KMC move to commercialize plots stirs controversy

Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has sought permission to convert 3 of its properties designated for residential use into commercial properties. This has stirred considerable controversy, as all 3 properties are located in prime residential areas and are worth billions of rupees in total.

The request for conversion of these properties was made by the Director Land of KMC to the Director General of Sindh’s Master Plan Department. The plots in question are:

1. Plot No. 25 in Sheet No. FT-3 in Frere Quarters, Clifton, measuring 2,000 square yards, whose price can be between Rs. 1.2 billion to Rs. 2.5 billion rupees if converted to a commercial plot. This is due to the presence of foreign consulates, corporate headquarters and elite schools in Clifton which affords it a better infrastructure and security set up than other areas in Karachi and has good access to more posh areas of the city.
2. Plot No. ST-9 in Block-14, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, measuring 1,161.6 square yards. Its price ranges between Rs. 350 million to Rs. 650 million (dependent on its commercial status financialization). This plot is located in Block-14, which is the commercial heart of Gulshan-i-Iqbal, and is located near major traffic arteries and high-end commercial properties, apartment complexes and institutions like universities ensuring high footfall.
3. Plot No. 2-B at old Sabzi Mandi near Askari Park, measuring 2,000 square yards. Its price ranges between Rs. 750 million and Rs. 1.4 billion, depending on its commercialization status. This price is because the plot is located near highly commercialized transit corridors and because a land parcel of this size in Central Karachi is difficult to find, particularly for commercial activities.

The development has raised serious concerns from the political opposition who question how Karachi’s authorities can convert prime land meant for use of Karachi’s residents into commercial land and sell it. They have demanded from the Commissioner of Karachi all relevant details regarding the properties as well as any other properties disposed of by KMC in the recent past.

For its part, KMC has defended the move, citing the commercialization as an “institutional effort” to better utilize the resources at hand. It also noted that the commercialization process will follow all procedures and will be presented before the KMC Council for future directions.