Rescue work ends at Karachi’s collapsed building

The search and rescue operation in Lyari’s Bhagdadi area has concluded after nearly three days, an official said on Sunday, with 27 dying from the tragic building collapse.

Assistant Commissioner Shehryar Habib confirmed the operation’s completion and announced that authorities would now start action against all buildings marked unsafe in the area. The building collapse on Friday led to a large rescue mission. So far, 27 people have died, including women and children. Three nearby buildings have also been declared dangerous and evacuated.

Over 50 unsafe buildings have been identified in Karachi South. Authorities are working on plans to move people from these buildings to safer places. Many families are staying with relatives for now. The collapsed building was 30 years old and had over 40 residents in 20 apartments. The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) said it had issued evacuation notices, but the building was neither vacated nor disconnected from utility services.

A high-level committee is investigating the incident and will submit a report soon. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah called the incident tragic and advised the public to always check building approvals before buying flats. In Agra Taj, another unsafe building has been evacuated, though residents at first refused to leave without alternate housing. Officials promised compensation and temporary shelter in a school.

Meanwhile, a land mafia group tried to demolish a heritage building in Kharadar using heavy machinery on a public holiday. Locals protested, and police arrested two suspects while others fled. The government now plans strict action against unsafe buildings and illegal construction to prevent future tragedies.