Dekhlo Sindh, Karachi (2025)

14/07/2025

“Law Helps the Vigilant, Not the Indolent”
Article by: Iqra Rabnawaz Mangi
https://dekhlosindh.com/law-helps-the-vigilant-not-the-indolent/

11/07/2025

Karachi Building Collapse: Court Grants Police Physical Remand of Accused Until July 14

KARACHI (Web Desk) — Judicial Magistrate South, Kalsoom Sehto, heard the case related to the tragic building collapse in the Lyari area’s Baghdadi locality, where 27 people lost their lives. The police presented the accused in court and requested their physical remand.

The accused presented include builder Abdul Rahim, Asim Khan, Asif Rizvi, Irfan Naqvi, Syed Zargam Haider, Ashfaq Khokhar, Faheem Siddiqui, Zafar Iqbal, Zulfiqar Shah, Jameel, Jalees, and Younus Khan. The court granted police custody of the accused for three days.

According to the initial police report, 14 individuals, including six directors from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), were held responsible for the incident.

The report states that the building was originally constructed in 1986 and had been in a dilapidated and uninhabitable condition for a long time. The SBCA officials were reportedly aware of the building’s condition since 2022 but failed to take appropriate action. Their negligence led to the partial collapse of the structure, resulting in the deaths of 27 people, including women and children.

Investigation Officer Inspector Zahid Shah requested an extension in remand for further inquiry. Defense lawyers requested bail for some of the accused, arguing that Abdul Rahim also lost five family members in the collapse and was not actually a builder.

After hearing the arguments, the court emphasized that 27 people had died and the accused had clearly been named in the case. Therefore, the court handed them over to police custody until July 14 for further investigation.

The judge also instructed the investigation officer to present the accused and submit an updated progress report at the next hearing.

05/07/2025

*Revealed: Karachi Officials Knew About Dangerous Lyari Building Since 2022*

Exclusive Report by *Mahdi Baloch*

Commissioner Karachi Also Found Negligent After Sindh Building Authority Action in Lyari Tragedy

Following action by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) regarding the recent building collapse in Lyari, serious negligence by Commissioner Karachi has also come to light.

Despite clear directives issued by the Chief Minister three years ago, no action was taken to vacate a dangerously dilapidated building located in the Baghdadi area of Lyari. Both the Commissioner Karachi and the Deputy Commissioner South remained silent, along with other district authorities.

A confidential letter obtained by Awami Awaz reveals that SBCA had formally urged Commissioner Karachi to act in accordance with the Chief Minister’s orders. The letter outlined the need to evacuate all hazardous buildings across Karachi to protect residents’ lives.

However, despite repeated notices over the past three years, the Karachi administration took no action. Deputy Commissioner South also failed to respond or initiate any steps to ensure public safety.

This alarming oversight raises serious questions about the role and accountability of the city’s top administrative officials in preventing avoidable tragedies.

05/07/2025

📰 EXCLUSIVE INVESTIGATION: SBCA WARNED OF COLLAPSE, BUT AUTHORITIES FAILED TO ACT

Negligence or Criminal Complicity? Letters Reveal SBCA Had Warned About Lyari Building—Ignored by Police, K-Electric, and District Administration

By Special Investigations Unit
Karachi – July 5, 2025

As Karachi mourns the tragic loss of lives in the Lyari building collapse, shocking documents uncovered by our investigation team reveal that the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) had issued clear, official warnings to multiple departments over a year prior—yet no action was taken.

The document, dated 25 June 2024, categorically instructed K-Electric, KW&SB, and SSGC to disconnect all utility services to the now-collapsed building, as it had been declared “DANGEROUS” by the Technical Committee for Dangerous Buildings (SBCA).

🔍 Who Received the Warnings?
• Managing Director, K-Electric
• Managing Director, KW&SB
• Managing Director, SSGC
• Assistant Commissioner (South)
• District South Police
• Relevant departments under the Local Government

Despite these letters being marked as “URGENT” and officially stamped as received by the above entities, no utility disconnections were made, and no evacuation was enforced.

⚠️ What the Letter Said

“All functionaries shall disconnect all the utility services or connections of the said illegally constructed building… on the written request of the SBCA immediately.”

The letter even cited Sindh Gazette notifications and legal provisions under the SBCO 1979, reinforcing the urgency of immediate disconnection and enforcement.

🛑 Pattern of Ignorance

Multiple residents and witnesses confirmed that despite repeated notices, no meaningful action was taken by law enforcement or the district administration. Water, gas, and electricity continued to be supplied right up to the moment of the collapse.

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💬 Public Reaction

“This is not just administrative failure. This is negligent homicide. These people ignored legal warnings, and now entire families are dead,” said a local activist.

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🧾 Who Is Really Responsible?

While SBCA has come under fire in past building collapse cases, this document clearly absolves them of direct negligence. It shifts the accountability squarely on those who ignored formal disconnection and evacuation orders—including police, assistant commissioners, and utility providers.

