KARACHI: The Karachi Citizens Forum (KCF) on Wednesday urged authorities to halt unchecked commercialisation of residential neighbourhoods, warning that recent policy changes could accelerate environmental degradation, infrastructure collapse, and declining quality of urban life in the city.
The press conference, held at the Karachi Press Club, brought together urban planners, lawyers, activists, and residents who expressed concern over what they described as “unregulated conversion” of residential zones into commercial and high-rise developments without adequate infrastructure, environmental safeguards, or public consultation.
Speakers said Karachi’s residential areas were already facing severe pressure from shrinking green spaces, rising traffic congestion, inadequate parking, and overburdened utilities. They warned that continued conversion of homes into commercial outlets would further strain an already fragile urban system.
Participants also highlighted worsening drainage and sewerage issues, stating that even moderate rainfall continues to overwhelm the city’s infrastructure. They cautioned that merging sewage and storm-water systems under ongoing development trends could increase environmental and public health risks.
Urban planner Mohammad Tauheed stressed that any decision to expand commercial activity must be matched with comprehensive upgrades in roads, sewerage, drainage, parking, utilities, and public transport systems.
Lawyer Barrister Shahab Usto criticised the absence of effective regulatory enforcement, saying Karachi lacks proper planning oversight and accountability mechanisms. He argued that without a functional master plan and institutional checks, large-scale commercialisation would further destabilise the city’s urban fabric.
Journalist and activist Shanaz Ramzi said residential areas were rapidly losing their character due to conversion of homes into offices, clinics, restaurants, and warehouses, resulting in noise pollution, traffic congestion, and loss of community life.
Public Interest Law Association of Pakistan chairman Public Interest Law Association of Pakistan representative Saad Amanullah Khan also raised concerns over recent legal and policy developments, stressing that citizens’ right to live in safe and livable neighbourhoods must be protected through transparent planning and consultation.
Urban activist Zahid Farooq warned that repeated failures in implementing Karachi’s master plan and weak institutional coordination had allowed widespread violations of zoning regulations, contributing to uncontrolled densification and infrastructure stress.
He added that commercial activity in residential areas often leads to overcrowding, blocked streets, and increased pressure on water, electricity, and sanitation systems, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods.
Participants called for a halt to unregulated commercialisation and demanded that any land-use changes be backed by environmental impact assessments, legal compliance under SEPA regulations, and full public disclosure of planning rationales and judgments.
The forum urged citizens to raise their voices against what it described as “unchecked land misuse” and called for a citywide movement to protect Karachi’s residential neighbourhoods, environmental quality, and urban sustainability.
