KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has officially reserved its verdict on a petition filed by former President Dr. Arif Alvi regarding his inability to take possession of an official residence allotted to him in the Bath Island area of Karachi. Represented by Barrister Ali Tahir, the former president argued that the official residence was legally allocated to him following the conclusion of his presidential term, but he remains unable to occupy it as the property is currently under the possession of a former customs employee, maintaining that secure housing is his legitimate right as an ex-head of state. In contrast, the respondent and former customs employee, Shehab Imam, contested the claim by stating that the property was legally allocated to him under a Ministry of Law directive allowing him to vacate after 60 years. Imam further argued that Dr. Alvi already owns multiple properties and that the Cabinet Division—which manages approximately 200 homes—could alternatively provide him with accommodation in Islamabad. Following the conclusion of arguments from both legal teams, the court reserved its judgment, with the final ruling expected soon.
