KARACHI: The Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) has announced to cancel its forthcoming ‘International Expo-2018′ to be held in Karachi from August 12 to 14 if the ban on construction of high-rise and multi-storey buildings will continue in the megacity. This was announced by Patron-in-Chief and former ABAD chairman Mohsin Sheikhani while addressing Annual Gala Dinner and an award distribution ceremony of ABAD held at the Convention Centre of the DHA Golf Club the other day. Director General Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) Agha Maqsood, Chairman ABAD Arif Yousuf Jeewa, Senior Vice Chairman Fayaz Ilyas, Vice Chairman Sohail Warind, Chairman Southern Region Altaf Tai, Diplomats of America, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Iran a large number of government officials and members of ABAD were also present on this occasion. Mohsin Sheikhani said that construction sector of Pakistan is under severe depression due to ban imposed on construction of high-rise buildings in light of misguiding report of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KW&SB) to the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Foreign investors had inked a number of Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) of more than Rs 300 billion for investment in Pakistan’s construction sector during ABAD International Expo-2017 held in Karachi but now they are facing problems because of ban on construction of high-rises in Karachi, he said adding that if the ban continues, ABAD will not be able to organise ABAD Expo-2018 to be held from 12 to 14 August, 2018 at Karachi Expo Centre, for which ABAD has already booked all six halls of the expo centre. He demanded of Sindh and Federal governments should build at least two desalination plants of 50 million gallons each in Karachi to provide enough water to Karachi. Addressing the ceremony, Chairman ABAD Arif Jeewa said that the ban on high-rises in Karachi is result of false and misguiding report of KW&SB but the fact is that water board itself is responsible for water shortage in Karachi and not the high-rise buildings. He said that 40% of water of Karachi is being wasted due to inefficiency of water board. He lamented that economic activities were started in light of operation against criminals by the Rangers and other law enforcement agencies but ban on construction of high-rises in the megacity has rendered thousands of people jobless as billons of rupees’ investment has been stopped in this important sector. He expressed fear that once again law and order of the city could face worst situation due to large scale unemployment. Founder Chairman of ABAD Farooq Hassan, speaking on this occasion, highlighted aims and objects of the ABAD and said that members of ABAD are contributing a lot to the national exchequer but the government is not paying proper attention towards construction sector. Director General SBCA Agha Maqsood assured that the authority will support builders and developers and that members of ABAD have important role in beautifying the city. Later on, awards were distributed among members of ABAD and other dignitaries. Published in Daily Times, November 21st 2017.