Sindh High Court Says Courts Exist to Protect Fundamental Rights, Not Oversee Road Construction

Karachi: The Constitutional Bench of the Sindh High Court observed during a hearing that courts are established to protect fundamental human rights, not to supervise the construction or repair of roads and streets.

The case concerns the prolonged excavation and delayed restoration of roads and streets in Karachi. During the proceedings, Justice Adnan-ul-Karim remarked, “The court is not meant to oversee the digging and construction of roads and streets. Courts exist to safeguard fundamental human rights.”

During the hearing, Advocate Usman Farooq argued that the failure to restore roads and streets also amounts to a violation of fundamental human rights, as it directly affects the daily lives and safety of residents. He informed the court that Union Council 3 in Shah Faisal Town had been extensively dug up and that restoration work had not been completed.

Justice Adnan-ul-Karim observed that road restoration work was reportedly underway across the city. However, the petitioner’s counsel responded that no meaningful work was being carried out in the affected area and that local residents continued to face serious difficulties. He requested the court to direct the town chairman and the provincial government to immediately restore the damaged roads.

The judge stated that the court would issue its decision on the petition later the same day.

The petition was filed by Shah Faisal Town resident Muhammad Khalid, who named Shah Faisal Town Chairman Gohar Khattak, the Sindh government, and other relevant authorities as respondents.