New Directorate Established to Address Industrial Challenges, Mushtaq Ibrahim Soomro.
Legal framework within SBCA must be simplified to build public confidence, President KATI Johar
Qandhari.
Karachi: The Directorate of Industries has been established under the leadership of Transition Officer
Mushtaq Ibrahim Soomro. The Directorate’s primary focus is to provide a one-window operation for
industrialists, simplifying the approval process for building plans and eliminating unauthorized
harassment by individuals falsely claiming to represent the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA).
During a recent visit to the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Mushtaq Ibrahim Soomro
highlighted the Directorate’s key objectives, which include expediting building plan approvals within 30
days of submitting title documents and other required approvals and drawings. He emphasized the need
to adhere to international standards and proposed the implementation of rules to facilitate the industry.
Additionally, plans for online submission of maps were announced, with a commitment to issue formal
notifications within three days.
In attendance at the ceremony were KATI President Johar Qandhari, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair
Chhaya, Senior Vice President Nighat Awan, Standing Committee Chairman Farhan-ur-Rehman, Former
Presidents Masood Naqi, Farrukh Mazhar, SBCA Deputy Director Ahsan Idrees, and Assistant Director
Adnan Qaiser.
Mushtaq Ibrahim Soomro further said that the establishment of the Directorate of Industries marks a
significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by industrial areas in Karachi, and stakeholders
express optimism about its potential positive impact on the local industry.
President KATI, Johar Qandhari, expressed concerns over the increasing trend of illegal constructions in
the city, stressing the importance of a one-window operation at SBCA. Qandhari called for a simplified
legal framework within SBCA to build public confidence and urged the institution to conduct information
sessions to educate the public about relevant laws.
Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya extended gratitude to the Chief Minister of Sindh for fulfilling
KATI’s longstanding demand for a separate Directorate of Industries. Chhaya emphasized the
expectations of industrialists from this institution and highlighted the need for revisions in
regularization, especially considering the requirements of the cottage industry.
Standing Committee Chairman Farhan-ur-Rehman commended the caretaker government for passing
effective laws and stressed the need for a systematic approach and consistent policy implementation.
Former Presidents Masood Naqi, Farrukh Mazhar, and others also addressed the ceremony.
