SBCA transfers 72 officers as corruption scrutiny intensifies

KARACHI: A major reshuffle in the Sindh Building Control Authority has seen 72 officers transferred by the agency’s top management, a move that has triggered guarded optimism about possible reform as the authority faces renewed scrutiny over corruption allegations and internal governance.

The transfer orders were issued by Local Government Secretary Dr Waseem Shamshad, who has recently been given additional charge as director general of the SBCA. The reshuffle affected officers working in several important wings of the authority. Confirming the development, an SBCA spokesman said many of the officers posted to key assignments had been awaiting placements for some time.

The move has prompted speculation within Karachi, where the SBCA has long faced allegations that unofficial practices influence how the institution functions. Sources in the authority believed the latest transfers had significantly disrupted the existing setup. Those sources also said complaints about the authority, already accused of corruption, had increased in recent months.

Builders’ body welcomes move with caution

Hasan Bakhshi, chairman of the Association of Builders and Developers, said the situation at the SBCA had become a growing concern for the construction sector. He said dealings with the authority had become increasingly difficult and added that the situation had also pushed up builders’ cost of doing business.

Referring to the reshuffle, Bakhshi said it was too early to assess its impact but voiced hope that conditions would improve on a lasting basis.

"Working with the SBCA has become so challenging recently. Among other impacts, it has raised the cost of doing business for builders. It’s too early to comment on the recent major reshuffle in the SBCA, but I hope things will improve for good," he said.

Questions over continuity

Uncertainty remains over how long the new arrangement may last. An SBCA source said Dr Shamshad is not expected to remain in the role for long because he is serving as director general on an additional-charge basis while continuing as secretary of the local government department. The source said a permanent director general could be appointed later, leaving open the question of whether the current transfer orders would remain in effect.

The reshuffle comes as the authority faces mounting public complaints as well as accountability-related proceedings involving some officers, developments that have added to concerns about administration within the institution.

NAB inquiry against senior official

In a separate development, the National Accountability Bureau has opened an inquiry against senior SBCA official Ashfaq Hussain Khokhar over allegations of corruption and possessing assets beyond known sources of income. An SBCA source said the bureau had sought his complete service record from the authority, including details of departmental proceedings, inquiries and any disciplinary action taken against him.

The same source said Khokhar had earlier been suspended along with other officials after the Lyari building collapse incident. The source added that last year an FIR was registered against him at Boat Basin police station over allegations that a protected heritage building was demolished without the required permission.