Sindh CM Urges Public to Verify Building Approvals Following Karachi Collapse

Following the tragic building collapse in Karachi’s Lyari, which resulted in at least 27 fatalities, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has advised the public to ensure residential buildings possess all required authorizations before acquiring apartments.

The search and rescue operation concluded Sunday evening after almost three days. Assistant Commissioner Shehryar Habib stated that the rescue operation lasted 60 hours and affirmed intentions to initiate action against structures deemed unsafe.

Casualties and Investigation

According to reports, twenty-six bodies were retrieved from the debris, comprising nine women, fifteen men, a ten-year-old boy, and a one-and-a-half-year-old girl. Another individual died from injuries during treatment.

The Chief Minister informed the media on Sunday that an investigative committee has been established. The committee’s findings will be reviewed in an upcoming meeting.

Unapproved Construction

The Chief Minister also revealed that the building evacuated in Agra Taj was erected without the Sindh Building Control Authority’s (SBCA) consent.

  • He stressed the importance of verifying a building’s approval status before purchase.
  • The government is exploring options to relocate occupants from over 400 hazardous buildings in the Old City Area.
SBCA Findings and Actions

A high-level committee has been formed by the Sindh government to probe the incident and submit a report. The SBCA stated the collapsed building, housing over 40 residents in 20 apartments, was 30 years old and previously labeled unsafe.

The SBCA claims evacuation notices were issued two years prior, with the most recent on June 25, 2025. Notices were also purportedly sent to K-Electric and the water board to disconnect utilities, but these actions were not implemented, and the building was not vacated.

Wider Concerns of Unsafe Buildings

The incident brings attention to the danger posed by structures declared unsafe by the SBCA. There are 578 such buildings in Karachi, with 456 located in District South.

Other districts at risk include Central (66), Keamari (23), Korangi (14), East (13), Malir (4), and West (2).

Further Evacuations and Resistance

Another multi-story building in the same area was deemed unsafe following the collapse, prompting evacuation orders. Residents in Agra Taj initially resisted evacuation, demanding alternative housing and questioning the authorities’ prior oversight during the building’s construction.

One resident stated they felt safe in the building. The district administration assured compensation from the builder and offered temporary relocation to a school. Authorities also demolished the roof water tank to encourage evacuation.

Legal Action

A case has been filed against the builder and contractor at Kalri Police Station, based on a complaint from the SBCA’s assistant director.