Alleged ‘Bhai Ji System’ Emerges in SBCA, Retired Officers Accused of Influence

Karachi: Staff Reporter:  The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) is reportedly facing a new wave of controversy with the alleged emergence of a “Bhai Ji System” within the department, following the earlier “Hyderabad System.”

According to sources, a group from Nawabshah has allegedly gained influence over key matters in SBCA, including building approvals, file clearances, and officer postings.

Retired Officers Named
Sources claim that two retired officers, Shahid Durrani and Zaheer Ustad, are at the center of the alleged system. Despite being retired, Shahid Durrani and Zaheer Ustad are said to be exercising influence over SBCA operations.

Sources further allege that in the past as well, Shahid Durrani and Zaheer Ustad faced accusations regarding irregularities in maps and building files.

The name of suspended Director Ashfaq Khokhar has also surfaced in connection with the matter. According to sources, Ashfaq Khokhar was suspended by the Chief Secretary Sindh. An FIR has been registered against him and a NAB inquiry is also underway.

Fears of Surge in Illegal Constructions
Sources allege that bids worth millions of rupees have been placed for building control matters across Karachi and Sindh. This, they claim, could lead to another surge of illegal constructions in Karachi.

It is further alleged that a systematic process has been introduced for transfers and postings of officers across all districts of Karachi.

DG SBCA and Minister for Local Government Remain Silent
So far, DG SBCA Wasim Shamshed and Sindh Minister for Local Government Nasir Hussain Shah have not issued any official statement regarding the allegations.

Stakeholders from the construction sector and civil society have called for an independent and transparent inquiry into the alleged “Bhai Ji System” in SBCA. They stress that the record should be made public to protect the credibility of the institution and the interests of citizens.

Key Questions
1. *To DG SBCA Wasim Shamshed:* Are all decisions within SBCA being made strictly on merit and in accordance with the law?
2. *To Minister Nasir Hussain Shah:* Will a full and impartial inquiry be conducted into the affairs of SBCA?
3. Will action be taken against retired officer Shahid Durrani, retired officer Zaheer Ustad, and suspended Director Ashfaq Khokhar?

Experts say that if a new group is indeed running SBCA affairs through an alleged parallel system, the Sindh government must take immediate notice to restore public trust in the authority.