KMC launches drive against illegal constructions

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has launched drive against illegal and unauthorised constructions, particularly high-rise buildings, within katchi abadis falling under its jurisdiction.

According to a formal notification, issued by the office of the senior director katchi abadis, the department has raised serious concerns over the increasing number of multi-storey buildings being constructed without approved building plans from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). These constructions are illegal, violate existing by-laws and pose significant threats to public safety.

It was clarified that the Katchi Abadis Department only regularizes possession of land as per the approved Lay-Out Plan (LOP), while the authority to approve building plans rests solely with SBCA.

This action is aligned with the Sindh government's policy to ensure a uniform crackdown on illegal constructions and dangerous buildings to prevent any untoward incident.

The official communication has also been forwarded to the Commissioner Karachi, chairman Provincial Disaster Management Authority, secretary to mayor, and other key stakeholders for necessary action and follow-up.

Employee 'commits suicide'

A 50-year-old man committed suicide by hanging himself at his residence in Old Golimar. The deceased, identified as Muhammad Afzal, was a Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) employee.

The deceased's body was shifted to Civil Hospital after it was found with a rope tied around the neck. Family members revealed that the deceased was a father to a son and four daughters, and was struggling with drug addiction. They stated that he, reportedly, went to the rooftop and committed suicide by hanging himself.

The family refused to lodge any police complaint, and after legal formalities, took custody of the deceased's body. Further investigations into the incident are ongoing.