Karachi Police Arrest 12 SBCA Officials Over Illegal Buildings in Lyari
KARACHI – July 11:
Karachi police on Thursday arrested 12 officials of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) for their alleged involvement in the construction and approval of illegal buildings in the Lyari area.
The officials, serving in the South District and Lyari Division, were summoned to the SBCA Conference Room under the pretext of a meeting. Upon arrival, they were taken into custody by law enforcement officers.
Among those arrested are:
Retired Director Asif Rizvi
Irfan Naqvi
Director Industries Jalees Siddiqui
Deputy Director Lyari Asim Khan
Assistant Directors Zafar and Jehangi Khan
Building Inspector Zulfiqar Shah
Nine Buildings Evacuated in Lyari
Meanwhile, Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, who also oversees Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, confirmed that nine buildings in Lyari have been evacuated due to their dangerous condition. A tenth structure is currently being cleared.
“The Sindh Chief Minister will chair a high-level meeting today to review the state of unsafe buildings,” Memon said, adding that affected families will receive compensation.
He also revealed that the new Director General of SBCA has issued a 15-day deadline for all officers to declare their assets, signaling a broader crackdown on internal corruption.
“Strict action will be taken against any SBCA official found responsible for approving or facilitating illegal construction,” the minister asserted.
The arrests and evacuations follow growing concerns about public safety and structural integrity in Karachi, especially in high-density neighborhoods like Lyari.
The Sindh government has faced mounting criticism over deteriorating urban planning, with this latest action seen as a significant step towards accountability and reform in the SBCA.
