KARACHI: The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has de-sealed the dental clinic owned by former President Dr. Arif Alvi, following the orders of the Sindh High Court (SHC). The clinic, located in Sindhi Muslim Cooperative Housing Society (SMCHS), had been sealed for over two months.
Dr. Alvi expressed his gratitude and relief, stating:
"Alhamdolliah! We’ve been fighting this for over two months—total political vendetta. The DG delayed it for ten days due to orders from above. Filing the contempt case in the morning finally broke this house of cards. I can’t thank our community enough for its unwavering support."
A prolonged battle: Timeline of events
Sealing of the clinic
The controversy began on October 3, 2024, when the SBCA sealed the clinic, citing unauthorized commercial activity in a residential bungalow as a violation of building regulations. The move sparked allegations of political targeting, as Dr. Alvi is a prominent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader.
SBCA officials claimed the action was purely regulatory, while Dr. Alvi’s family and legal team decried it as an act of political revenge.
Sindh High Court’s ruling
On November 25, 2024, the SHC issued a 13-page judgment declaring the sealing unlawful. The court criticized SBCA for procedural lapses, including the absence of prior notice, and directed the authority to de-seal the clinic immediately. It also instructed Dr. Alvi to file an application to regularize the clinic’s status within ten days, with SBCA required to decide the matter within 45 days.
Despite these clear directives, the clinic remained sealed.
Allegations of delay
On November 26, 2024, Dr. Alvi’s son, Awab Alvi, submitted a certified copy of the court’s judgment to SBCA. However, no action was taken, leading to allegations of deliberate bureaucratic delays and political interference. Awab Alvi highlighted the court’s acknowledgment that medical and dental clinics are permissible in residential areas under Karachi Building & Town Planning Regulations of 2022 (Article 19-2.2.2).
Contempt petition filed
On the morning of December 4, 2024, Dr. Alvi’s wife filed a contempt of court petition against SBCA’s Director General. The petition accused SBCA of violating the court’s directive and failing to de-seal the clinic. Notices were issued to SBCA and other respondents, with the court seeking replies by December 9.
SBCA de-seals the clinic
Later that evening, ahead of the court’s review of the contempt petition, SBCA de-sealed the clinic. Sources suggest that fears of judicial reprimand spurred the action.
Implications and next steps
The SHC’s directive for SBCA to resolve the regularization application within 45 days remains in effect, leaving the matter unresolved for the long term.
The case continues to attract public attention, underscoring broader issues of fairness and due process in regulatory actions.