Sindh Revokes Bahria Town Karachi NOC After Prolonged Disputes

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September 11, 2025
11:47 am

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has cancelled the provisional No Objection Certificate (NOC) previously issued for the sale and advertisement of Bahria Town Karachi (BTK), marking a significant moment in the province’s ongoing struggle to regulate large private developments. The NOC, granted on September 19, 2022, was essential for Bahria Town to market and legally continue the sale of its residential and commercial properties. This sudden reversal raises new questions about land governance, urban planning, and the future of one of Pakistan’s most high-profile real estate ventures.

Background of the Controversial Mega Project

Bahria Town Karachi, launched in 2014, quickly became one of the largest private housing schemes in South Asia. Spanning thousands of acres, the project promised world-class infrastructure, gated security, and modern amenities—attracting both domestic and overseas Pakistanis. Despite its allure, the development has been mired in legal battles almost from the outset. Allegations of illegal land acquisition, encroachment on forest reserves, and failure to meet environmental regulations have dogged the project.

In 2019, the Supreme Court of Pakistan imposed a record settlement of Rs. 460 billion on Bahria Town for encroachment on state land in the Malir district. Although the company agreed to pay the amount in installments, critics argue that compliance and oversight have remained weak, with questions continuing over whether all commitments were fulfilled.

Reasons Behind the Cancellation

According to SBCA officials, the NOC was revoked after repeated notices to the developers over non-compliance with approved building plans, safety standards, and environmental guidelines. Inspections reportedly revealed irregularities in land use, unauthorized construction, and discrepancies between the approved master plan and on-ground development.

Urban planners note that a provisional NOC is conditional and requires regular audits to ensure compliance. The authority stated that Bahria Town Karachi failed to provide satisfactory documentation and ignored deadlines for submitting mandatory progress reports and structural safety certifications.

Reactions from Stakeholders

The announcement has created unease among thousands of homeowners and investors. Property dealers in Karachi described a sudden slowdown in buying and selling activity as potential buyers became wary of legal uncertainties. Some current residents have expressed anxiety about whether basic services—such as water, electricity, and municipal maintenance—will be affected.

Bahria Town’s management, in a brief statement, said they are “reviewing the order” and intend to “engage with all relevant authorities to resolve misunderstandings.” They maintain that the project follows all legal requirements and emphasize their history of providing modern housing to tens of thousands of families across Pakistan.

Legal and Economic Implications

Lawyers specializing in property law say that the cancellation does not immediately invalidate existing ownership documents. Homeowners who have already registered their plots or houses remain legal titleholders. However, without a valid NOC, new sales, advertisements, and certain types of construction may be suspended until the matter is resolved.

Economically, the move could impact the broader real estate market in Karachi and beyond. Bahria Town Karachi has been a magnet for investment, with billions of rupees flowing into its residential and commercial developments. A protracted legal battle might slow that investment, affecting property values and associated industries such as construction materials, labor, and retail businesses that rely on ongoing development.

Broader Urban Planning Challenges

Experts view the cancellation as a wake-up call for Pakistan’s urban development sector. Karachi’s rapid expansion has often outpaced planning and regulatory frameworks, leading to informal settlements, strained utilities, and environmental degradation. Large private projects like Bahria Town have filled a housing gap but have also raised concerns about unchecked sprawl, water scarcity, and displacement of local communities.

The SBCA’s decision underscores the need for stronger regulatory enforcement and transparency. Civil society groups have long argued that without consistent oversight, even well-intentioned mega projects can undermine sustainable development goals and strain already fragile municipal services.

What Comes Next

The immediate future of Bahria Town Karachi remains uncertain. Legal experts expect the developers to challenge the cancellation in court or to negotiate a settlement that satisfies regulatory requirements. For current residents, life may continue largely as normal in the short term, but potential buyers and investors will likely wait for clearer signals before committing new funds.

Urban planners argue that this moment presents an opportunity for both provincial authorities and private developers to reassess priorities—balancing large-scale housing needs with environmental safeguards and the rights of local communities.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for legal or financial advice.

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