KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has sought the land conversion of three of its prime properties worth billions of rupees “from residential to commercial”, drawing scrutiny from opposition, which raised questions on the legality, transparency, valuation and approval process of valuable assets of the municipal authority.

The request, made by the KMC director land to the director general of the Sindh government’s Master Plan Department, covers Plot No. 25 in Sheet No. FT-3 in Frere Quarters, Clifton, measuring 2,000 square yards; Plot No. ST-9 in Block-14, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, measuring 1,161.6 square yards and Plot No. 2-B at old Sabzi Mandi near Askari Park, measuring 2,000 square yards.

The KMC has stated that the properties are presently designated for residential use and sought to change their use from residential to commercial, undertaking to comply with all applicable rules, regulations and departmental requirements.

The move has, however, prompted the KMC Opposition Leader Saifuddin Advocate to seek a complete record of valuable properties being considered for sale, auction, lease, transfer or financial utilisation through public-private partnerships, including their ownership, present use, official valuation, relevant files and proposals, and approvals from competent authorities.

Opposition leader in City Council demands full scrutiny before disposing of high-priced plots in Clifton and Gulshan-i-Iqbal

In a letter to the municipal commissioner, the opposition leader has demanded details of any KMC properties already disposed of or dealt with through public-private partnership arrangement over the past five years, along with the proceeds received and their proposed utilisation, while stressing that no valuable public asset be transferred or disposed of without due legal process, transparency and consideration by the competent forums.

The KMC, on the other hand, has defended the move as an institutional effort to ensure “better use of its prime properties”, stressing that the commercialisation process is still subject to due procedure and that the matter will ultimately be placed before the KMC Council for further directions.

“I am writing to express my serious concern and strong objection over reports that certain highly valuable bungalows, official residences and other properties owned by the KMC are allegedly being considered for transfer and / or financial utilisation on the basis of Public Private Partnership,” said the opposition leader’s letter.

“If these reports are correct, the matter is extremely serious, as these properties are public assets and cannot be disposed of without following due process, applicable laws, approval of the competent authorities and the principles of transparency and public interest.”

The opposition leader also demanded that the administration disclose the complete details of the properties being considered for disposal or financial utilisation, including their official valuations, relevant files, proposals, tenders and approvals.

He has also sought details of KMC properties sold, leased or transferred through public-private partnership arrangements over the past five years, along with amounts received and the proposed utilisation of the proceeds.

He said: “Valuable KMC properties are public assets belonging to citizens of Karachi” and should not be treated as the over the past five years, along with amounts received and the proposed utilisation of the proceeds.

He said: “Valuable KMC properties are public assets belonging to citizens of Karachi” and should not be treated as the personal property of any individual, administration or authority.

Mr Saifuddin also drew attention to developments involving the KMC bungalows near Teen Talwar in Clifton, saying notices had reportedly been issued to officers residing in the properties while the KMC had also published public notices regarding the proposed amalgamation of its properties.

He questioned the publication of the notice in newspapers with limited circulation, saying the development “raises serious concerns and gives the impression that certain irregularities may be taking place in relation to valuable KMC properties”.

“In order to streamline the proper use of prime property for the betterment of institution and utilisation, the process has been initiated to change the status of property, after the due process, the matter will be taken with the KMC Council for further directions,” said the KMC spokesman in reply to Dawn’s query about the matter.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2026