The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has intensified their on-the-spot demolition campaign against illegal and unauthorised constructions, razing 396 of them across Karachi this year.
SBCA Director General Muzammil Hussain Halepoto said that under the provincial government’s clear policy directions, strict and indiscriminate action is being taken against illegal constructions, unauthorised additional floors, unlawful booking offices, and all structures that threaten public safety and urban order.
Halepoto said that under Local Government & Housing Town Planning Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah’s directions, the SBCA is no longer confined to issuing notices alone, but is taking immediate field action through razing illegal portions, sealing premises, removing unauthorised structures and stopping unlawful construction work on the spot.
He said that 396 enforcement actions were taken across Karachi this year: 136 in District East, 17 in District West, 52 in District South, 133 in District Central, 27 in District Korangi, 23 in District Malir, five in District Keamari and three in the industrial zone.
According to the monthly breakdown he provided, 147 actions were taken in January: 68 in East, five in West, 13 in South, 47 in Central, six in Korangi, one in Malir, four in Keamari and three in the industrial zone.
In February, 98 actions were taken: 32 in East, two in West, 16 in South, 45 in Central, two in Malir and one in Keamari. In March, 106 actions were taken: 22 in East, six in West, 14 in South, 32 in Central, 20 in Korangi and 12 in Malir.
In April, 45 actions were taken: 14 in East, four in West, nine in South, nine in Central, one in Korangi and eight in Malir. On April 2, an unauthorised structure was razed in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. On April 1, action was taken against an unauthorised structure in Lyari.
In another operation on the same day, action was taken in District Korangi over the lack of valid approval for a construction. Action was also taken against an illegal booking office in District Malir that was sealed on the spot to prevent unlawful sale and promotion of unauthorised projects.
Action was also carried out in Wadhomal Quarters, District South, over the approval status of the site being unknown. On April 9, action was taken in Gulistan-e-Jauhar.
Halepoto said that illegal additional floors, unauthorised buildings and unapproved constructions not only constitute a clear violation of the law but also pose serious risks to human life, adjoining properties, civic infrastructure and overall urban discipline.
He said that such constructions often compromise structural safety, and may lead to serious incidents. He warned builders, developers, contractors and property owners against initiating or continuing any construction activity without lawful approval from the competent authority.
He said that all the relevant officers and field formations of the SBCA have been directed to maintain strict vigilance, and take immediate action wherever violations are detected. He reiterated that the drive would continue with full force, and no leniency would be shown to violators of building laws.
He said that the purpose of this campaign is not merely to demolish illegal structures but also to restore lawful urban governance, strengthen public trust and ensure safety, regulation and accountability in the city’s construction sector.
He also appealed to the general public to verify the legal status and approved building plans of any project before purchasing, booking or investing, and to report illegal construction activities to the SBCA so that timely action can be taken in the larger public interest.
