SBCA Seals Dilapidated Buildings in Karachi, Residents Refuse to Vacate

SBCA sealed and gave eviction notices to several rundown buildings in Karachi. This decision geared towards mitigating possible structural collapse in risky portions of the city.

A report presented to the Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani has revealed that several buildings in Karachi are in a bad shape and are dangerous in terms of safety. The minister has issued orders to demolish these buildings forthwith on the report.

SBCA teams have placed official notices on buildings and started sealing identified premises. In response, many residents have refused to vacate, demanding that the Sindh government provide alternative accommodation before any demolition.

SBCA has issued evacuation orders of five buildings at Jubilee Chowk. Ali Nawaz Chandio, one of the residents, complained that the builder mafia worked in collusion with SBCA to evacuate properties to pave way to new housing construction projects. He claimed that the authorities are evicting without conducting formal notices.

Chandio also accused SBCA officials of following the orders of the builder mafia and demolishing buildings to make plots available for commercial. Residents complained that some of the sites earmarked to demolition are heritage buildings.

Jubilee Chowk hosts several structures designated as national heritage. Demolishing such buildings for new development is a punishable offense under heritage protection laws.

Residents called on the Chief Minister of Sindh to ensure that only original residents of demolished buildings entitled to any future redevelopment benefits.