Established on 23rd December 1947.
Ministry of works entered into a license agreement with the PECHS society for the development of Land to be given to the Cooperative society to develop for its members. The license agreement was valid for 7 years and it was extended and ended in 1974. Since then PECHS society office bearers have been working without a written mandate and Lessor ministry of works has been negligent in its responsibilities as the owner/Lessor of this land. This has resulted in conversions of residential plots, densifications of areas, encroachment of parks, commercial activities in residential areas and numerous lawsuits filed by the residents/owner of the plots. All this has destroyed the master plan of PECHS which was once a beautiful, quiet residential area has become a slum.
P.E.C.H.S Bye-Laws
Terms & Conditions of Allotment of Land To House Building Societies.
Date: 14 June 1949
License Agreement Between PECHS & Ministry Of Works.
Date: 6 August 1958
Lease Agreement Between Pakistan Employees Housing Societies & Ministry of Works - Form A.
Date: 12 February 1957
This Sub-License agreement called Form A was issued between PECHS cooperative societies and its members. This agreement was entered by what we called the original allotees who bought land in PECHS cooperative society.
Lease Agreement Between Pakistan Employees Housing Societies & Ministry of Works - Form B.
Date: 6 August 1958
This lease agreement lease made between the President of Pakistan hereinafter referred to as the Lessor of the one Part and the Pakistan Employees Cooperative Housing Society. The Lessee was the original first buyers of the plots.
P.E.C.H.S Blue Map.
Date: 10 January 1997
Public notice about illegal constructions in karachi and on cooperative societies on federal land.
Date: 10 January 1997
ACTIONS AGAINST UNAUTHORIZED UNITS/FLOORS Actions Against Unauthorized Units/Floors.
Date: 18 January 2021
Discussion on Karachi Federal Housing Societies
Date: 21 September 2022
The Story and Background of Plot No. 144-A, Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi
(PECHS a cooperative Society built on Federal Land)
| Date | Details | Annexures | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plot No. 144-A, Block-2, PECHS, measuring 1133.33 sq. yds. Situated on main Allama Iqbal Road & corner of Hali Road. | |||
| 28.01.1996 | The Pakistan Employees Cooperative Housing Society (PECHS) forwarded a letter to the Deputy Controller Town Planning, KBCA to commercialize the plot (PECHS is a cooperative society built upon land owned by the federal government and its managed through Ministry of Housing and Works. PECHS was the licensee of the lessor i.e. Ministry of Works, GoP. The said license expired in 1974. The letter which is annexed clearly shows that PECHS had no authority from the lessor to forward such a letter, neither was it cced in this letter. PECHS forwarded this letter unlawfully and changed the master plan of a leased residential area---- at this point Allam Iqbal Road had not been declared a commercial road.) | Annex-A | |
| 29.08.1996 | Resident of Plot 145-E filed a Suit in the High Court of Sindh No.826/1996 against the owner Mr. Salman Gillani of Plot 144-A, KBCA, PECHS etc. Due to transfer of jurisdiction, the suit was transferred to the 6th Senior Civil Judge (Case No.1571/2001). A judgement was given that no illegal construction could be raised, except in accordance of the approved plan. The order was announced on 27/02/2004. |
||
| 17.01.1997 | KBCA, through a public notice in the Daily Dawn, listed a number of plots under construction in Karachi in violation of the approved plan. Plot No. 144-A was among these listed plots. (We have been unable to obtain a copy of the original approved plan against which owner began construction) | Annex-B | |
| 31.01.2003 | Pakistan Employees Cooperative Housing Society (PECHS) vide letter dated 31.01.2003, wrote that the 20’ fit wide lanes of PECHS are for utilities and will be strictly restricted to amenities/services, ensuring that these lanes are used exclusively for pedestrian movement, utility services, and essential community amenities. Any unauthorized use, including vehicular traffic or commercial activities, is strictly prohibited and subject to action under the society’s regulations. This letter was in response to resident complain as builder had encroached upon it. | Annex-C | |
| 06.01.2004 | City District Government Karachi (CDGK/KMC) Vide its Resolution 383 declared 11 Roads in Karachi including Allam Iqbal Road as commercial, meaning residential plots facing these roads could apply to have the usage of the plots changed. The lessor Ministry of Housing & Works as owner was silent. | Annex-D | |
| 20.11.2004 | The Nazim UC 7, PECHS-II Jamshed Town, gave No Objection Certificate (NOC) prior to public notice for change of land use as per requirement of change of land use policy, which means that the NOC preempted the public notice. This was also done in violation of the lease between the lessor Ministry of Housing and Works and the owner Mr. Younus Gillani who had not obtained NOC from them. This NOC was given surreptitiously as no objection from the residents were received because they did not know as this activity took place behind the closed doors. “This NOC certified that the proposed change in land use complied with the regulations set by the Union Council and was permitted under the applicable zoning and municipal laws. However, the owner must ensure that all necessary approvals from relevant authorities, including the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and Pakistan Employees Cooperative Housing Society (PECHS), are obtained before initiating any development or construction activities and NOC from the residents”. | Annex-E | |
| 29.11.2004 | Two public notices for change of land use were published in Daily City News and Daily Jasarat informing that the owner has applied to the Change of Land Use to the Master Plan, for the construction of a Basement + Ground + Mezzanine + 9 Floors on Plot No. 144-A, Block-2, P.E.C.H.S. and was inviting public objections to the proposed change of land use “As per change of land use policy any objections or concerns from the public, neighboring residents, or stakeholders regarding this proposed change of land use may be submitted in writing to the relevant authority within 15 days from the publication of this notice. These public notices were a false since the NOC had already been granted by the Union Council”. | Annex-F | |
