FCC Ruling Shifts Illegal Construction Responsibility to Sindh Government
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The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has withdrawn the Supreme Court’s orders of December 21, 2018, and January 22, 2019, which had led to the demolition of Karachi’s Nasla Tower. In its written verdict, the court stated that actions against illegal constructions primarily fall within the jurisdiction of provincial governments rather than the judiciary. The FCC held that courts should remain confined to the dispute before them and avoid unnecessary intervention in matters beyond the scope of the case, noting that the Supreme Court had issued directions extending beyond the pending proceedings.
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The Federal Constitutional Court's decision to withdraw the Supreme Court's orders pertains to the Nasla Tower case.
On July 11, 2026, the Federal Constitutional Court's decision to withdraw previous Supreme Court orders regarding demolitions was further clarified, with the Nesla Tower demolition verdict specifically declared wrong. This development is expected to bring relief for affected residents.
Following the Federal Constitutional Court's (FCC) verdict recalling Supreme Court orders that led to the demolition of Nasla Tower, senior lawyers and constitutional experts have endorsed the FCC's position. They agree that the apex court had overstepped its domain in issuing sweeping demolition orders.
The fresh decision now places the responsibility on the Sindh government and the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to prevent illegal construction on amenity plots. The FCC clarified that its ruling does not legalize illegality or provide lawful cover for unauthorized construction in Karachi, as a comprehensive legal framework already exists to address such violations. Former attorney general for Pakistan, Anwar Mansoor Khan, supported the FCC ruling, stating that the Supreme Court had exceeded its scope.
The Federal Constitutional Court issued its written verdict in the Karachi illegal constructions case on July 10, 2026.
Following the Federal Constitutional Court's verdict regarding the Nasla Tower, demand for its reconstruction has reportedly intensified. The verdict has also generated controversies, with questions being raised about compensation for the affected citizens.
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