KARACHI: Around 50 plots of land have been illegally occupied in Gulberg Town area of Karachi allegedly at the behest of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA).
Director Gulberg Town Zargham Haider has handed over all responsibilities to Assistant Director Azhar Khan and Building Inspector Maqbool Soomro. These officers are involved in a range of corrupt activities, making the area a haven for illegal allotments and corruption.
In Gulberg Town Block 2, Assistant Director Azhar Khan has allowed eight illegal construction. While Maqbool Soomro in also involved in similar activities in Block 9, 14, 15, 16. Azhar has also allowed the construction of third and fourth floors – a violation of building rules and regulations – on more than 22 different projects.
Sources revealed that Rs600,000 are being demanded to allow the construction of the fourth storey. There are more than two portions being constructed on every floor. In Block 2, illegal construction is underway on Plot No. 1303, 1376 and 1284.
On the other hand, prominent builders such as Gul Khan have allegedly been paying the SBCA officers to allow the illegal constructions. These buildings are being constructed without any approved map or completion, while payment of up to Rs300,000 is being demanded to approve constructions.
Once known for its spacious bungalows, Gulberg Town is being gradually turned into a concrete jungle as illegal and poorly planned high-rise buildings have been popped up in the area. The actions of SBCA officers, patronage of politicians and inaction of police have spoiled the beauty of the area.
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