👁️‍🗨️ What Now?

Legal experts suggest that under Section 322 of the Pakistan Penal Code, those officials and departments who failed to act may be liable for manslaughter charges.

The families of victims are calling for a judicial commission to hold every party accountable.

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📌 Bottom Line

This wasn’t just a building collapse. This was a collapse of governance, responsibility, and humanity.

Our newsroom will continue exposing the truth.

27/06/2025

SBCA Cracks Down on Illegal Constructions Across Karachi’s District Central

KARACHI: In a decisive move to enforce urban development regulations, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), under the directives of Director General Muhammad Ishaq Khoso, launched widespread demolition operations across District Central — including Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Federal B Area, and the North Karachi Industrial Zone.

According to the SBCA, the operation targeted illegal constructions such as unauthorized additional floors, illegal commercial structures on residential plots, and encroachments on mandatory open spaces. These actions, officials say, are part of a larger crackdown to restore compliance with Karachi’s zoning laws and protect citizens from fraudulent builders and unregulated urban expansion.

“Over the past six months, more than 800 illegal structures have faced legal action including demolitions,” an SBCA spokesperson told Pro News. “No illegal construction will be spared — sooner or later, their turn will come. People are strongly advised not to risk their life savings by investing in unauthorized properties.”

Key Demolitions Detailed

The demolition squads, supported by local police and SBCA’s enforcement team, carried out high-impact operations at several sites:
• In Nazimabad, multiple illegal floors were brought down. These included unauthorized third and fourth floors on plots in Sub-blocks 2-C, 2-D, 2-E, and 3-C.
• Paposh Nagar saw the demolition of an entire fifth floor including RCC structures on Plot No. 16/5.
• In North Nazimabad and North Karachi, third and first floors constructed without approved plans were dismantled.
• In Liaquatabad, construction on several upper floors was demolished, while some actions were postponed due to occupied lower residential levels.
• Federal B Area saw illegal portions of second and third floors removed along with unauthorized shop shutters in Blocks 01 and 03.
• Industrial Zones in both North Karachi and Federal B Area witnessed the removal of unauthorized structures on multiple plots, while shops in Orangi Town’s Engro Electronic Sector were sealed.

Each of these demolitions was carried out under the direct supervision of area Deputy and Assistant Directors, with full coordination from SBCA’s Demolition Officers.

Public Warning Reissued

The SBCA once again warned the general public to verify the legality of any property before purchase or construction. Officials reiterated that commercial use of residential plots, unauthorized floor additions, and construction without approved plans are clear violations, subject to swift and strict enforcement.

This latest operation reflects a renewed administrative will to restore order to Karachi’s chaotic construction landscape. While many applaud the action, some residents affected by these demolitions have voiced concerns over selective enforcement and a lack of prior notices — claims the SBCA has repeatedly denied.

As Karachi continues to grapple with urban sprawl and regulatory evasion, today’s crackdown serves as a clear signal: the city’s regulators are watching, and the age of unchecked construction may finally be facing a reckoning.

25/06/2025

Karachi: A man impersonating a journalist affiliated with ARY News has been arrested for blackmailing officers of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), according to an official spokesperson of the Authority.

The accused, identified as Aslam Parvez alias Memon, had been threatening SBCA officers—particularly in Karachi’s Central District—by falsely claiming to represent the media outlet ARY News.

Following directives from SBCA Director General Ishaq Khowro, a special operation was conducted to apprehend the suspect, who had been active for over a year.

The spokesperson further revealed that the accused had been extorting money from SBCA officers through Easypaisa, a popular mobile payment service.

After being detained, the suspect was handed over to New Town Police for further legal proceedings, in accordance with DG Ishaq Khowro’s instructions.

DG Ishaq Khowro emphasized that the SBCA is committed to taking firm action against fake journalists and extortionists who target government officials. He assured that such operations will continue without compromise.

22/06/2025

President Zardari Expresses Deep Concern Over Escalating Middle East Tensions

https://dekhlosindh.com/president-zardari-expresses-deep-concern-over-escalating-middle-east-tensions/

22/06/2025

Our Literature and Art Are Foundations of Peace, Equality, and Love” – Ayaz Latif Palijo

https://dekhlosindh.com/our-literature-and-art-are-foundations-of-peace-equality-and-love-ayaz-latif-palijo/

22/06/2025

Breaking News: United States Launches Attacks on Iranian Nuclear Facilities

In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States has conducted air strikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities, including the highly strategic sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. This military action comes amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which has entered its second week.

According to reports, Trump referred to the operation as a "very successful attack," asserting that it was aimed at neutralizing Iran's nuclear capabilities. This development marks a critical moment in U.S.-Iran relations and has raised concerns about potential repercussions in the region.

Many lawmakers in the U.S. expressed surprise at the decision, highlighting the gravity of the situation. The announcement has already drawn mixed reactions from Congressional leaders, some supporting the action, while others caution against escalating the conflict further.