KARACHI: The Jamaat-i-Islami, along with some Clifton residents, moved the Sindh High Court against the provincial government for carrying out construction and development activities on Nehr-i-Khayyam.

Leader of the Opposition in the City Council Advocate Saifuddin and three others filed a petition, citing the chief secretary, local government secretary, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Karachi Development Authority, Karachi Water & Sewage Corporation, Sindh Environmental Protection Agency and Boat Basin SHO as respondents.

They submitted in the petition that they were aggrieved by the ongoing construction and development activities being carried out in and around Nehr-i-Khayyam in Clifton including adjacent amenity plots, which has raised serious concerns about preservation of the natural waterway, potential adverse impact upon city’s rainwater drainage system and the possible commercial utilisation of land of such waterway.

They also contended that the construction, alteration and development were being carried out rapidly on the subject waterway and the mega project was being proceeded without a proper technical and environmental assessment, which may adversely affect the flow of rainwater, particularly during the monsoon season, thereby endangering public safety and the civic interests of residents of Karachi.

They further stated that the respondents could not lawfully disregard the approved planning framework or permit development inconsistent with the designated purpose of the watercourse and its associated public infrastructure.

Referring to previous judgements of the Supreme Court and the SHC, the petitioners maintained that the judiciary had stopped the construction in the vicinity of Nehr-i-Khayyam on a number of occasions, but after reported suspension of construction for a brief period, such activities had time and again been resumed.

The petitioners maintained that if these construction activities were allowed to continue without lawful authority, adequate technical assessment and compliance with the applicable environmental safeguards, the same would threaten the effective functioning of an essential storm-water drainage facility and expose the residents to risks of flooding and environmental degradation.

They asked the SHC to declare as illegal the alleged conversion, alteration or utilisation of the storm-water drain into a recreational park or commercial venture or any other inconsistent purpose without lawful authority and compliance with the applicable laws.

They urged the court to preserve Nehr-i-Khayyam for its lawful purpose and primary function as a storm-water drainage channel.

They also sought directives to immediately halt all ongoing construction and development activities and remove all structures, encroachments, unauthorised constructions, reclaimed portions and other works already erected or undertaken within the lawful boundaries of Nehr-i-Khayyam.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026