Karachi to Evacuate Dangerous Buildings Ahead of Monsoon Rains
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Syed Hassan Naqvi, with officials from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), district administration, and the Department of Culture in attendance.
During the meeting, the Sindh Building Control Authority briefed the commissioner on the condition of unsafe structures across the city. According to an SBCA survey, Karachi has 584 dangerous buildings, including 59 classified as extremely hazardous.
Officials further revealed that among the 59 highly dangerous buildings, 29 are historical structures, requiring special attention due to both safety and heritage concerns.
Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi emphasized the urgent need for priority measures to evacuate residents from these buildings to ensure public safety, especially before heavy monsoon rains begin.
Data presented in the meeting showed that more than 90% of the unsafe buildings are located in District South. A district-wise breakdown indicates: 442 buildings in District South, 73 in Central District, 16 in East District, 18 in Korangi, 28 in Keamari, 5 in Malir, 2 in West District. The meeting concluded with a decision that the Sindh Building Control Authority will immediately share the list of critically dangerous buildings with deputy commissioners. District administrations, in coordination with SBCA, will launch priority evacuation operations.
Authorities also decided that unsafe buildings will be demolished based on their structural condition and risk level.