The Sindh government has announced urgent measures to demolish 51 severely dilapidated buildings in Karachi, following the tragic collapse of a five-storey structure in Lyari that claimed 27 lives. The move was confirmed during a press conference on Monday by Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, alongside Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar.
Saeed Ghani said a committee investigating the Lyari incident has now been tasked with inspecting these 51 structures and submitting a report within 24 hours. "Demolition will begin immediately after the survey," he stated, adding that the city commissioner is also compiling data on 588 buildings previously deemed unsafe.
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), which issued multiple evacuation notices for the Lyari building since 2023, has come under intense scrutiny. In response, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah suspended the SBCA director general, along with other officials including the deputy director and inspectors. Memon confirmed that criminal proceedings will be initiated against those found guilty of negligence.
The collapsed building in Lyari's Lea Market had housed over 40 people. Among the 27 casualties were nine women, 15 men, and two children. Compensation of Rs1 million has been announced for each victim’s family.
Ghani acknowledged that while notices were often issued to residents, enforcement remained weak. "We’re also exploring options to prosecute those responsible for unauthorised constructions," he added.
In total, 740 buildings across Sindh have been identified as dangerous. The Sindh government is now also reviewing relocation plans for residents of over 400 hazardous buildings in Karachi’s Old City Area.
Opposition parties, including PTI, MQM-P, and Jamaat-e-Islami, have demanded legal action and compensation for affected families, accusing the PPP-led provincial government of gross negligence.