Karachi Commissioner Establishes Committee for Long-Term Dangerous Buildings Strategy

Karachi’s Commissioner has formed a committee to devise a long-term plan addressing the city’s dangerous buildings, following a deadly collapse in Lyari that claimed 27 lives. The initiative aims to inspect and mitigate risks posed by hundreds of unsafe structures, amid growing concerns over systemic neglect and inadequate enforcement.

The recent tragedy at Fotan Mansion, a five-storey residential building in Karachi’s Baghdadi area of Lyari, exposed the dire state of the city’s infrastructure. The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) had flagged the building as hazardous in 2023, yet it remained occupied until its collapse on July 4, 2025. Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, heading a five-member committee, is tasked with investigating the incident and developing strategies to prevent future disasters. The committee, including officials like Special Secretary Local Government Ayesha Hameed, must deliver findings within 48 hours, identifying negligence and proposing evacuation mechanisms for at-risk buildings.

Karachi faces a staggering 588 unsafe buildings, with 51 high-risk structures in Lyari alone, according to SBCA data. The Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) chairman, Muhammad Hassan Bakshi, criticized the government’s response, attributing 150 deaths over five years to “corruption, greed, and negligence.” He called for private sector inclusion in the inquiry, arguing that systemic issues, like weak construction materials and unchecked “portionisation” of buildings, demand urgent reform. Residents, meanwhile, face eviction without compensation or alternative housing, sparking fears of displacement.

The committee’s formation signals a push for accountability, with Sindh authorities suspending SBCA Director General Ishaq Khuhro and initiating demolition of dangerous structures. However, skepticism persists about the government’s commitment. Bakshi noted the absence of a comprehensive master plan for Karachi, a failure that leaves the city vulnerable. As rescue operations concluded and demolition began, affected residents voiced frustration. “We’ve lived here for decades; where do we go now?” said Imran Khaskheli, a local building owner, denying receipt of eviction notices.

With Karachi’s skyline crumbling, the committee’s work is a critical step, but its success hinges on addressing root causes—corruption, lax oversight, and unplanned urban growth. The city’s residents deserve robust action to ensure their safety and prevent further loss of life.