The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has launched disciplinary proceedings against more than 60 officers and officials posted in Karachi’s District South for their alleged failure to prevent or take action against widespread illegal and unauthorised constructions in the area.
According to official SBCA documents, show-cause notices were issued on December 29, 2025, to officers ranging from Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors to Building Inspectors, Sub-Building Inspectors, engineers and architects who were posted in District South during the period when the violations occurred.
The notices were issued under Letter No. SBCA/ADG(OPR)/2025/74, signed by Engineer Farhan Qaiser, Additional Director General (Operations) and Enquiry Officer of SBCA, and addressed to the Director of District South.
Enquiry Ordered After Vigilance Report
The action follows a reference dated November 19, 2025, under which SBCA’s Vigilance Section submitted a comprehensive report highlighting multiple instances of illegal construction across District South. Based on the report’s findings, the competent authority ordered a formal enquiry to determine the responsibility of officers who allegedly failed to perform their statutory duties.
The concerned officers have been directed to submit written explanations along with complete and relevant records within seven days. Failure to provide a satisfactory response may result in strict disciplinary and legal action, including suspension, dismissal, or proceedings under applicable laws.
Areas Identified for Violations
The enquiry documents identify 38 locations where unauthorised construction activities were reported, including residential, commercial and mixed-use buildings constructed without approved plans, with excess floors, or through illegal alterations.
Prominent localities mentioned include Lyari, Saddar, Garden West Quarters, Gulshan-e-Faisal, Clifton, Civil Lines Quarters, Rambagh Quarters, Hingorabad, Bihar Colony and Nawabad. Several cases involved ground-plus multi-storey buildings, unauthorised shops, and partially occupied structures lacking completion or safety clearance.
Public Safety Concerns
Urban planners and civil society groups have long warned that unchecked illegal construction poses a serious threat to public safety, especially in densely populated areas of Karachi South. Many such buildings reportedly lack fire safety arrangements, approved structural designs, parking facilities and emergency access.
Karachi has witnessed multiple fatal building collapses in recent years, frequently linked to unauthorised construction and weak regulatory enforcement.
Calls for Stronger Action
While the issuance of show-cause notices has been welcomed, critics argue that past SBCA actions often failed to reach logical conclusions. Residents and activists have urged the authority to take concrete steps, including sealing or demolishing illegal structures and registering criminal cases against builders and facilitators.
SBCA officials maintain that the current enquiry is being conducted transparently and without discrimination, assuring that strict action will be taken against officers found guilty of negligence or misconduct.
