Illegal construction complaints persist in Karachi as SBCA faces scrutiny

KARACHI: Complaints about unauthorised construction continue to emerge across Karachi despite recent official assertions of tighter enforcement after the Gul Plaza tragedy, while the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) is also facing inquiries by the provincial anti-corruption watchdog over multiple complaints against some of its officials.

In several residential localities, buildings are being constructed or modified in violation of approved plans through what residents describe as the portion mafia. Such operators buy residential plots and add extra floors — sometimes taking structures to ground plus three or four levels — in areas where only one- or at most two-storey buildings are allowed. Residents say this is putting heavy pressure on already strained civic infrastructure.

Figures recently released by the SBCA itself indicate the scale of the issue. North Nazimabad has become one of the prominent examples, where a rise in such developments has alarmed residents and local representatives. People living in the area say illegal construction is affecting their daily lives, and some complainants also allege intimidation for objecting to the activity.

One such resident, Aftab Shah of Block I, said a multi-storey residential building was being erected next to his house on a 200-square-yard plot “illegally”. He said he approached the authorities and obtained a demolition order from the SBCA.

“The SBCA team arrived and they demolished the under-construction structure. However, to our surprise the builder returned after some time and resumed the construction making it clear that the earlier action had been merely a cosmetic one, we raised objections again but this time I was threatened and told to remain silent. I was even summoned to the Shahrah-i-Noor Jehan police station where I was asked by the police not to pursue the matter further,” he added.

Similar complaints have increased in recent years in Federal B Area, Liaquatabad, Jamshed, PECHS, Nazimabad, Lyari and the old city areas.

Town administrations say powers are limited

As construction activity has intensified in neighbourhoods, the matter has also become a concern for town municipal corporations. However, local officials say they have little room to intervene because the matter falls outside their jurisdiction.

North Nazimabad Town Chairman Aatif Ali Khan said residents from several blocks had approached him with complaints about such construction. He said the issue was troubling not only for residents but also for the town administration because of its impact on infrastructure.

“These constructions are not only a source of distress for residents but also pose a serious challenge to the town as they severely impact the area’s infrastructure,” he said, ading that if a plot was designed to house 10 to 12 people, how can it accommodate 60 to 70? Ultimately, the burden falls on the town’s infrastructure but due to a lack of authority we are unable to take action.

The SBCA spokesman did not respond to queries regarding complaints from North Nazimabad residents.

SBCA cites 396 enforcement actions

In a statement, the SBCA said it carried out 396 enforcement actions across Karachi from January to April. These included 136 in district East, 17 in West, 52 in South, 133 in Central, 27 in Korangi, 23 in Malir, five in Keamari and three in the industrial zone.

The authority said it was not limited to issuing notices and was taking field action through demolition of illegal portions, sealing of premises, removal of unauthorised structures and immediate stoppage of unlawful construction work.

Anti-corruption inquiries under way

At the same time, some SBCA officials are under scrutiny by the Sindh Anti-Corruption Establishment, which has initiated multiple inquiries. According to a source cited in the report, notices have recently been issued to several officials informing them that formal inquiries had begun and directing them to submit relevant records related to the allegations.

The source said those being examined include officers from BPS-16 up to senior posts such as assistant director and director, and that the inquiries were launched after complaints of different kinds were received against them.

According to the source, one set of inquiries relates to records of building approvals and sanctioned plans, while another concerns the alleged illegal appointment of certain officials who were recruited despite not having the required academic qualifications.