Dangerous Buildings in Karachi came under renewed scrutiny after the Sindh Public Accounts Committee (PAC) revealed that the city has 588 unsafe structures, including 444 heritage buildings, raising serious concerns over public safety.

The figures emerged during a PAC meeting chaired by Nisar Khuhro, where the committee reviewed the performance of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). Officials informed lawmakers that 741 dangerous buildings have been identified across Sindh, including 588 in Karachi, 80 in Hyderabad, 50 in Sukkur, and several others in different districts.

Evacuation and Demolition Efforts Underway

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SBCA officials told the committee that authorities have evacuated 59 dangerous buildings in Karachi and approved the demolition of 39 unsafe structures.

However, many residents continue to occupy hazardous buildings, saying they will not leave until the government provides alternative accommodation.

Officials said notices have been served to occupants, while the Sindh government is developing a mechanism to provide rental assistance and temporary housing for affected families.

PAC Demands Progress Report

PAC Chairman Nisar Khuhro questioned officials about progress on an earlier directive to evacuate residents from unsafe buildings and establish a rehabilitation plan.

The Local Government Secretary informed the committee that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had formed a committee led by the Karachi Commissioner to oversee evacuation, rental support, and relocation arrangements.

Khuhro directed authorities to submit a detailed report on the number of evacuated residents. He also instructed officials to obtain written undertakings from occupants who refuse to leave, stating that the provincial government will not be held responsible for any future incidents.

High-Rise Buildings Near Quaid’s Mausoleum

The committee also examined reports that several high-rise buildings were constructed around Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum in alleged violation of building regulations.

PAC member Taha Ahmed questioned which officials approved the projects. SBCA officials responded that any building exceeding 50 feet requires mandatory no-objection certificates (NOCs) from relevant authorities.

The committee directed the SBCA to submit a comprehensive report on high-rise developments surrounding the national monument.

Action Ordered Against Illegal Housing Schemes

The PAC also discussed 58 illegal housing schemes in Karachi that are allegedly operating without mandatory NOCs.

SBCA officials said unregistered developers have been promoting unauthorized projects through social media to attract investors.

Authorities stated that they have issued notices against the schemes and published public warnings in newspapers advising citizens not to invest in unauthorized developments.

The PAC instructed the SBCA to intensify enforcement and publicly disclose the names of illegal builders to protect citizens from financial losses.