KARACHI, Aug 31: A division bench of High Court of Sindh, comprising Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali and Justice Mabqool Baqer, on Tuesday ordered "extensive demolition" of an entire floor of a building constructed illegally.

The orders came during hearing of a constitutional petition filed by Karachi Watch and Care Society against the owner/ builder Mehboob and KBCA on plot LY 12/64. D.D. Choudhry Road, Lyari.

According to the petition, the KBCA approved a plan for ground-plus-two stories but later a third floor was constructed in gross violation of KBCA laws due to inaction by KBCA officials. The builder also raised construction on compulsory open space.

When the petition came up for hearing, the court perused a report submitted by a commissioner appointed by the court accompanied by photographs. The bench in its order said that after seeing photographs it appears that the builder is playing hide and seek to avoid consequences of raising unauthorised illegal construction.

The report by the court's commissioner also shows that demolition work earlier carried out by KBCA was "symbolic" and no substantial demolition was carried out. The court also noted that demolition was restored by the builder.

"In view of above, the KBCA is directed to carry out extensive demolition at the site, allowing only that construction which is in accordance with the approved building laws", the bench ordered, directing the KBCA to submit a compliance report within two months.

The same bench hearing an identical petition filed by one Agha Abdul Karim versus Ms Ayesha in Khadda Market area directed the KBCA to demolish the illegally constructed fifth floor of the building.

Hearing yet another petition filed by residents of Hashoor Terrace, Kehkashan, Clifton, against Nasir and Altaf, owners/ residents of C-II ground floor of the said project, the court issued pre-admission notices to respondents for Sept 8.

According to the petitioners, respondents have encroached upon open space, emergency gate, parking area and opened a flower shop and a pan shop on the encroached portion. -APP