| 12.02.2005 | The owner of Plot No. 144-A, Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the Conversion of Land Use from the City Government of Karachi. | Annex-G | |
| 10.05.2005 | PECHS wrote to the SBCA on request of the Owner of Plot No. 144-A, Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi, for No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the demolition of the existing structure on the said plot. This NOC was completely fraudulent and misleading since KBCA had already on 17/01/1997 in the Daily Dawn stated that Plot 144-A was carrying on construction in violation of approved building plan which is Annexure B. | Annex-H | |
| 13.02.2007 | The then KBCA approved building plan for G+40% loft+3 floor car parking + 4 to 11 floors flats upper floor only. In this detail NOC there was no basement, whereas in the public notice it was B+G+M+9 floors. The height of this construction which was stopped at 6th floor through a court order in CP 1879/2011 had already reached height of 92’ ft. | Annex-J | |
| 28.04.2011 | Environmental Protection Agency, Sindh published a notice for builders & developers in Daily Dawn, on 28.04.201, according to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, all builders and developers are required to obtain an environmental assessment certificate before proceeding with the construction of multistory buildings. This assessment ensures that the proposed development complies with all environmental laws, mitigates potential environmental hazards, and adheres to sustainable construction practices. However, it has been observed that builders and developers have not acquired the mandatory environmental assessment from the EIA authorities before commencing construction. This non-compliance not only violates environmental laws but also poses risks related to sustainability, public health, and urban planning. Both SBCA (KBCA), KMC, P.E.C.H.S. all ignored this requirement. | Annex-K | |
| 01.01.2011 | Shehri along with residents of the area filed a Constitutional Petition No.1879/2011 in the High Court of Sindh. This petition was filed that the development on the subject plot was contrary to the master plan of the area and approved building plan and commercialization plan approved by the MPGO. No COS had been left along the adjoining plot, the arcade had been encroached and the mandatory EIA NOC by SEPA had not been received. The matter continued for 13 years. | ||
| 06.08.2011 | FIRST INSPECTION REPORT In compliance with the Hon’ble High Court’s order dated 14-07-2011, Mr. Gul Hassan Sammo, acting as Commissioner, issued notices to:
Inspection Details: The inspection was carried out on 06-08-2011 in the presence of:
Observations: The disputed structure is a Ground + Mezzanine + 7-floor building under construction, located on a corner plot (No. 144-A, Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi). The plot is open on three sides, while a private school, "Meritorious Schools Network," is adjacent on the remaining side. Key findings:
Response from KBCA Officials:
Conclusion & Recommendations: Given the lack of clarity from KBCA representatives, it was evident that they were unable to justify the construction compliance and were merely shifting responsibility among themselves. In light of these circumstances, the undersigned left the inspection site and proceeded to report to the Hon’ble High Court. It is recommended by plaintiffs that a qualified Architect/Engineer be appointed as an architect to assess the compulsory open space requirements in accordance with government bylaws. Additionally, it must be noted that KBCA officials frequently disregard court orders by:
|
Annex-L | |
| 21.05.2016 | Second Inspection Report: Legal and Architectural Observations & Findings A second inspection was ordered by the court on 28.01.2016, since the first one was deliberately destroyed. In compliance with this order, Architect Zia Jaffery was nominated as an Architect by the Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP) to assess the construction of the building in question. Mandate of the Architect's Inspection The Hon'ble Court directed the appointed Architect to:
Upon conducting the inspection, the Architect reported the following:
The Second Inspection Report highlights serious concerns about compliance with building regulations. The incomplete construction and apparent neglect of regulatory requirements suggest that the project was pursued primarily for commercial gains rather than adhering to legal construction standards. Further legal action or corrective measures may be required to address the violations and unfinished construction at the site. The project lay abandoned and many attempt were made to pressure the residents to compromise. This continued for 7 years and the project it appears changed hands. |
Annex-M | |
| 12.12.2023 | The Director, SBCA, Karachi East, wrote a letter addressing the Sale & Advertisement & Complaint, for compliance with the Sindh High Court's
orders regarding the demolition of a structure on Plot No. 144-A, Block-02, PECHS,. The mentioned building plan which was originally approved for
constructing a ground floor with 40% Loft (Shops), car parking from the 1st to 3rd floor, and residential flats from the 4th to 11th floors. This
approval was granted via KBCA/DCB-I/Prop/2862/137/07, dated 13-02-2007, under a Public Sale Project. In light of the recent court orders, the SBCA requests clearance to proceed with the demolition permission as per legal procedures. It also mentions that all concerned parties must be informed. Additionally, the SBCA report highlights Regulation 5-1.22 of KB & TPR-2002, which mandates that building projects must protect the interests of allottees. If a project remains incomplete or abandoned in the future, it should be officially declared an abandoned project. All this took place because the residents and Shehri could not be savaged. |
Annex-N | |
| 12.12.2023 | The Hon’ble Court issued an order on December 12, 2023, in Constitutional Petition No. 1879 of 2011, concerning the construction and regulatory compliance
of a building project. The case primarily revolved around the violations of building regulations, non-compliance with approved plans, and the legal consequences of unauthorized construction.
