Heads roll after Lyari tragedy

DG SBCA suspended, probe panel formed

KARACHI:

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has immediately suspended the Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and has constituted an investigation committee, which will submit its report on the tragic incident within two days.

Sharjeel Memon expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic incident of building collapse in Lyari while addressing a press conference on Monday. He said that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah chaired an emergency meeting and decided that strict action would be taken against irresponsible and corrupt officers and officials.

The investigation committee, headed by the Commissioner Karachi, has been instructed to immediately demolish 51 extremely dilapidated buildings in the city. Another 588 unsafe buildings will also be inspected to ensure that hazardous structures are vacated and demolished in a timely manner.

Saeed Ghani stated that the affected families will be given Rs one million each as compensation. He further said that all officers who have been posted in the affected area since 2022 will be included in the inquiry, and a case will be registered against officers whose negligence is proven.

Home Minister Lanjar stated that action would be taken against those responsible for criminal negligence.

In response to a question, the senior minister said that the government is reviewing the situation in slum areas, noting that 740 buildings across Sindh require repairs.

He added that relocating residents would not pose a problem, as similar arrangements were successfully implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and for flood victims.

Answering a question, Saeed Ghani said that illegal constructions are a serious issue in Karachi and it is the responsibility of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to prevent them. He added that amendments to the SBCA rules are underway, and suggestions have been sought within two weeks to enable effective action against illegal constructions and derelict buildings.

He added that the government is also considering whether the authority to demolish buildings should remain with the SBCA or be entrusted to a private institution.

Senior Minister Sharjeel was accompanied by Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, and Excise and Taxation Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla.