The Sindh government has removed the Director-General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) following the tragic collapse of a residential building in Karachi’s Lyari that claimed 27 lives. Authorities have since identified 51 additional buildings in the area deemed unsafe and scheduled for demolition.
The five-storey structure in Baghdadi, Lyari, collapsed on Friday, killing 11 women, 16 men, and a toddler, while injuring 10 others. The last body retrieved was that of 15-year-old Muhammad Zaid, who remained trapped for two days. His father and two brothers also perished in the collapse.
Rescue operations have concluded, and the provincial government has announced Rs1 million compensation for each bereaved family.
Administrative Shake-up and Inquiry
At a press conference, Sindh Ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Saeed Ghani, and Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar detailed the government’s response. Ghani confirmed that the Karachi Commissioner has been tasked with delivering a detailed assessment of the 51 dangerous buildings within 24 hours, including resident data, to begin urgent evacuations and demolitions.
“These buildings pose an imminent threat and will be dealt with on a priority basis,” said Memon.
The government has suspended SBCA officials responsible for Lyari, while confirming the dismissal of the DG SBCA, now replaced by Shahmir Khan Bhutto. Ghani stated that criminal cases will be filed against negligent officials, and those found guilty will face legal consequences.
Broader Safety Measures
A committee led by the Karachi Commissioner has been formed to assess other dilapidated buildings across the city. The government aims to relocate residents from hazardous structures and address the city’s 586 listed unsafe buildings.
During rescue efforts, three adjacent buildings were found to be structurally compromised, prompting the evacuation of a nearby six-storey building. However, residents of two severely damaged buildings reported no contact from SBCA officials, raising concerns over continued inaction.
Legal and Regulatory Reforms
Sharjeel Memon emphasised that tougher laws to curb illegal construction are in the works, with a two-week deadline set to introduce amendments to SBCA regulations.
Home Minister Lanjar assured the public of a zero-tolerance approach to negligence:
“We will not allow criminal neglect to go unpunished. Accountability is our top priority.”
Support for Victims and Minorities
Sindh government spokesperson Sukhdev Hemnani reiterated the province’s commitment to assisting all victims, including minority communities affected by the Lyari disaster.
“No community will be left behind. Equal assistance will be provided, and a comprehensive recovery plan is being finalised,” he stated.
The Lyari collapse has once again highlighted the urgent need for regulatory enforcement, structural inspections, and institutional accountability to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
