The Crisis of Encroachment Around Karachi’s Judicial Complex
The situation surrounding one of Pakistan’s most significant judicial complexes in Karachi has reached a critical point. Despite frequent visits from high-ranking government officials, including the Commissioner, Mayor, Municipal Commissioner, DIG Police, Deputy Commissioners, SSPs, and Chairman TMC, there has been a noticeable lack of effective action against the encroachments that are severely impacting the area.
This inaction is not only alarming but also deeply troubling. Article 9 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and liberty, yet these conditions directly undermine that fundamental right. Similarly, Article 25 ensures equality before the law, but it appears that this principle is being ignored in an area meant to uphold justice.
Legal Framework and Unimplemented Measures
Section 3 of the Sindh Public Property (Removal of Encroachments) Act, 2010 clearly empowers authorities to remove all encroachments from government land. However, this law remains unimplemented in the very heart of Karachi’s judicial district. This failure to enforce existing legislation highlights a serious gap in governance and legal compliance.
The Sindh High Court itself has issued clear directions in suo motu cases regarding the removal of illegal structures. For instance, Suo Motu Case No. 16 of 2011 addressed this issue directly. Ignoring these rulings not only shows disrespect for the judiciary but also undermines its authority and the principles it stands for.
Impact on Daily Life and Safety
The consequences of this neglect are evident. Vehicles are permanently parked along the main road, leaving only a narrow, dangerous bottleneck. This poses serious risks to judges, lawyers, litigants, prisoners in transit, and the general public. The lack of proper access and safety measures creates an environment that is neither secure nor conducive to the functioning of the judicial system.
This inaction reflects a disturbing disregard for the rule of law. If justice begins at the courts, then the surroundings of those courts should reflect order, not chaos. The presence of encroachments and the inability to manage traffic effectively send a message that the law is not being upheld as it should be.
Calls for Immediate Action
It is imperative that the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court and relevant authorities take immediate, lawful, and decisive action to restore access and safety to the City Court area. The rule of law must start at the judiciary’s doorstep, and this requires a commitment to enforcing existing laws and ensuring that the environment around judicial institutions is safe and accessible.
The community and legal professionals have a right to expect that the courts will operate in an environment that supports their mission. It is time for all stakeholders to come together and address this issue with the urgency it deserves. Only through collective effort can the integrity of the judicial system be preserved and the rights of citizens be protected.
