KARACHI: The Sindh government has suspended Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), Ishaq Khoro, following the tragic building collapse in Lyari that claimed 27 lives. In his place, Shah Mir Bhutto has been appointed as the new DG of the authority.
The PPP-led provincial government took the decision amid growing public outrage and criticism over the role of regulatory authorities in allowing unsafe constructions in Karachi’s densely populated neighborhoods.
In a bid to support the victims’ families, Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani announced compensation of Rs1 million for each of the deceased.
“The affected families will not be left alone,” Ghani assured, adding that while current laws limit the punishment that can be imposed on the builder responsible, the government is preparing amendments to SBCA regulations to enable stricter accountability for those involved in illegal and unsafe constructions.
He further urged authorities to block the passports of those connected to unauthorized building projects to prevent them from fleeing the country.
Additionally, Ghani has directed the Karachi Commissioner to submit a comprehensive report on all dangerous structures in the city, signaling an upcoming crackdown on hazardous buildings.
The Lyari incident has reignited concerns over building safety standards in Karachi, with many demanding sweeping reforms and firmer action against regulatory negligence.
