After nearly 60 hours of intense rescue efforts, the search operation in Lyari’s Bhagdadi area has come to an end, following the tragic collapse of a five-storey residential building that claimed the lives of 27 people.
Assistant Commissioner Shehryar Habib confirmed on Sunday that the rescue mission had been completed. “The operation lasted 60 hours. We have now begun planning an aggressive drive against all buildings declared dangerous,” he announced during a press briefing.
The building that had collapsed and sheltered more than 40 people in 20 flats was over 30 years old and had been marked dangerous by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) long ago. Despite repeated evacuation notices — including one issued as recently as June 25, 2025 — the building remained occupied. A total of 26 bodies were pulled from the rubble, and another person died during treatment, bringing the toll to 27. Victims included nine women, 15 men, a 10-year-old boy, and a toddler.
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The last rites of 20 of the deceased have been conducted, while the authorities are still investigating the culprits. The high-level committee established by the Sindh government will submit its report on Monday.
This devastating failure is not unique — it’s one of an escalating Karachi unsafe buildings crisis. An official report says that over 578 buildings in the city have been labeled unfit for occupancy, with 456 in District South alone. Central, Keamari, Korangi, East, Malir, and West districts also contain dozens of unsafe buildings.
As part of the latest crackdown, three buildings adjacent to the collapsed one in Lyari have been evacuated and sealed. “Operations against unfit buildings will begin immediately,” said Habib. “We are also preparing a plan to relocate affected residents to safer places.”
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Many displaced families are currently staying with relatives, awaiting government support for permanent relocation.
While officials are assuring fast action at present, citizens are complaining about the absence of monitoring during construction. In another incident on Sunday, another building in Agra Taj was also declared to be unsafe, prompting evacuation orders. But residents at first refused, insisting on alternative accommodations before vacating.
“Where were the institutions when this building was being constructed?” asked one frustrated resident. The building, reportedly constructed without SBCA approval, was evacuated overnight. Authorities have promised compensation and have offered temporary housing in nearby schools.
The builder of the unsafe structure is now facing legal action, with a case registered at Kalri Police Station. Authorities say the builder and contractor will be held accountable.
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In another troubling development, police foiled an attempt to illegally demolish a heritage department building near the Coal Warehouse in Kharadar. Suspected members of the land mafia tried to bring down the structure using heavy machinery on a public holiday, hoping to avoid detection.
Citizens stepped in, worried about injuring surrounding buildings. Those fears were confirmed when vibrations from the demolition caused nearby buildings to shake. Police detained two suspects on sight and confiscated the equipment, though others escaped.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow over the Lyari tragedy. “Our top priority was to save lives, and we are now fully committed to preventing such incidents in the future,” he told the media. He urged citizens to verify building approvals before purchasing flats, stressing the need for awareness and accountability.
Shah added that the government is reviewing strategies to relocate residents living in more than 400 dangerous buildings in Karachi’s Old City Area.
