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The Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani on Thursday announced that the entire buildings, not just illegal floors, will now be demolished in Karachi, as part of a city-wide crackdown against illegal structures.
Speaking during the Sindh Assembly’s Question Hour, Ghani asserted that the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) had already initiated the operation and razed off 2,200 illegal buildings, some demolished in the presence of SBCA officers on the spot.
Ghani admitted that the SBCA lacks the capacity to demolish all illegal buildings in the city and announced a new plan to involve the private sector through public tenders advertised in newspapers to assist in demolition efforts.
He also confirmed that action will be taken against real estate agents dealing in illegal properties, warning them against showing such plots to buyers.
Ghani stated that the registration of agents has begun, adding that utilities like water, electricity, and gas will no longer be provided to illegal structures in the metropolis.
Responding to corruption claims raised by MQM-P’s Abdul Basit, Ghani confirmed that 28 officers were penalized, 31 received show-cause notices, and cases have been registered against several others.
Addressing wider civic issues, Ghani admitted Karachi faces water shortages, a tanker mafia, and poor drainage, but said the government is working on new water projects and has banned plastic bags, which block drains.
“Forty-five major drains will be cleaned in June,” said Ghani.
On youth employment, MQM-P’s Fauzia Hameed suggested relaxing age limits, and Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar agreed to consider the proposal.
