Subject: Request for Environmental Impact Assessment, Public Hearing, and Support for Petition Regarding Phase II of the ZAB Expressway

This is to formally inform you of the proposed construction of Phase II of the Shaheed Bhutto  Expressway, a project intended to alleviate traffic congestion on key corridors of Karachi.

According to the proposed plan, the elevated expressway will be utilized primarily by heavy container traffic. Its proximity to densely populated residential areas—particularly DHA Phase II—raises serious concerns regarding privacy, continuous noise pollution, environmental degradation, and public health. The anticipated 24-hour movement of heavy vehicles may adversely affect the well-being, safety, and economic stability of residents.

The currently proposed route originates near Shireen Jinnah Colony, proceeds via Ziauddin Hospital Chowrangi and Boat Basin, and continues on an elevated structure toward Shaheen, Punjab Chowrangi, Delhi Colony, Altamash Hospital, and ultimately Defence, connecting to Korangi Road.

In light of the potential environmental and social implications, concerned residents are seeking intervention from the Honourable Sindh High Court (SHC) to mandate a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and to conduct a formal public hearing prior to project execution. The project is reportedly scheduled for inauguration on 23 March.

We respectfully request your support by signing the attached application to enable the filing of a petition before the SHC.

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APPLICATION FOR SIGNATURE

As concerned citizens and residents of Karachi, we respectfully request the following:
 1. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed Elevated Highway Project, conducted in accordance with applicable legal and environmental standards.
 2. A formal public hearing to evaluate the project’s potential impact on residential communities, traffic patterns, air quality, noise levels, and local ecosystems in areas including Clifton and DHA.

These requests are made in view of:
 • The routing of heavy container traffic through or near residential neighbourhoods
 • Potential deterioration of air quality and increased noise pollution
 • Risks to sensitive populations, including children, patients, and the elderly
 • The presence of schools, hospitals, and essential community infrastructure along the corridor
 • The need for transparency, due process, and meaningful public participation in major urban infrastructure projects

We further request clarification on whether alternative routes were evaluated and, if so, the rationale for their rejection.

Additionally, residents are concerned that hazardous cargo—including chemical and petroleum materials—may be transported along this corridor, posing heightened safety and environmental risks. Given that the Government of Sindh collects Port Cess specifically for the development of Karachi’s infrastructure, there is an expectation that infrastructure planning should prioritize the safety, sustainability, and long-term welfare of the city’s residents. There are many instances where reckless driving resulted in falling of containers trucks from bridges, & running into banglows walls. 

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Your cooperation and timely support in this matter will contribute significantly to ensuring that due environmental safeguards, public consultation, and responsible urban planning principles are upheld.