In a candid and emotionally charged press conference, Sindh Minister for Local Governments Saeed Ghani Friday accepted responsibility for the tragic building collapse in Lyari, which has so far claimed the lives of seven people, left eight injured, and has more residents feared trapped under the rubble.
Ghani confirmed that the collapsed building had long been marked as dangerous, with evacuation notices issued as early as February 28, and a survey in June 2023 declaring it unfit for residence.
A recent attempt to vacate the building on June 2 was met with resistance from occupants, despite ongoing efforts by the authorities. “Had people cooperated, these seven lives could have been saved,” Ghani stated solemnly.
The minister disclosed that 588 buildings across Karachi are currently classified as dangerous, with 456 of them located in the South district, and 107 in Lyari alone. Fourteen buildings in Lyari were recently evacuated, but many others remain occupied. “We cannot pull people out by force, but if it comes to saving lives, we will do so,” he declared.
Saeed Ghani also pulled no punches when it came to assigning blame. He admitted the involvement of officials within the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) in illegal construction practices. “I say it clearly—SBCA officers are involved. There is negligence. Illegal buildings are being erected, and our people are part of the problem.”
He pointed to a systemic rot in Karachi’s construction industry, where six-storey buildings are illegally built on 100-yard plots, particularly in Lyari, with impunity. He also slammed K-Electric for providing power connections to illegal structures despite repeated warnings and written objections from the government. “Despite our letters, they continue to provide electricity to these buildings,” Ghani said.
The minister announced that the government is preparing sweeping reforms to building laws, which will face “strong objections and resistance,” especially from elements within the real estate sector. However, he emphasised, “We will go ahead regardless. I’ve spoken to real estate friends and warned them: don’t invest in illegal buildings. Action will be taken even against those who finance such projects.”
While announcing that FIRs have already been filed against some builders and officials in similar past incidents, Ghani emphasised that the current legal framework limits government action. “We’re changing that,” he said, promising stricter accountability and legal consequences under the upcoming amendments.
Perhaps most notably, Ghani accepted personal responsibility. “I am not innocent. I am the government. This falls under my department. This tragedy reflects our collective failure—including mine.”