Karachi has launched an operation targeting dilapidated and unsafe buildings. Authorities have initiated the demolition of a dangerous structure next to a recently collapsed building in the Baghdadi area of Lyari.

Residents of the affected building were allowed to remove their belongings, but tears and sadness were evident on their faces. They were forced to vacate homes they had lived in for years within moments, but for the sake of safety, they had to take this bitter pill.

Residents complained that no alternative housing arrangements had been made.

Many had lived under those walls for over forty years. Now, there is no roof, no walls, and that sense of security has vanished.

According to officials, 586 buildings in Karachi have been declared dangerous, with 51 targeted for action in the first phase.

The building in Lyari, sealed on July 4, is the first to be demolished. The Sindh Building Control Authority estimates that complete demolition will take fifteen days, after which other hazardous structures will be taken down one by one.

Red marks have been placed on the buildings. These marks are not just on the walls; they symbolize the dreams that are being buried alongside these homes. However, officials insist that this action is essential, prioritizing the preservation of life.

The removal of dilapidated buildings is a bitter yet necessary step. It concerns the safety of the city, the protection of its citizens, and the future’s sustainability. If those currently residing in these buildings are not evacuated, they could find themselves trapped under rubble tomorrow.

This operation is not just about tearing down bricks and cement; it aims to prevent the dangers that loom closer with every rain, earthquake, and tremor.

Administration takes action, operation commences

In response to the tragedy, the Sindh government has swiftly acted by suspending the Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority, Ishaq Khuhro, appointing Shah Mir Khan Bhutto as the new head. A fact-finding committee has also been established to investigate the reasons behind the building collapse.

Information Minister Sharjeel Memon, Interior Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, and Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani held a joint press conference, assuring that those responsible for negligence would not only be arrested but that each victim’s family would receive a compensation of Rs10 lacs.

The ministers clarified that criminal negligence cases would be filed, and actions against dilapidated buildings would be initiated based on the findings of the fact-finding report.

The five-story building that collapsed in Baghdadi claimed many lives, including that of Juma Devji, who lost two sons, two daughters-in-law, a grandson, and his wife in the tragedy.

The Hindu community’s Maheshwari organization held a prayer ceremony for the affected families, while Laxman Maheshwari, president of the Maheshwari community center, complained that the government has yet to provide any alternative housing or aid to the victims.

As the victims perform the last rites for their loved ones, the search for shelter, the hope for justice, and the struggle for life have become their new trials.