Saeed Ghani admits government, SBCA failure in Lyari building collapse

In an emotionally charged press conference on Friday, Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani took full responsibility for the tragic building collapse in Karachi’s Lyari area, which has so far claimed seven lives, left eight others injured, and left more residents feared trapped under the rubble.

Ghani confirmed that the building had long been deemed structurally unsafe. Evacuation notices were issued as early as February 28, and a June 2023 survey officially declared the structure unfit for habitation. Authorities attempted to evacuate the building as recently as June 2, but those efforts were met with resistance from residents.

“Had there been cooperation, these seven lives could have been saved,” Ghani stated with visible emotion.

The minister revealed alarming statistics: 588 buildings in Karachi have been categorized as dangerous, with 456 located in the South District, and 107 in Lyari alone.

While 14 buildings in Lyari have recently been vacated, many others remain occupied. “We cannot drag people out by force, but if it becomes necessary to save lives, we will do it,” he warned.

Ghani did not shy away from pointing fingers within his own administration. He openly admitted that officials from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) were complicit in illegal construction activities. “I say this clearly—SBCA officers are involved.

There is gross negligence. Illegal buildings are being approved and constructed, and our own people are part of the problem,” he stated.

Read more: Karachi: Residential building collapse claims multiple lives in Lyari

He described a deeply entrenched culture of corruption within Karachi’s construction sector, particularly in Lyari, where multi-storey buildings are illegally erected on small 100-square-yard plots.

Ghani also criticized K-Electric for enabling such illegal structures by providing them with electricity connections, despite repeated government warnings and formal objections. “Even after our letters, they continue to facilitate these buildings,” he said.

In response to the tragedy, the minister announced that the government is preparing sweeping reforms to building and housing laws, aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight and enforcement.

He acknowledged that these changes would face significant pushback from vested interests in the real estate sector. “But we will proceed. I’ve already told my friends in real estate—don’t invest in illegal buildings. Action will be taken even against those who finance them,” he asserted.

While FIRs have been registered against some builders and officials in past incidents, Ghani admitted that existing laws limit the government's ability to act effectively.

He vowed that forthcoming legislative amendments will close these loopholes and introduce stricter accountability for those involved in unsafe and illegal construction practices.