KARACHI: The Association of Builders and Developers (Abad) has expressed serious concerns over the recent amendments to the Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations 2002, stating that the changes will have adverse effects on the city’s infrastructure.

In a statement, Abad’s senior vice president Afzal Hameed said that the Sindh Building Control Authority’s decision to allow commercial activities in residential areas is hasty and ill-considered.

He warned that such a move would lead to unregulated construction, increased traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and a rise in other urban problems in Karachi.

He urged the SBCA director general to immediately review and reverse the amendment, restoring the previous regulation in order to maintain urban balance, discipline, and the residential character of affected neighbourhoods.

Published in Dawn, April 9th, 2025