The Supreme Court should allow the provincial government to regularise the buildings built in breach of norms, according to Sindh Minister for Information Saeed Ghani, because they impacted millions of people rather than thousands.
Ghani revealed this to reporters on Monday in Peshawar, ahead of a rally to commemorate the party’s founding day on November 30. (today).
In response to a query regarding the Nasla Tower, Ghani argued that the problem should not be considered “in isolation.”
During building work across the country, he stated there were “small breaches.” “Sometimes residents build homes on state land and stay there for 50 years,” he explained.
He gave the example of two massive buildings being built on Islamabad’s Constitution Avenue. “A notice was issued; there were a few violations, and the lease was terminated.” However, because it involved the apartments of some high-profile individuals, including Prime Minister Imran Khan, it was legalized and fined Rs18 billion.”
Ghani went on to say that Imran Khan’s personal residence in Bani Gala was built in violation of rules and regulations, but that it was fined and legalized.
Moving on, he stated that the Supreme Court took notice of a mega housing society after noticing some irregularities. “They were fined Rs460 billion, and the irregularities were made legal.”
“Now the question is whether ways have been discovered to facilitate projects involving wealthy people’s buildings, homes, and properties. That is not a bad thing,” he said, adding that when it comes to people’s homes, an alternative should be sought.
The minister, however, stated that the standard should be the same for everyone.
Ghani stated that the Punjab government has issued an ordinance to regulate over 6,000 irregular housing societies across the province, as well as establishing a committee to do so.
