SBCA director-general dismissed over Lyari building collapse

The Sindh government has dismissed the incumbent Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) director-general after 27 people died in a building collapse in Karachi's Lyari area. Another 51 buildings have been earmarked for demolition after examination.

The collapse of a five-storey building in Baghdadi on Friday resulted in the deaths of 11 women, 16 men, and a one-and-a-half-year-old girl, while 10 others were injured. One injured individual remains under treatment.

The final body to be recovered from under the rubble was that of 15-year-old Muhammad Zaid, who had been trapped for 48 hours.

Read: Karachi’s Lyari building collapse claims 27 lives as rescue operation concludes

Zaid’s father and two brothers also died in the collapse. Rescue operations, despite challenging conditions, ended with no further victims believed to be trapped.

The provincial government has pledged Rs1 million in compensation for the aggrieved families.

Dismissal and suspensions

At a press conference, Sindh Senior Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, and Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar outlined the government’s response to the disaster.

Ghani confirmed that the Karachi commissioner has been tasked with providing detailed information about 51 buildings deemed unsafe within 24 hours, including the number of units and residents. This information is crucial to begin the demolition process, he said.

"These 51 buildings in poor condition will be dealt with urgently," added Memon. "Necessary steps will be taken to ensure the safety of residents, and the demolition process will start as soon as we have the required details."

The Pakistan Peoples Party-led Sindh government has vowed to take strict action against those found responsible for the collapse, with Ghani informing the media that SBCA staff responsible for overseeing Lyari has already been suspended.

Moreover, SBCA director-general has been dismissed, he said, adding that a case will be filed against negligent officers, and those found guilty will be dealth with through legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, Shahmir Khan Bhutto was appointed as the new DG of the Sindh Building Control Authority.

The government has set up a new committee, led by the Karachi commissioner, to investigate the condition of other dilapidated buildings across the city. The government has also pledged Rs1 million in compensation for the families of the victims.

"We will not tolerate any criminal neglect," said Lanjar. "The government is fully committed to holding those responsible accountable."

Memon emphasised the government's commitment to strengthening laws around illegal construction, with a two-week deadline set for amendments to SBCA regulations.

Dilapidated buildings

The Sindh government has also announced plans to relocate residents from unsafe buildings and improve conditions in Karachi’s 586 dilapidated buildings.

While rescue operations were ongoing, three buildings adjacent to the collapsed structure were also severely damaged.

Two of the buildings sustained significant structural damage, while a newly constructed six-storey building was evacuated as a precaution. Despite the evacuation, operations continued as usual in the newly constructed building.

However, there have been concerns that the SBCA has yet to inspect the affected buildings, and no contact has been made with the owners or residents of the two most vulnerable structures.

Sindh Government spokesperson Sukhdev Hemnani assured that the provincial government remains firmly committed to supporting the victims of the Lyari building collapse, including members of the Hindu community.

"We will ensure that all victims receive equal assistance," he said, adding that a recovery plan for the victims is currently being finalised.

The provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the needs of minorities and ensuring the safety of all residents, particularly in vulnerable communities like Lyari.