SHC stops SBCA from sealing Dr Arif Alvi’s clinic again

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has stopped the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) from taking any action to seal former President Dr Arif Alvi’s dental clinic without fulfilling legal requirements.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, a two-member bench of the SHC on Thursday, while hearing a petition filed by Dr Alvi’s wife, Samina Alvi, directed the SBCA not to proceed with any action against the clinic unless all legal procedures were followed.

Justice Karim Khan Agha and Justice Nisar Ahmed Bhumbro heard the case on Thursday. Barrister Ali Tahir appeared in court on behalf of Dr Arif Alvi.

During the hearing, Barrister Ali Tahir argued that the matter was about de-sealing the clinic, yet the police had previously accompanied SBCA officials to seal it.

He expressed concern that the clinic might be sealed again, as it was earlier closed during late hours without prior notice.

Justice Karim Khan Agha questioned the presence of police in what was essentially a case related to commercial activity in a residential area.

Responding to the court’s queries, the SBCA lawyer stated that the matter had been forwarded to the Master Plan Authority for further proceedings.

Justice Nisar Ahmed Bhumbro asked Dr Alvi’s lawyer under what legal provisions a commercial facility was being operated in a residential neighbourhood.

Justice Karim Khan Agha further inquired whether Dr Alvi’s legal team had approached SBCA as per court directives. In response, Barrister Ali Tahir assured the court that the petitioner had contacted SBCA within the stipulated time.

After hearing both sides, the court ruled that SBCA must not take any action against Alvi’s clinic without fulfilling all legal requirements and subsequently disposed of the petition.

Sealing and de-sealing case

Last year, on October 4, 2024, Dr Arif Alvi’s dental clinic was sealed by the Sindh Building Control Authority. Officials claimed that the clinic was being operated from a residential bungalow, which violated zoning laws prohibiting commercial activities on residential plots. The clinic, located in Karachi’s Sindhi Muslim Society, was shut down in line with these regulations.

However, on November 22, 2024, the Sindh High Court ordered the immediate de-sealing of the dental clinic. A two-member bench, led by Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, directed the authorities to reopen the facility. The petition for de-sealing was filed by Dr Alvi’s wife and son, arguing that the closure was unjustified.

Reporter: Mumtaz Jamali