Serious allegations have surfaced against Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) Deputy Director for District West, Riaz Hussain Mulla, after the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) formally submitted a complaint to Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah. Despite the gravity of the charges, the Sindh government has yet to initiate any action, triggering widespread criticism and raising concerns regarding potential institutional protection for the accused officer.
ABAD’s Letter to CM Sindh Highlights Blackmail, Illegal Demands, Harassment
In a letter dated December 4, 2025, ABAD Chairman Muhammad Hassan Bakshi alleged that:
•Riaz Mulla has been involved in blackmailing builders,
•Making illegal monetary demands, and
•Harassing various developers through misuse of authority.
The letter notes that multiple written complaints submitted by builders contain “clear evidence” of misconduct. It further claims that the officer has routinely used abusive language, creating a hostile environment for the construction sector.
ABAD urged the Chief Minister to order an immediate, transparent, and impartial inquiry, and to suspend Mulla during the investigation to prevent any interference in the process.
Allegations of High-Level Patronage Within SBCA
According to sources, Deputy Director Riaz Mulla continues to enjoy full backing from SBCA Director General Muzammil Hussain. This alleged support is being described as the primary reason for:
•The absence of disciplinary action,
•No suspension orders, and
•No initiation of a formal inquiry, even after ABAD’s intervention.
Observers say the situation raises serious questions about internal accountability mechanisms within the Sindh government and SBCA itself.
Illegal Construction and “Monthly Collection System” Exposed
Insiders claim that during the past eight years of Mulla’s posting in District West and Orangi Town — areas often described as his “home turf” — a vast network of illegal construction has flourished. This includes:
•Unauthorized residential and commercial structures,
•Illegal ballrooms and banquet halls,
•Petrol pumps constructed without mandatory approvals.
Sources further allege that a multi-crore monthly collection system operates in District West, enabling illegal construction to continue unhindered. The funds are allegedly distributed through an organized network that insiders say has “captured” the SBCA’s regional enforcement structure.
Despite this, Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah and DG SBCA Muzammil Hussain have remained silent spectators, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Government Under Pressure as Public Outcry Grows
Questions are mounting over why CM Sindh and his cabinet have failed to respond to a complaint as serious and high-profile as ABAD’s. Stakeholders argue that the inaction not only damages the government’s credibility but also strengthens perceptions that corruption within SBCA is protected at the highest levels.
The builders’ community, already under economic stress, says the environment has become unbearable due to unchecked extortion, harassment, and systemic
irregularities within SBCA’s District West division.
