Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) is going to file a petition in the apex court against the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources seeking lifting of ban on new gas connection for high-rise buildings.
Talking to Business Recorder, Chairman ABAD Muhammad Hanif Gohar said the government has not allowed new gas connection for any high-rise buildings in Karachi since 2011.
"Following the restrictions on new gas connections for high-rise buildings, the prospects of around 300 residential projects in Karachi, comprising 4,000-5,000 units, appear bleak," he said. He said the government had imposed a ban on new gas connections in 2011, putting the possession transfer to the allottees of these 300 residential projects into abeyance.
Replying to a question, Gohar said that investment to the tune of around Rs300 billion had been stuck in these projects. He answered that issues had been tabled at all relevant forums but no positive response was witnessed so far, leaving the most employment generating sector into serious financial crisis.
Moreover, he said that one of the ABAD's members had filed a petition in the court against the ministry on the imposition of ban on new gas connection for his two high-rise residential projects and added that the court has recently given the verdict in favour of ABAD's member.
Keeping the said development in view, the ABAD has now decided to knock the doors of apex court to lift the ban on new gas connection for around 300 high-rise buildings in Karachi.
He apprised that ABAD had already engaged one of the senior lawyers of Supreme Court, who would file a petition on behalf of ABAD against the ministry of petroleum and natural resources next week.