Ban on bahria town 2018 legal news

You're referring to the ban on Bahria Town, a private housing society in Pakistan, in 2018. Here's a summary of the legal news surrounding the ban:

Background: Bahria Town is a large private housing society located in Karachi, Pakistan. It was founded by Malik Riaz Hussain, a Pakistani businessman, in the 1990s. The society has been involved in several controversies over the years, including allegations of land grabbing, illegal construction, and non-payment of dues to the government.

Ban: In 2018, the Sindh High Court (SHC) banned Bahria Town from carrying out any construction activities in the province of Sindh, including Karachi, until it paid the outstanding dues to the government. The court also ordered the society to stop selling plots and apartments until the dues were cleared.

Reasons for the ban: The ban was imposed due to several reasons, including:

1. Non-payment of dues: Bahria Town was accused of not paying the required dues to the government, including property taxes, utility bills, and other charges.
2. Illegal construction: The society was alleged to have constructed buildings and infrastructure without obtaining the necessary approvals and permits from the relevant authorities.
3. Land grabbing: Bahria Town was accused of grabbing land from local residents and farmers, and constructing buildings on it without their consent.

Legal challenges: Bahria Town challenged the ban in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, arguing that it was unconstitutional and violated the society's fundamental rights. The society also claimed that the ban would cause financial losses and affect the livelihoods of thousands of people who were employed by the society.

Supreme Court's decision: In 2019, the Supreme Court of Pakistan upheld the ban imposed by the Sindh High Court, ruling that Bahria Town had failed to comply with the court's orders to pay the outstanding dues to the government. The court also directed the society to stop selling plots and apartments until the dues were cleared.

Aftermath: The ban has had a significant impact on Bahria Town, with many of its projects and activities coming to a standstill. The society has been trying to negotiate with the government to lift the ban, but so far, no agreement has been reached. The ban has also led to a decline in the value of Bahria Town's properties, with many investors and buyers seeking refunds or compensation.

Conclusion: The ban on Bahria Town in 2018 was a significant legal development in Pakistan, highlighting the importance of compliance with laws and regulations in the country. The ban has had far-reaching consequences for the society, its employees, and its investors, and its outcome will likely have a lasting impact on the real estate sector in Pakistan.