Karachi: A major scandal involving large-scale illegal construction in Model Colony, one of Karachi’s densely populated and sensitive areas, has come to light, raising serious questions about the role of officials of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and the continued silence of senior authorities.
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According to sources, Assistant Director SBCA Zulfiqar Ali Baloch, also known as “Blidi,” has allegedly remained posted in Model Colony for an extended period and is accused of facilitating illegal constructions by the building mafia. These constructions reportedly include buildings without approved maps, additional floors, illegal basements, and serious violations of mandatory setbacks.
Sources allege that such activities could not have continued for years without the tacit approval or alleged facilitation of other officials, including the concerned Building Inspector and officers in the district administration. Under the law, illegal construction requires immediate issuance of stop-work notices, sealing, and demolition. However, these legal requirements are allegedly being deliberately ignored in Model Colony, effectively paralyzing the writ of the state.
Legal experts point out that the ongoing constructions are in clear violation of the Sindh Building Control Act, 1979 (Sections 3, 6, 7, 21, and 23), SBCA Rules, Karachi Building and Town Planning Regulations, and land-use laws. Furthermore, alleged misuse of authority, negligence of duty, and bribery fall under punishable offences as defined in the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) and Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).
More serious allegations have also emerged regarding the assets of Zulfiqar Ali Baloch. Sources claim that properties, luxury vehicles, expensive mobile phones, and other high-value assets linked to him are disproportionate to his known sources of income as a government officer.
Journalistic and legal circles argue that the case is no longer limited to illegal construction alone, but potentially involves assets beyond known means, money laundering, abuse of authority, and misuse of public office for personal gain—matters that fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the Anti-Corruption Establishment, Sindh.
Citizens have strongly demanded that the Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah and Provincial Minister for Local Government Nasir Hussain Shah take immediate notice of the situation. They have called for the FIA to conduct a comprehensive probe into bank accounts, property records, vehicles, and assets held in the names of the accused and his family members, while the Anti-Corruption Establishment initiates strict, impartial action against all officials involved.
Observers warn that continued silence from the Director General SBCA and district authorities will be viewed as complicity, further undermining public trust, the rule of law, and the credibility of state institutions.
