Supreme Court's Karachi registry to be relocated to new site

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Yahya Afridi has approved the master plan for the construction of the proposed Supreme Court registry building in Karachi.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the building committee chaired by the CJP. The meeting was attended by Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Justice Muhammad Shafi Siddiqui, Justice Aamer Farooq and Supreme Court Registrar Muhammad Salim Khan.

The committee reviewed a proposal to expand the existing SC registry located near Shaheen Complex. However, it was noted that the site could not accommodate future requirements and that the parking space had reportedly been built over a natural water drain.

Expressing concern over the matter, the chief justice emphasised that any development must be in line with sustainability and long-term feasibility. It was therefore unanimously decided to relocate the project to a new site. The committee also directed that encroachments affecting the natural watercourse be removed.

The CJP observed that the Supreme Court could not set a precedent of allowing or supporting encroachments, especially on public land or over essential infrastructure.

The committee further resolved that all construction and development works of the apex court must strictly adhere to legal, environmental and civic standards.

It may be recalled that in December 2018, then chief justice Saqib Nisar had laid the foundation stone for the new registry building at the Pakistan Secretariat. The plan includes courtrooms, related offices, facilities for the bar, and amenities for the public.