Karachi: The Sindh government has suspended the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) director general after a tragic building collapse in Karachi’s Lyari Baghdadi area claimed 27 lives. The government has pledged strict action against those responsible and announced Rs1 million compensation for each deceased victim’s family.
The collapse of a five-storey building in Lyari on Friday resulted in 27 deaths, including three children, nine women, and 15 men. Rescue operations, involving Rescue 1122, police, and Rangers, concluded on Sunday after clearing the debris with heavy machinery. Of the 11 injured, 10 have been discharged from hospital, while one remains under treatment. The final victim recovered was a young man named Zaid.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, alongside Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani and Home Minister Zia Lanjar, addressed the incident, emphasizing accountability. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered the immediate suspension of the SBCA chief and directed the Home Minister to file an FIR against those responsible. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and stand with the affected families,” Memon said.
A fact-finding committee, now led by the Karachi Commissioner, has been given 48 hours to submit its report. The committee will investigate all SBCA officials who served in the area since the building was declared dangerous in 2022. Ghani confirmed that the Director, Deputy Director, and Inspectors present on the day of the collapse have already been suspended. A broader crackdown will follow based on the inquiry’s findings.
The Karachi Commissioner has also been tasked with compiling data within 24 hours on 51 identified dangerous buildings in the city, including details on units and residents, to facilitate immediate demolition operations. The government aims to prevent future tragedies through stringent oversight and swift action.
