KARACHI: The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) demolished over 1,500 illegal structures across the province in 2024 with majority of such building located in Karachi, said a statement on Tuesday.

Citing its annual report, the SBCA said that the authority undertook extensive operations throughout Sindh over the past year to curb illegal constructions. The demolition operations were carried out impartially and without interruption across all districts of Sindh, it added.

“As per details in 2024, over 1,500 illegal constructions were demolished or subjected to other legal actions across Sindh, including Karachi’s seven districts,” it added. “Many of these actions were carried out in compliance with honorable court orders, while over 200 legal petitions were also resolved. Director General SBCA, Abdul Rasheed Solangi, strictly adhered to the Sindh government’s zero-tolerance policy against illegal constructions.”

To maintain transparency, it said, several officers and officials involved in illegal constructions were suspended, and investigations are ongoing in various cases.

“During 2024, the SBCA approved 2,652 building plans, including private, public sale projects, housing schemes, industrial, commercial, and residential buildings,” said the statement.

Published in Dawn, January 1st, 2025