KARACHI, Aug 22: The Karachi Building Control Authority has approached the Sindh chief secretary to get directions regarding the illegal construction being carried out by the Pakistan Ranger in their temporary headquarters, the Jinnah Courts.

According to sources, KBCA chief A. S. Nasir has written a letter to chief secretary Dr Mutawakkil Kazi regarding the illegal construction and asked for his advice. The chief secretary has, however, not yet responded.

The KBCA chief, under the subject of ‘Alleged violations by Rangers’ writes: “The illegal construction by Pakistan Rangers and action of KBCA to protect government interest has been reported in Dawn in the past. The attached cutting of Dawn on the said issue will give a fair idea of the syndrome.

“Recommendations: a) It may be appreciated if instructions from your office may be issued to Pakistan Rangers preventing them from further construction and to submit their proposal of past construction/violation for approval.

“b) If so desired KBCA may be directed to address Sindh High Court. It is however, not a good option. Kindly advice.” Copies of the letter have been sent to the principal secretary to the governor of Sindh, the secretary to the chief minister, the secretary of the culture department, and the district coordination officer, Karachi.

The sources said the KBCA chief controller was empowered to take action — including taking decision regarding the demolition of illegal constructions and filing of cases against those involved.

They said the KBCA, on orders of the chief controller, had demolished many illegally-constructed buildings and cases had been filed against builders without seeking advice from the chief secretary.

They said Brig Nasir had tried to involve the chief secretary as the party involved in the illegal construction was a law enforcement agency and not a common builder, and also to shift the responsibility to the chief secretary.

The Pakistan Rangers are carrying on illegal construction in Jinnah Courts, protected under the Sindh Cultural Heritage Protection Act.