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The Karachi Development Authority (KDA) has raised a fresh alarm over a dangerously weak multi-storey building on MA Jinnah Road.
Officials report the building has started sinking and could collapse anytime, posing a serious risk to lives.
According to the Express Tribune report, the building located on Plot No. MC-4 and MC-7 in Sector 1 of the Lines Area Project, the structure was built in 1986-87.
Over the years, stagnant rainwater collected in its basement, weakening the building’s foundation.
Though never fully occupied, the building has often been painted and listed for residential sale. KDA officials say flats were marketed to unaware buyers despite the building being unfit for living.
On July 25, 2024, KDA Lines Area Project sent a letter to the Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), urging immediate demolition.
The letter also suggested that the building be considered for heritage status to ensure responsible preservation or removal.
Read More: Eight SBCA officers gets bail in Lyari collapse incident
However, sources say SBCA only issued routine replies without any concrete action. The situation has worsened, as the building now appears to be sinking.
On July 24, 2025, KDA’s Deputy Director (C&S) again wrote to SBCA’s Secretary for Dangerous Buildings. The letter demanded that the building be declared hazardous and demolished without delay.
KDA warns that further delays could result in a major tragedy if the structure collapses.
After the deadly Lyari building collapse that claimed 27 lives, SBCA has stepped up efforts to seal unsafe buildings across Karachi. A special committee of structural engineers is surveying high-risk buildings.
In District South, the committee has declared 59 buildings extremely dangerous, including 10 heritage sites. These buildings are in densely populated areas like Arambagh, Lawrence Quarters, Napier Quarters, Saddar Bazaar, Telu Ram Quarters, and Old Town.
In phase one, 41 buildings have already been sealed and evacuated. Evacuation of remaining buildings is underway with local authority support. Demolition will begin in the next phase.
SBCA is urging citizens to report damaged, weak, or deteriorating buildings, especially in old neighborhoods. Reports can be submitted anytime via the SBCA online portal.
