KARACHI: A sessions court on Tuesday sought a report from police on an application seeking registration of an FIR against the city mayor, director general of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and others over the collapse of a five-storey building in Lyari last week.

Advocate Muhammad Haroon has filed the application under Sections 22-A and 22-B of the criminal procedure code (CrPC) for registration of an FIR against Mayor Murtaza Wahab, the SBCA chief, heads of utility companies and officials of other public departments for their alleged wilful misconduct and “criminal negligence” in connection with the collapse of the Lyari building.

The applicant also requested the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) under the supervision of the court to probe a “pattern of illegal constructions, building collapses, forged approvals and loss of life across Karachi”.

After a preliminary hearing, the additional district and sessions judge (South) issued notices to the SSP complaint cell (South) and the SHO of the Baghdadi police station to submit their respective reports.

Referring to the tragic incident in which at least 27 people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries, the applicant contended that an FIR should be registered under relevant sections of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) against officials of public departments responsible for enforcing building safety regulations, as well as those who approved utility connections from K-Electric, Sui Southern Gas Company, Sindh Environmental Protection Agency and others.

He also held the fire department responsible for failing to conduct inspections or ensure emergency access in high-density areas.

The applicant alleged that, despite repeated written complaints by residents, no action was taken by the SHO of the concerned police station or the SSP South, claiming that police officials had been “routinely providing protection to builders and land grabbers involved in illegal constructions.”

He also claimed that it was a matter of public knowledge that bribes were allegedly collected by police officials and SBCA personnel on a per-floor basis to permit unlawful vertical expansion.

“These systemic corrupt practices have directly contributed to repeated building collapses, including the tragic incidents in Lyari, Ranchor Line, and Usmanabad,” he submitted.

Citing a Supreme Court ruling in a suo motu case on illegal construction in Karachi, the applicant asked the court to direct the police to record his statement and register an FIR against the proposed accused.

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2025