KARACHI, Dec 14: The Sindh High Court heard on Thursday extensive arguments in a Quaid-i-Azam Mazar Management Board petition seeking demolition of 109 buildings exceeding the prescribed height in the vicinity of the mausoleum. Barrister Naimur Rehman appeared for the petitioner board before a division bench, comprising Justices Mushir Alam and Syed Zawwar Hussain Jaffery. Counsel for the respondent housing and town planning department, city district government, Karachi Building Control Authority and developers and builders would be heard on Friday.

The petitioner said the Quaid’s mausoleum was declared a national historical monument by an ordinance promulgated in 1971. In order to maintain its sanctity and protect it from pollution, highrise buildings were forbidden in its vicinity. No structure over and above its podium level could be raised within a radius of three quarters of a mile. The radius was later reduced to half a mile but the violators continued to flout the law.

No fewer than 109 buildings were constructed in violation of the law. The violative structures are well above the podium level. The court was requested to ensure the compliance with the law and order the demolition of 109 buildings.