SBCA’s Sealing of Dr. Arif Alvi’s Dental Clinic Challenged in Sindh High Court
The decision by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to seal former President Dr. Arif Alvi’s dental clinic in Karachi has been challenged in the Sindh High Court (SHC). The petition, filed by Samina Alvi (Dr. Alvi’s wife) and Awab Alvi (his son), was heard by a two-judge bench on Friday, which issued notices to the provincial government, SBCA, and the healthcare commission. The court has sought responses from all parties by October 7.
Background of the Case
The dental clinic, Alvi Dental, is located at plot 23B in the Sindhi Muslim Cooperative Housing Society (SMCHS) in Karachi. On Thursday, the SBCA sealed the clinic, citing illegal commercial activities being carried out in a residential area adjacent to Sharea Faisal.
The SBCA officials claimed that using a residential plot for commercial purposes is illegal. A copy of the sealing order was also obtained by local media, confirming the action taken.
Political Motivation Allegations
The petitioners’ lawyer, Barrister Ali Tahir, argued that the clinic was sealed as an act of “political revenge.” He stated that no notice was given prior to the sealing of the clinic and that the move was intended to harass Dr. Arif Alvi on political grounds.
The clinic has been in operation for a long time, the petition emphasized, and the sudden action is seen as unfair and politically motivated.
Dr. Arif Alvi’s Presidency
Dr. Arif Alvi served as the 13th president of Pakistan, assuming office on September 9, 2018. His term officially ended in 2022, but it was extended due to the absence of an electoral college for the election of a new president. He served until March 8, when Asif Ali Zardari, co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), took over as the new president.