The bustling streets of Lyari were shaken by tragedy this weekend as a five-storey residential building collapsed, killing 27 people and exposing Karachi’s deep-rooted problem of unsafe buildings. After nearly 60 hours of relentless efforts, officials declared the rescue operation complete on Sunday, leaving behind painful stories of loss and urgent calls for accountability.
Assistant Commissioner Shehryar Habib confirmed the conclusion of the search and rescue operation, pledging a crackdown on all buildings previously marked unsafe. "Operations against all unfit buildings in Lyari will begin tomorrow," Habib announced, adding that three nearby structures have already been evacuated and sealed after being declared hazardous.
The ill-fated building, home to over 40 residents in 20 apartments, was 30 years old and had been flagged unsafe by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) years ago. Tragically, despite evacuation notices issued as recently as June 25, 2025, no effective action was taken. Utility companies were ordered to disconnect services, but the connections remained intact, and the residents stayed put, unaware their lives were hanging by a thread.
The collapse in Lyari is not an isolated incident. Karachi harbors a staggering 578 unsafe buildings, most of them in the South District where 456 hazardous structures threaten countless lives. Other vulnerable areas include Central (66), Keamari (23), Korangi (14), East (13), Malir (4), and West (2).
During the search and rescue operation, authorities recovered the bodies of 26 people—including nine women and two children—from the rubble. Another victim tragically lost his life during treatment.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “heartbreaking.” He announced the formation of a high-level committee tasked with investigating the tragedy and promised swift action against those responsible.
The chief minister also warned citizens to always verify building approvals before purchasing flats. “Unauthorized constructions are a danger to public safety. The government's priority is to save lives and prevent such incidents from recurring,” he said.
Shockingly, just as Lyari mourned its loss, another multi-storey building in Agra Taj was declared unsafe. Residents, however, resisted evacuation, questioning why authorities allowed illegal construction in the first place. “Where were the institutions when this building was being built?” one resident asked.
District officials eventually convinced some families to leave, offering temporary shelter in a nearby school. They assured residents that the builder would be held accountable and made to compensate the victims. A case has already been registered against the builder and contractor at Kalri Police Station, following a complaint by the SBCA.
To stress the urgency, authorities demolished the building’s rooftop water tank, hoping to discourage further resistance.
In a separate but equally alarming incident, police foiled an illegal demolition attempt on a heritage department building in Kharadar. Land mafia suspects tried to take advantage of the public holiday by using heavy machinery to destroy the structure. Quick action by residents and police stopped the operation, and two suspects were arrested on the spot.
The search and rescue operation in Lyari highlights Karachi’s growing urban safety crisis, where unfit structures remain inhabited despite clear warnings. Officials have vowed that starting tomorrow, they will launch full-scale operations against all such buildings, aiming to prevent another disaster like this one.
