The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Karachi has initiated formal proceedings against officials of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), including former Director General Agha Maqsood Abbas, over alleged involvement in illegal construction approvals.
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According to official documents, NAB has issued a call-up notice under Section 19 of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 1999. The notice states that preliminary scrutiny of complaints indicates suspected corruption and irregularities in granting approvals for unauthorized commercial and residential buildings.
The bureau has directed SBCA to provide relevant records and ensure that a responsible officer, not below BPS-17 and fully informed on the matter, appears before the Combined Investigation Team (CIT) on February 25, 2026, at NAB Karachi. Details of buildings listed in annexures have also been requested.
NAB has warned that failure to comply with the notice will be considered deliberate obstruction, with potential legal action under Section 31 of NAO 1999, which carries penalties including imprisonment.
Following the development, SBCA issued an urgent directive to its officials across Karachi. In a letter issued by Deputy Director and Focal Person M Sajjad, directors from districts including East, Korangi, Malir, South, Central, West, and Keamari have been instructed to submit required data in a prescribed format.
SBCA has set a deadline of March 30, 2026, for submission of complete reports and records to ensure compliance with NAB’s investigation.
Sources indicate that the inquiry may uncover a broader network of illegal constructions in Karachi, with the possibility of more officials coming under scrutiny as the investigation progresses.
