Karachi: Asserting that it cannot remain a silent spectator where the lives and properties of citizens are at stake, the High Court of Sindh (SHC) on Thursday signaled an end to judicial patience regarding the persistent threat of illegal billboards in Karachi.In a strongly worded order, a divisional bench comprising Justice Adnan-ul-Karim Memon and Justice Zulfiqar Ali Sangi has directed top provincial and municipal functionaries to submit a comprehensive compliance report within three weeks.The directive stems from Constitutional Petition No. D-2594/2025, filed by Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor, who contended that hazardous sign boards continue to proliferate on high-rise buildings and public roads in flagrant violation of the Supreme Court of Pakistan's 2016 landmark judgment (2014 SCMR 541).During the proceedings, the Court observed with concern that while initial compliance had occurred in years past, authorities have since allowed the "unlawful practice to resume." Highlight ing the heightened risks of the monsoon season and climate-change-induced windstorms, the bench noted: "This Court cannot remain a silent spectator where the lives and properties of citizens are at stake... The continued presence of these billboards, prima facie installed without proper safety compliance, reflects disregard of binding judicial pronouncements."The Court formally issued notices to the Chief Executive Officers of all Cantonment Boards, the Chief Municipal Commissioner (Karachi), the Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), and the Secretary of Local Government. These officials are now legally bound to provide a full account of all billboards currently installed within their respective jurisdictions; evidence of steps taken to dismantle illegal and hazardous structures, and a future roadmap to ensure permanent adherence to safety standards and judicial orders.Pending the three-week deadline, the Court has passed an interim order mandating that no unauthorised or hazard ous billboard remain in a position that endangers public safety.The matter is scheduled for follow-up in three weeks, where the Court will review the submitted reports to determine if further contempt proceedings or enforcement actions are required. Advocate Khuram Lakhani represented the petitioner.