Conclusion: No scrutiny or legal proceedings were initiated against the builder and the SBCA withdrew the NOC for sale and declared the project as Abandon. A public Notice dated 01.06.2024 placed in daily dawn, inviting claims/objections from general public, stakeholder, legal heirs or persons who may have invested in the old structure whose approval was dated 13/02/2007. The relevant court order abandonment of the old structure are attached. SBCA was then complicit and even today it is more corrupt and complicit. After 13 years in 2023, the owner filed an application to demolish the structure. |
Annex-O | |
| 13.12.2023 | The NOC for the Sale & Advertisement of the project "Gillani Towers", located on Plot No. 144-A, Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi. The approval was issued under letter KBCA/DCB(D-II)/814/ADV-443/2010, dated 15-02-2010, in favor of Mr. Younis Ali Gillani, Owner & Proprietor of M/s. Younis Gillani Builders (BL-2752) was canceled. | Annex-P | |
| 01.06.2024 | The new owner of Plot No. 144-A, Block-2, P.E.C.H.S., Karachi who purchased the property and issued a public notice inviting objections, the process generally involves the following details:
The new owner has legally acquired the property through purchase or transfer of ownership. They are inviting any claims or objections from the general public, previous stakeholders, or legal heirs, if applicable. The notice was published in the Daily Dawn. |
Annex-Q | |
| 19.07.2024 | The new owner began demolition of the old illegal construction. | Annex-R | |
| 2025 : A new Illegal construction is underway. 4 floors Basement + 24 Floors Highrise Towers. The residents will suffer – does any one care? | |||
| There are new owner/attorney by the name of ‘Faizan Builders and Developers’ (BL-4188) Aman Baghani and others, Owners/attorney CNIC No.42201-6557-7 address Suite No.806, 8th floor, Al Khaleej Tower, BMCHS, Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Karachi. The professional team i.e. License Architect Dawood Meraj Lic No.Al-01-794, License Engineer Rameez Balwani Reg. SE-06-316) The present status of the project as of 11th March 2025 is that once again construction/excavation has started without an approved plan. There is no official approved plan. Our information shows that the matter still pending in the Town Planning Department, they have applied to construct double basement +Ground+25 storeys. | |||
| 07.03.2025 | The architect's / Engineer's observations and remarks from the latest photographs dated 07.03.2025 indicate that the excavation shows the building will exceed 25 stories. And Recent pilling for Second level basement | Annex-S | |
| 07.03.2025 | The owners/builders of Plot No. 144-A submitted a proposed architectural plan to the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) on September 16, 2024. After review, the Competent Authority has accepted the Architectural Concept Plan for the project. However, it is important to note that this approval is not valid for construction at this stage. However, the builder on the basis of this proposed architectural plan, doing the construction activity, which is illegal/unauthorized. | Annex-T | |
| 11.03.2025 | The present status of the project as of 11th March 2025 is that once again construction/excavation has started without an approved plan.
There is no official approved plan. Our information shows that the matter still pending in the Town Planning Department, they have applied to construct double 4basement +Ground+24 storeys. (see brochure). Faizan Sky Tower
Payment Plan
The professional team of architect and engineer who have been mentioned as the team overseeing the project need to meet the criteria of Category A professionals. Unfortunately, as is the trend and rule, the real architect and engineer do not sign on the submission plan, neither their names are mentioned because they know the real working drawing they are making are contrary to the approved/submitted plan to the SBCA and by not signing their names on submission drawings they safeguard their license and reputation. This is true to all commercial projects being built in Karachi. The regulators, the government departments are aware of this big game. The most important Plinth Verification Certificate (ZP Form) is never signed by any architect/engineer which is mandatory requirement. It is at the plinth the real mischief of violations began. How powerful and well connected the new builder and how complicit the SBCA, KDA is that in a leased residential area where the water line is half an inch, the sewerage line is for residential, the gas and electricity is residential. The houses are all G+1 that a structure is being built which will rise above 300 fit, does not have NOC from Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), no NOC from SEPA and it will become nuisance for the residents. Construction is visible from the attached photographs. |
Annex-U | |
| The builder/owner has not applied for a new public NOC. The last one allowed G+9 storeys.
He is now building G+25 floors. Can he do that?
|
Annex-V | ||
| The Responsible Departments and Persons Heading these Departments. They must look into the affairs of their departments.
|
