741 dangerous buildings identified across Sindh

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has identified 741 dilapidated and dangerous buildings across the province.

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has identified 741 dilapidated and dangerous buildings across the province.

The disclosure was made during a meeting of the Sindh Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Karachi. The meeting was chaired by PAC Chairman Nisar Khuhro.

According to an official statement, the SBCA briefed the committee about the condition of buildings across Sindh. The authority said a large number of unsafe structures were located in Karachi.

Of the 741 dangerous buildings identified across the province, 588 are situated in Karachi. The figure includes 444 buildings classified as heritage structures.

The SBCA also informed the committee about steps taken to deal with buildings that pose risks to residents and the public.

According to the authority, approval has been granted to evacuate 59 dilapidated buildings. Permission has also been given to demolish 39 structures considered dangerous.

The issue of heritage buildings also came under discussion during the meeting.

The Public Accounts Committee decided to summon the Heritage Committee at its next session. It also sought a detailed report on buildings constructed illegally around the Mazar-i-Quaid.

The committee expressed concern over unauthorised construction in important areas of Karachi. It directed the relevant authorities to provide complete details of such structures.

The meeting also discussed illegal housing schemes operating in Karachi. The committee was informed about 58 unauthorised housing schemes in the city.

The PAC directed authorities to take steps to prevent people from investing in these illegal schemes. It also ordered action against individuals and groups involved in operating them.

The committee further directed officials to identify and disclose the names of people involved in the illegal housing projects.

The latest disclosure has raised concerns over the safety of residents living in old and structurally weak buildings across Sindh.

The authorities are now expected to take further measures to identify unsafe structures, evacuate residents where necessary and remove buildings that pose an immediate threat.

The issue is particularly significant in Karachi, where hundreds of old and heritage buildings are located in densely populated areas.