The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has declared 589 buildings across Karachi unsafe, ordering their evacuation due to concerns over structural stability. The list includes residential buildings housing thousands of people, as well as busy commercial properties visited by shoppers every day. Among these, 117 buildings are protected cultural heritage sites, raising concerns over both public safety and the preservation of Karachi's historic architecture.
In the notices issued regarding the evacuation of these buildings, it has been stated that during this year's monsoon rains, these structures face a serious risk of damage. Therefore, residents have been instructed to immediately vacate them. The notices further state that if people do not leave these buildings and any loss of life or property occurs, the Sindh Building Control Authority will not be held responsible.
Of the buildings declared dangerous, 447 are located in Karachi's South District, while 16 are in East District, 37 in Central District, 18 in Korangi District, 28 in Keamari District, five in Malir District, and two in West District. Among the dangerous buildings in South District, 97 are located in Lyari Quarters, while others include 35 in Saddar Old Town Quarters, seven on M.A. Jinnah Road, 11 in Wadhumal Odharam Quarters, 12 in Market Quarters, 16 in Ghulam Hussain Qasim Quarters, 32 in Napier Quarters, 37 in Ranchore Line Quarters, 16 in Preedy Quarters, 19 in Ramswamy Quarters, 16 in Lawrence Quarters, 10 in Thailaram Quarters, 21 in Sarai Quarters, 40 in Rambagh Quarters, 37 in Saddar Bazaar Quarters, 10 in Clifton, and 14 in Artillery Maidan.
Among the well-known buildings in South District that have been declared dangerous are PIDC Officers Flats in Bath Island, the ADC's bungalow located in Governor House Karachi, Humayun House near Mama Parsi School, Government College for Women, Abdullah Haroon College, Jabees Hotel, KMC Sweeper Quarters, Bambino Cinema, Rampa Plaza, Zainab Market Saddar, and Bolton Market, among others. A total of 56 buildings in Liaquatabad, six in Gulberg, and nine in North Nazimabad have also been declared dangerous. Residents living in these buildings have questioned the decision, saying that many of the structures are in good condition and there is no possibility of them collapsing.
A resident of Ramswami Quarters, Muhammad Ali, said that some buildings…
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