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Business Recorder
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Sindh govt's swift response to the Lyari tragedy
The collapse of Fotan Mansion in Lyari, Karachi, on July 4, 2025, was a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed 27 lives and laid bare the perils of unchecked urban decay. Yet, in the face of this disaster, the Sindh government has emerged as a model of decisive action, demonstrating that swift, stringent measures can pave the way for meaningful change. The five-story building, illegally constructed decades ago and long flagged as a hazard by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), was a disaster waiting to happen. Its collapse, while devastating, galvanized the government into immediate action. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah wasted no time, ordering a comprehensive rescue operation despite the challenges of narrow alleys and chaotic crowds. The government's commitment to leaving no stone unturned in the recovery effort was evident as rescuers worked tirelessly for three days. What sets Sindh's response apart is its blend of compassion and accountability. The announcement of Rs1 million in compensation for each victim's family and three months' rent for displaced residents reflects a government attuned to the human toll of such tragedies. Simultaneously, the formation of a five-member inquiry committee to probe the collapse signals a resolve to uncover root causes and prevent future disasters. The suspension of SBCA's Director General, along with other officials, and the detention of eight officers alongside the building's owners underscore a zero-tolerance stance on negligence. The filing of an FIR for misconduct and unintentional death further reinforces this commitment to justice. The government's proactive measures extend beyond immediate relief. Identifying 740 unsafe buildings across Sindh, with 51 marked as 'extremely dangerous,' shows a clear eyed recognition of the broader crisis. The evacuation of nine dilapidated buildings in Lyari and the demolition of one are bold steps toward safety. The establishment of a rehabilitation committee, led by Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, and the directive for SBCA officers to disclose assets within 15 days reflect a strategic vision to tackle both immediate needs and systemic corruption. By forming a legal committee to draft laws against unauthorized construction, Sindh is laying the groundwork for lasting reform. Critics may argue that these actions come too late for Fotan Mansion's victims, but they overlook the complexity of urban governance in a city like Karachi. The Sindh government has not only responded with urgency but also with a roadmap for change. Chief Minister Shah's call for citizens to verify building approvals before purchasing flats is a practical step to empower communities. This is governance that balances empathy with enforcement, setting a standard for others to follow. The Lyari tragedy is a painful reminder of the work ahead, but Sindh's response—swift, strict, and forward-thinking—offers hope. By holding officials accountable, supporting affected families, and prioritizing structural reforms, the government is turning grief into action. Karachi's future depends on sustaining this momentum, ensuring that no family in Lyari or beyond lives under the shadow of collapse. Nadir Nabil Gabol (The writer is the Spokesperson for the Government of Sindh and hails from Lyari. The views expressed in this article are not necessarily those of the newspaper) Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Top govt depts face heat in ombudsman's report 2024
Sindh Police and the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) are among the top nine government departments that received the highest number of public complaints in Sindh, according to the Provincial Ombudsman's Annual Report for 2024. The report strongly recommends curbing political influence in the recruitment, transfers, and postings of government employees. Provincial Ombudsman Sohail Rajput recently submitted the report to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. Other departments on the list include the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation, Accountant General Sindh, Health, School Education, Revenue, and Local Government departments. According to the report, over 50 per cent of the total 9,151 complaints received in 2024 were directed at these nine departments. A staggering 6,620 grievances were lodged against them. The primary complaint against SBCA was its failure to control illegal constructions, particularly in the city's residential areas. "People continuously seek redressal for these issues, which have grown significantly over time especially in Karachi, the country's economic hub," the report stated. To tackle the problem, the Ombudsman recommended halting frequent transfers and postings within SBCA to ensure accountability. It also advised encouraging construction on the city's outskirts to reduce unauthorised development within the urban core. The police department came under heavy criticism for not registering FIRs in cognisable offenses, making illegal arrests, corruption, abuse of power, and difficulties in obtaining driving licenses. The report stated that the department remains "highly politicised and under the control of politicians." To address this, the report urged the provincial government to minimise unnecessary transfers and removals of police officers and to ensure merit-based recruitment. It also recommended setting up Citizen-Police Liaison Committees in all districts. The School Education Department was also flagged for political interference in appointments and postings. "Such influence results in the selection of personnel based on loyalty rather than merit," the report noted. Complaints against the education sector mainly concerned teacher shortages in remote areas, absenteeism, misuse of School Management Committee (SMC) funds, and the lack of basic amenities such as drinking water, electricity, bathrooms, furniture, and boundary walls particularly in girls' schools.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Nine unsafe buildings in Karachi's Lyari vacated, says Sharjeel Memon
