The Sindh High Court has ordered an immediate end to all commercial activities taking place on the premises of police stations across the province.

The court expressed strong disapproval of the practice, which involves the use of police land for shops, restaurants, and other businesses, often under the guise of police welfare.

Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, presiding over the case, questioned the IGP of Sindh Police about the extent of these activities. The IGP admitted that 1,920 properties across 32 locations in 16 districts were involved in such commercial ventures. While notices had been issued to the individuals involved, many had obtained stay orders from various courts, hindering the eviction process.

The court criticised the police for allowing these activities to continue and questioned the timeline for their complete removal. The government lawyer informed the court that leases for shops on police land had been canceled, rendering any ongoing commercial activities illegal. The court then directed the police to take immediate action to reclaim possession of the properties.

Shopkeepers argued that the police were attempting to blackmail them by demanding exorbitant rent increases, ranging from 15 to 20 times the current rates. Their lawyer presented lease agreements with an 11-month term and annual renewal clauses.

The petition, filed by a concerned citizen, named the Home Secretary, IG Sindh, DIGs, SSP Central, and KPRFW officials as respondents.