KARACHI: In the wake of the recent building collapse in Lyari and the government’s intensified crackdown on hazardous structures across the metropolis, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has raised concerns over illegal and unauthorised constructions, particularly high-rise buildings, within Katchi Abadis falling under its jurisdiction.

In a formal communique issued to the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) by the office of the senior director of the Katchi Abadis department of the KMC, serious concerns have been expressed over unauthorised multi-storey buildings in slum areas.

These structures are being built without obtaining building plan approvals from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA).

“This is not just illegal, but also dangerous. These high-rises are ticking time bomb. Constructing such buildings without any regard for engineering standards, seismic safety, or load-bearing capacity is a recipe for disaster — and we’ve already seen too many of those,” said a senior KMC official familiar with the matter.

In its letter to the Director General of the SBCA, the KMC stressed that the Katchi Abadis department has no authority to approve building plans — its role is limited strictly to regularising possession of land in accordance with the approved Lay-Out Plan, as per KMC council resolutions.

The onus of ensuring safe construction and regulatory compliance rests squarely with the SBCA.

“In this regard, several letters have already been forwarded to your office for appropriate action time to time,” the letter stated.

It said approval of building plans is the discretion of the SBCA.

Sources within the KMC say that some of these illegal buildings are as high as six to eight storeys, often built on narrow plots meant for single-family homes.

With no structural audits, no firefighting provisions, and no legal approvals, these towers loom perilously over fragile communities already lacking basic infrastructure.

In recent weeks, the SBCA teams — under mounting pressure — have carried out multiple demolition drives in high-risk areas, mainly South district of the city.

Now, Katchi Abadis have come under the spotlight.

The KMC has called upon the SBCA to take immediate and “stern action” against these dangerous developments and offered its full cooperation.

“Stern and appropriate action is required against illegal constructions/high-rise formations on immediate basis,” said the KMC letter.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2025