KARACHI: Illegal construction activities continue unabated across Karachi, triggering growing concerns over governance, urban planning and public safety. A fresh case has emerged in District East, where a building at Plot No. J-23, Block 2, PECHS is reportedly being constructed in blatant violation of approved plans and existing building bylaws.
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Sources said the structure includes a basement, ground floor and two additional floors, all allegedly built beyond the sanctioned map. It is further claimed that millions of rupees were paid to obtain unofficial clearance, allowing construction to proceed without interruption.
Area residents say they have repeatedly approached officials of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to lodge complaints, but no meaningful action has been taken. The continued inaction has sparked allegations that certain SBCA officials are providing patronage to builders and construction mafias operating in District East.
Urban planning experts warn that illegal constructions pose a serious threat to Karachi’s fragile infrastructure and public safety. Such violations place excessive strain on sewerage systems, water supply, electricity networks and road traffic, while significantly increasing the risk of structural failures. Several past incidents in the city have been directly linked to buildings erected in breach of safety regulations.
Civil society organisations and local residents have urged the Sindh chief minister, the chief secretary and the SBCA chairman to take immediate notice of the ongoing violations in PECHS and surrounding areas. They have called for strict action against those responsible and demanded urgent measures to prevent Karachi from turning into an unregulated concrete sprawl.
Observers warn that continued failure to act decisively could cause irreversible damage to the city’s urban fabric and put countless lives at risk.
