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KARACHI, May 18, 2026: Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) Chairman Kaukab Iqbal welcomed the Federal Constitutional Court’s decision to lift the ban on converting residential plots into commercial use in Karachi. Speaking to the media at the CAP head office, he called the ruling a historic step for Karachi’s development, business growth, and the real estate sector.
He said the decision will increase property values and create new investment opportunities across the city. Moreover, he praised the court for issuing what he described as an important judgment in the public interest.
However, Kaukab Iqbal urged the government to introduce strict regulations for builders and developers across Pakistan. He proposed laws similar to Dubai’s property regulations to protect consumers’ investments. In addition, he suggested that builders should not take direct bookings from the public. Instead, government institutions should supervise all bookings.
Furthermore, he said developers must deposit security funds with the government before launching projects. As a result, authorities could compensate buyers in cases of delays, non-completion, or extra charges.
He also highlighted rising real estate fraud in Karachi and other cities. According to him, many citizens fall victim to misleading advertisements and aggressive marketing campaigns. Consequently, buyers neither receive possession of properties nor refunds.
In addition, he claimed that some builders sell projects without owning the land. Therefore, he demanded the immediate formation of a strong regulatory authority to monitor projects from booking to possession and protect consumers from fraud.
At the same time, he stressed the need for clear laws on converting residential properties into commercial use. Otherwise, he warned, residential neighborhoods could face problems from workshops, warehouses, and other commercial activities.
He further urged the government to maintain a balance between residential and commercial zones through proper legal safeguards.
Meanwhile, he noted that thousands of buyers across Pakistan still have investments stuck in housing projects. Therefore, both federal and provincial governments must introduce strict regulations to protect consumer rights.
Kaukab Iqbal also announced the formation of a committee under CAP Vice Chairman Muhammad Kamal Mughal to address complaints related to delayed property delivery. Additionally, the committee will inspect projects according to approved maps of the Sindh Building Control Authority.
He added that CAP will soon open a Property Complaint Center on Tariq Road, where consumers can directly file complaints against builders.
Issuing a strong warning to developers, he said: “Do not play with innocent consumers. We are standing with them to protect their rights.”
