KARACHI: Leader of the Opposition in City Council Advocae Saifuddin has demanded that the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) take immediate step to stop illegal construction across the metropolis.

The demand was by a delegation, led by Saifuddin, which called on SBCA Director General Muzammil Hussain Halepoto at his office on Tuesday.

The two sides discussed the proposed building control law and a memorandum highlighting the issues arising from illegal construction and preventive measures was presented, said a press release.

Saifuddin informed the SBCA chief that illegal construction on small residential plots were not only a violation of building rules but also cause serious civic problems such as water shortages, sewerage, electricity, gas and parking problems.

“In many cases, six- to 12-storey buildings are illegally constructed on small residential plots in collusion with SBCA staff,” he asserted.

He proposed that elected representatives and deputy commissioners should also be included in efforts to curb illegal construction.

The SBCA chief briefed the delegation about his future course of action against illegal construction and shortage of resources and manpower faced by the authority.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2025