The Sindh High Court has ruled that the Karachi Strategic Development Plan 2020 will continue to remain in effect until a new master plan is lawfully approved and officially notified.
The ruling was issued by a two-member bench headed by Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon while disposing of a petition seeking effective implementation of the development plan. The court made it clear that any deviation from KSDP-2020 could lead to legal consequences unless aligned with the Sindh government’s policy decisions.
The court further directed authorities to strictly follow previous judicial orders, including ensuring consistency in the regulatory framework, timely formulation of rules, and full compliance with the development plan.
The case was originally filed by Advocate Tariq Mansoor, who argued that authorities had failed to implement the plan despite earlier court directives. He also filed a contempt plea against senior provincial officials for alleged non-compliance.
During proceedings, government representatives stated that a new master planning framework, including the proposed Greater Karachi Regional Plan 2047, is still under development and has not yet been finalised.
The SHC observed that while the issue involves multiple authorities and policy-level complexities, its earlier ruling dated February 10, 2026, already provides a clear framework for implementation and regulatory alignment.
The court emphasized that until new rules and a master plan are formally notified, no authority—including the Sindh Building Control Authority or other departments—can act in violation of the KSDP-2020.
This decision reinforces the legal status of Karachi’s existing development framework and aims to ensure proper urban planning, regulatory consistency, and protection of public interests in the city.
