Karachi (Staff Reporter): An organized network of illegal construction continues to operate openly in Karachi’s District West, where residential plots in Surjani Town, Baldia Town and Orangi Town are allegedly being converted into commercial buildings, wedding halls, banquet facilities and other structures in clear violation of building laws. These unchecked developments have severely strained the city’s infrastructure and raised serious concerns over public safety.
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Sources say that the role of Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) Deputy Director Riaz Mulla has come under serious question, as enforcement against illegal constructions in District West remains ineffective. Insiders allege that the lack of decisive action has allowed a well-established system to thrive, with building regulations routinely ignored.
On December 10, 2025, the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) formally wrote to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, leveling serious allegations against Deputy Director Riaz Mulla. The letter accused him of blackmail, illegal demands and harassment. ABAD Chairman Muhammad Hassan Bakhsh stated that written complaints along with supporting evidence were also available regarding these allegations.
Following the letter and mounting pressure, the Director General SBCA reportedly suspended Riaz Mulla. However, sources claim that without the completion of any formal inquiry, he was reinstated and reposted in the same District West within days. This move has raised serious questions about transparency, accountability and the credibility of the internal disciplinary process within SBCA.
Riaz Mulla’s name has also surfaced in the controversial issuance of show-cause notices to 253 SBCA officers. These notices were reportedly issued on the basis of a report submitted by Additional Director Vigilance Farhan Qaiser, yet no details of any conclusive action or outcomes have so far been made public.
Sources further allege that officers and individuals who attempt to speak out against illegal constructions or suspected corruption often face pressure, harassment or legal action. As a result, many complaints reportedly fail to reach their logical conclusion.
Urban planning experts and civil society members have demanded an impartial and comprehensive investigation into all illegal constructions in District West. They have also called for scrutiny of the assets and the last ten years of posting records of the concerned officers to determine possible misuse of authority.
Public and social circles have urged the Sindh Chief Minister, the Provincial Minister for Local Government, NAB Karachi and the Anti-Corruption Establishment to take immediate notice of the matter and ensure transparent investigations, warning that continued inaction could further damage Karachi’s already fragile urban structure.
