CM Murad Ali Shah Urges Citizens to Verify Building Approvals After Karachi Collapse Tragedy
In the wake of a devastating building collapse in Karachi’s Lyari area that claimed at least 27 lives, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has urged residents to verify legal approvals before purchasing flats in any residential buildings.
🏚️ 60-Hour Rescue Operation Concludes After Deadly Collapse
A 60-hour-long rescue operation concluded on Sunday evening after a residential building collapsed in Baghdadi, Lyari, leaving 26 people—including women and children—dead under the rubble. One more victim later succumbed to injuries in hospital care.
Assistant Commissioner Shehryar Habib confirmed the operation’s completion and announced an enforcement drive against all buildings declared unfit in the area.
📌 CM Orders Probe, Calls for Strict Building Approval Checks
Speaking to media in Karachi, CM Murad Ali Shah said a high-level inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the collapse. He stressed the importance of public awareness and accountability:
“Citizens must ensure that the building they are investing in has all necessary approvals from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA),” he stated.
The Chief Minister also revealed that a nearby building in Agra Taj was found to be illegally constructed without SBCA approval and has since been evacuated.
🏚️ Over 400 Dangerous Buildings May Require Evacuation
The provincial government is currently reviewing options to relocate residents of over 400 unsafe buildings in Karachi’s Old City Area, where the majority of such structures are located.
According to SBCA records, 578 buildings across Karachi have been declared unsafe:
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District South: 456
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District Central: 66
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Keamari: 23
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Korangi: 14
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East: 13
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Malir: 4
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West: 2
The building that collapsed was 30 years old and had received multiple evacuation notices over the past two years, including a final warning dated June 25, 2025. However, utility connections remained intact, and the structure was not vacated.
🚨 Another Unsafe Building Declared in Lyari
As authorities raced to clear the site, another multi-storey building in Lyari’s Agra Taj area was declared dangerous. Evacuation orders were immediately issued, though residents initially refused to leave, demanding alternate accommodation.
“Where were the authorities when this was being built?” asked one resident.
In response, officials offered temporary relocation to a local school and assured compensation from the builder. The builder and contractor have been named in an FIR filed at Kalri Police Station, based on a complaint by the SBCA assistant director.
⚖️ Authorities Vow Action Against Violators
District officials confirmed that the builder will be held accountable and has already been contacted to compensate the affected residents. As part of the evacuation effort, the district administration demolished the rooftop water tank of the building to ensure no further danger.
✅ What You Can Do as a Buyer
Before purchasing a flat in any residential building:
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✅ Check with SBCA for legal approvals and occupancy certificates
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✅ Verify the building’s safety status and construction age
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✅ Avoid buying units in buildings marked “unsafe” or under legal dispute
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