Listen to article Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon said on Thursday that nine unsafe buildings in Karachi's Lyari area have been vacated, with demolition work underway on one of them, Express News reported. The development follows the collapse of a five-storey residential building in Lyari's Baghdadi area last week, which claimed 27 lives and left 10 others injured. In response, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah suspended the Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the incident. In a statement, Memon said the newly appointed SBCA Director General Shahmir Khan Bhutto has ordered all officers to submit details of their assets within 15 days. He warned that strict action would be taken against officials involved in the construction or protection of illegal buildings. Read More: Heads roll after Lyari tragedy Meanwhile, a case has been registered in connection with the Lyari building collapse. Police have taken into custody several senior officers of the SBCA as well as the owners of the building. According to officials, special teams have been formed to arrest those named in the FIR, which has been sealed. In a raid at the SBCA office, police detained eight senior officers, including a former official, for questioning. Those detained include Additional Director General Irfan Naqvi, Zargham Shah, Asif Rizvi, Ashfaq Khokhar, Deputy Director Faheem Siddiqui, Assistant Director Zulfiqar Shah, Faheem Murtaza, and retired Director Asif Rizvi. The building owners have also been apprehended. Sources said the detained officials are being questioned regarding illegal constructions in the Lyari area. Also Read: SBCA director-general dismissed over Lyari building collapse Touching on the province's power sector, the minister announced that the Sindh government will unveil the Sindh Electric Policy 2024 next month. As part of the plan to spur industrial growth, a subsidy of Rs18 per unit will be offered for electricity in the Nooriabad and Dhabeji industrial zones. He also said the Environmental Protection Agency has launched a crackdown on illegal sewage discharge at Sea View, directing inspection teams to submit a report within 48 hours. Regarding consumer rights, Memon noted that NEPRA has instructed K-Electric and other power companies to refund overcharged amounts to consumers for April and May 2025. A refund of Rs4.035 and 50 paisa per unit is to be issued. The minister further expressed concern over the termination of 800 employees of the Utility Stores Corporation in Sindh, calling the decision "regrettable." He said the employees have not been reinstated despite a court order.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Governor visits site of Lyari building collapse
KARACHI: Governor of Sindh, Kamran Tessori, visited the site of the tragic building collapse in Baghdadi, Lyari, describing the incident as one that defies adequate condemnation. 'While the world continues to move forward, this calamity struck, leaving no one the chance to recover,' he remarked. Tessori praised the Sindh government's swift actions, including the removal of the director general, but stressed that simply changing personnel will not resolve systemic issues. He called for an investigation into the factors leading to the collapse, specifically regarding the building's construction timeline and approval process. The governor emphasized his commitment to ensuring justice for the victims without politicizing the matter. He highlighted the presence of many substandard buildings on 80-square-yard plots around the city, all of which will undergo reassessment. Additionally, he announced the launch of a helpline, '1133,' at the Governor House, assuring that residents of buildings deemed dangerous will receive alternative plots of the same size. Tessori noted with regret that most of the deceased were from the Hindu community and instructed the Sindh Building Control Authority's DG to conduct an immediate survey of all dilapidated structures in the city. 'This city does not belong to orphans; Lyari belongs to everyone,' he affirmed. He also pledged to create job opportunities for those affected, stating, 'I've spoken to the builder; we will reach out to more builders for those who register. The doors of the Governor House are open to all.' In a related development, residents near the collapsed Junaid Arcade protested, alleging they have been prohibited from returning to their homes for four days, despite being told by the administration to evacuate for only one hour. Many affected families are currently staying with relatives. Governor Tessori remarked that the gap between one building's collapse and the subsequent construction reflects a failure of the system. He concluded, 'I have always advocated for system reform, and my voice will grow louder.'
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori announces 80-yard plots for Lyari building collapse victims
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon said on Tuesday that it is not possible for the provincial government to provide housing for all residents displaced after 11 buildings were classified as hazardous and evacuated. Speaking on a news segment aired on a private TV channel, the minister said that around 740 buildings across Sindh have been declared unsafe, with at least 51 classified as extremely dangerous. Eleven buildings of the latter category were evacuated, he added. However, the provincial government would offer temporary housing to some families, similar to previous efforts undertaken for flood and COVID-19 victims, said Memon. There will be no silence on this matter, and those responsible will be held accountable Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori The minister apprised that the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has begun demolishing unsafe structures near the collapsed structure of the five-storey building in Lyari's Baghdadi area, which claimed at least 27 lives. Sindh Local Government Saeed Ghani had announced that each affected family would be given Rs one million as compensation. Read: Govt moves to demolish unsafe buildings after Lyari collapse The provincial government subsequently suspended the SBCA's director-general and suspended officials from the regulatory body in-charge of the area. Plots in compensation Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori announced on Tuesday that 80-yard plots will be given to affected families from Lyari building collapse. Speaking to the media in Karachi, Tessori said, "I have arrived in Karachi today and, without wasting time, I have come to Lyari. I will send all my suggestions regarding this tragedy to the Sindh government through a letter". Tessori emphasised that the building collapse was no minor incident. "There will be no silence on this matter, and those responsible will be held accountable," he said, acknowledging the efforts of Sindh ministers Ghani and Nabil Gabol thus far. He urged the provincial government to provide six months' rent and relocation in the same area for now evacuated residents of the 11 hazardous buildings. Tessori assured that the Governor House would remain active in ensuring support for the victims and offer essential resources such as ration and employment opportunities. The governor extended his support to the aggreived families, many of whom hail from the Hindu community, and apprised that a helpline, 1133, has been set up for assistance.
