KARACHI: In a major development, the Sindh High Court has ordered the desealing of former President Dr. Arif Alvi’s dental clinic in Karachi, marking a turning point in an issue that has drawn public and political attention. However, the actual reopening of the clinic will face further delays due to procedural requirements.
The clinic, located in the Sindhi Muslim Cooperative Housing Society, was sealed by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) in October over alleged violations of residential zoning laws. The SBCA claimed the action was routine enforcement, but PTI leaders and supporters argued that it was a politically motivated move targeting Dr. Alvi.
Certified orders awaited
While the High Court has issued its judgment, certified copies of the desealing order could not be obtained on Friday. According to sources close to the matter, the documents will be available next week on Monday. Following this, the court Nazir will visit the facility to oversee the desealing process, which is expected to take place by Tuesday or Wednesday.
This delay prolongs the already 51-day closure of the clinic, which has disrupted patient care and caused significant inconvenience to the staff and community.
Political tensions surrounding the case
The sealing of the clinic had become a flashpoint in Karachi, with PTI leaders accusing the ruling coalition of using state institutions to settle political scores. “The SBCA’s actions were clearly part of a campaign to intimidate PTI leaders,” said Raja Azhar, PTI Karachi President.
Fauzia Siddiqi, the party’s Karachi spokesperson, echoed similar concerns, calling the action “ridiculous” given that the clinic had been operational for years without issue.
Impact on community and healthcare
The closure of Dr. Alvi’s dental clinic, known for its high-quality care, has left a void for many regular patients in the area. Staff members have also faced financial hardships due to the extended downtime. “It’s not just about the clinic; it’s about the lives of patients and employees that have been disrupted,” said a resident of the neighborhood.
SBCA unreachable for comment
Efforts to reach SBCA officials for a immediate reaction to the High Court’s judgment were unsuccessful. The authority has faced criticism for what some see as selective enforcement of zoning laws and lack of transparency in its operations.
What’s Next?
While the court order offers a sense of relief to Dr. Alvi and his supporters, the process of reopening the clinic is far from over. Once the court Nazir deseals the facility next week, it is expected to resume operations, bringing much-needed dental care back to the community.
The incident has highlighted concerns about the impartiality of regulatory authorities and the broader challenges of navigating politically charged environments. For now, patients and staff of Dr. Alvi’s clinic wait for the final steps to restore normalcy, hoping this episode will serve as a precedent for fairer governance in the future.