Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani has confirmed that at least 588 buildings across Karachi have been declared unsafe, with 456 located in the South District alone. The statement comes amid the tragic collapse of a residential building in Lyari’s Baghdadi area that has so far claimed 21 lives.
Speaking on ARY News’ programme Aitraz Hai, the minister revealed that 16 dangerous buildings have been evacuated over the past few months, but many critically unsafe structures remain occupied. “Forceful evictions attract criticism, but we will proceed with action against unsafe buildings regardless,” he said.
Ghani further disclosed that Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has called a high-level meeting to address the growing threat of unsafe buildings in Karachi. He added that despite efforts to vacate the Lyari building before its collapse, resistance from residents made enforcement difficult.
“The government tries to vacate unsafe buildings after issuing notices, but residents often refuse to leave,” he noted.
Officials complicit in illegal construction
In a candid admission, Saeed Ghani acknowledged that officials from concerned departments are involved in facilitating illegal constructions. He said that current laws are insufficient to take strict action against unscrupulous builders and agents.
“We are working on amending the law and introducing stricter penalties. Consultations are already underway,” he said, adding that legal action should also target those who knowingly purchase properties in illegal or unsafe buildings.
The provincial government, he said, is developing a mobile application to provide the public with real-time information on the legal status of properties and constructions.
Death toll rises in Lyari collapse
Meanwhile, the death toll from the collapse of a six-storey building in Lyari’s Baghdadi area has reached 21. According to Rescue 1122 officials, two more bodies were recovered on Sunday as the operation entered its second day.
The ill-fated structure, built in 1974, had been declared dangerous by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) three years ago. Despite repeated notices, it remained occupied until the fatal incident occurred.
Rescue officials warned that more individuals may still be trapped under the rubble, and estimated that debris removal could take at least another eight hours due to the complex nature of the collapse.
Authorities have urged citizens living in structurally vulnerable buildings to relocate immediately as the monsoon season increases the risk of further tragedies.