Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) Chairman Muhammad Hanif Gohar has said that a corrupt system has paralyzed the entire administrative structure in Sindh. Karachi is plagued by widespread extortion and land-grabbing problems, while the failure to commercialize 26 roads despite Supreme Court orders is a matter of serious concern.
He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony organised by the Diplomatic Business Club in honour of ABAD Chairman Muhammad Hanif Gohar and other office-bearers.
The ceremony was attended by ABAD Vice Chairman Khursheed Alam, Southern Region Chairman Moez Zaidi, former ABAD Chairman Muhammad Hassan Bakshi, Senior Vice Chairman Syed Afzal Hameed, Vice Chairman Tariq Aziz, Southern Region Chairman Ahmad Owais Thanvi, Diplomatic Business Club Chairman Muhammad Umar Shah, Patron-in-Chief Fayyaz Ilyas, Asif Sumsum and a large number of members.
Gohar further stated that extortion, land mafias and the corrupt system had created numerous difficulties for citizens, as well as builders and developers associated with the construction sector.
He stressed that effective measures had become essential to address these challenges.
He said that protecting the businesses of builders and traders and enabling them to carry out their commercial activities without fear were the responsibilities of the government and law enforcement agencies.
The ABAD chairman pointed out that, despite the Supreme Court’s orders, not a single builder had yet been able to get a plot commercialised, describing the situation as alarming.
Condemning the failure to implement judicial orders concerning commercialisation, he urged the relevant institutions to address the matter immediately so that the issues could be resolved in accordance with legal requirements.
Gohar said ABAD would continue to play its role in resolving the legitimate concerns of builders and developers. He emphasised that comprehensive measures should be taken to initiate the commercialisation process in public institutions without bribery, ensuring that builders did not face unnecessary obstacles in carrying out their lawful business activities.
He maintained that ABAD had never remained silent in the face of corruption and had consistently raised its voice against injustices faced by builders and developers. He added that highlighting the problems of the business community and drawing the attention of the relevant authorities towards their resolution remained among the organisation’s key priorities.
Additionally, ABAD Chairman Muhammad Hanif Gohar expressed deep sorrow and grief over the deaths of six girls, 20 boys and two female teachers in an incident in Peshawar’s Dir Colony, where a school roof reportedly collapsed. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured children and extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families.
Gohar said that conducting structural safety audits of school, hospital and office buildings was the responsibility of the district administration.
He described the failure to identify dilapidated buildings in a timely manner and conduct their technical inspections as serious administrative negligence.
He stressed that governments must take practical and effective measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.