The Sindh Building Control Authority has launched a major operation against 540 most dangerous buildings and intensified action against illegal constructions across Karachi. The operation has commenced in coordination with the district administration and police.
SBCA Director General Muzammil Hussain Halepoto, acting on the directives of Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, has ordered immediate and strict measures against hazardous structures and unauthorised constructions across the province. He emphasised that the protection of human lives is the top priority, and negligence will not be tolerated.
The latest SBCA report identifies 540 dangerous buildings in Karachi, including 407 in District South, 70 in Central, 24 in Keamari, 14 in East, 18 in Korangi, five in Malir, and two in West. Several buildings have already been vacated and sealed, while efforts are underway to evacuate the remaining ones. Once vacated, the structures will be demolished in phases.
The DG has directed inspectors and field officers to personally survey areas in their jurisdictions, identify hazardous structures, halt illegal constructions, and submit reports to the Technical Committee on Dangerous Buildings (TCDB) for prompt action. Each officer is required to maintain a daily field book, obtain signatures from their seniors, and file a written assurance that no illegal construction exists in their area.
Additionally, officers must submit a comprehensive report by the 15th day of each month, detailing inspections, demolitions, court cases, complaints, and building plans. These reports will be reviewed by the Directorate of Vigilance and forwarded to the DG Secretariat.
The IT section has been tasked with maintaining daily records of dangerous buildings and demolitions, while the Administration section has been instructed to introduce a grading system for officers’ performance. Strict action will be taken under E&D rules against officers who fail to submit reports or are found guilty of negligence.
Halepoto stressed that daily monitoring, timely inspections, and immediate action against illegal structures are fundamental responsibilities of field officers. He also appealed to citizens to report hazardous or illegal buildings through SBCA helplines (99232355, 99230393) or via the official website www.sbca.gos.pk to help prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
