Arif Alvi residence dispute: SHC reserves verdict after hearing
The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Thursday reserved its decision in a legal dispute concerning the allotment and possession of an official residence to former president Dr Arif Alvi.
The case involves two separate petitions relating to the same property in Bath Island, Karachi. One was filed by Dr Alvi, while the other was submitted by former government employee Dr Shahab Imam, who is currently occupying the house.
The dispute centres on competing claims over the right to retain or occupy the residence following changes in the allotment.
Arif Alvi’s claim to lifetime residence
Dr Arif Alvi approached the SHC, claiming that he was entitled to the house under the President’s Pension Act, 1947.
According to his petition, after completing his tenure as president, he was allotted the property as his official residence for life. However, he has reportedly been unable to take possession because the house remains occupied.
The former president’s legal position is that the allotment was made under the entitlement available to him after leaving office. His petition seeks relief concerning the property and the implementation of the allotment.
The court heard arguments from the lawyers representing the parties before reserving its verdict. The decision will determine how the competing claims are to be dealt with under the applicable law.
Former employee challenges cancellation
The second petition was filed by Dr Shahab Imam, the former government employee occupying the residence.
Imam challenged the cancellation of his retention or allotment of the house. He argued that he had been permitted to retain the accommodation after voluntarily retiring in 1991, following completion of the required qualifying service.
According to his petition, the retention had been approved by the competent authorities under the relevant government rules. He therefore contested the decision that affected his continued occupation of the property.
The case raises questions about the validity of the earlier retention permission and whether the former employee’s rights were properly considered before the allotment was changed.
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Arguments presented before the court
During the proceedings, arguments were presented concerning the entitlement of a former president to official accommodation and the rights of a retired government employee who had previously been allowed to retain the property.
Imam’s side reportedly argued that Dr Alvi already had several residences and did not require the disputed house. It was also suggested that the former president could be allotted a residence in Islamabad.
The argument reflects one side’s position in the dispute and does not represent a final finding by the court. The SHC will decide the matter after considering the petitions, legal arguments and relevant rules.
The exact details of the court’s forthcoming decision will clarify whether the allotment to Dr Alvi can stand and what happens to Imam’s claim of continued retention.
Court reserves verdict
After hearing the lawyers’ arguments, the SHC bench reserved its verdict in both petitions.
A reserved verdict means the court has concluded the hearing stage but will announce its decision at a later date. Until the judgment is issued, neither party’s claim can be treated as finally accepted by the court.
The dispute involves questions related to official accommodation, post-presidency entitlements and the retention of government housing by retired employees.
The court’s ruling is expected to provide clarity on the legal status of the Bath Island residence and the competing claims made by the former president and the former government employee.
