Illegal building work persists in Karachi despite action

Illegal construction surges across Karachi, even after the deadly Gul Plaza fire.

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) faces heavy criticism and investigations. The Sindh Anti-Corruption Establishment digs into complaints about unlawful builds and shady hiring practices. A portion of the mafia thrives in residential spots. Builders add extra floors to homes meant for just one or two storeys.

This breaks approved plans and strains city resources. Hotspots include North Nazimabad, Federal B Area, Liaquatabad, PECHS, and Lyari. Extra buildings worsen overcrowding and drop living standards. Residents fight back but face dangers. One man reported threats after challenging a rogue project nearby.

SBCA demolished parts at first, yet work restarted quickly. This shows weak follow-through. Town municipal corporations (TMCs) feel powerless. They lack tools to stop violations as population swells. Overloaded sewers, roads, and power lines buckle under the weight.

Officials warn that old infrastructure cannot handle the extra load. SBCA shares enforcement stats. From January to April, teams took 396 actions. They demolished structures, sealed sites, and halted illegal work. Still, resident tips reveal ongoing breaches.

Anti-corruption teams ramp up pressure. They launch probes into SBCA staff from junior to top levels. Investigators demand records on approvals and jobs. This crisis exposes big governance flaws. Karachi’s rapid growth demands tougher rules and real action.

Citizens urge leaders to smash the portion mafia and protect neighbourhoods. Strong enforcement could prevent tragedies and ease daily struggles.