Strict action will be taken against illegal constructors, corrupt officers: Minster

KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Information, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said that the Sindh government would not allow anyone to play with the lives of citizens and strict action would be taken against the illegal constructors and corrupt officers.

Nasir Shah was heading an important meeting which was held in the office of Commissioner Karachi(CK) along with CK Iftikhar Shalwani, DIG Maqsood Memon, DG SBCA Naseem-ul-Ghani, Deputy Commissioners, MC East Waseem Somroo, representatives of KMC, Cantonment  Board and Rangers.

Commissioner Karachi briefed the Minister that SBCA has issued notices to the residents of dangerous buildings for immediate evacuation. DG SBCA informed Minister that most of the dangerous buildings are in the old city area in which few of them have been declared as heritage.

Addressing the participants of meeting Nasir Shah said that the Liyari incident was very painful and it has made everyone sad and grief.

Minister LG said that the government of Sindh cannot risk the lives of citizens for anything and the illegal constructions should be stopped immediately.

He instructed the DG SBCA to take strict action against the officers involved in issuing illegal approvals and no leniency would be given to any official or builder.

Nasir Hussain Shah said that FIR should be lodged against the builders involved in constructing illegal portions and district administration, SBCA and police shall jointly start the operation against the violators.

Minster LG instructed to form a vigilance committee in every district for the identification of the dangerous and illegal buildings in their area. The committee would be consisting of the representatives from DMC, SBCA, KDA and police.

Late, Nasir Hussain Shah told media that 422 buildings have been declared dangerous in Karachi in which 55 belongs to the heritage department. He said that action against the illegal portions and buildings will be continued and efforts to establish SBCA’s courts are also in process.

He said that the sewerage system of Liyari is making improved on priority basis and the Jameela pumping station is also making operational. Nasir Shah stated that the disaster management department will be empowered in order to fight uncertain situations.

He also said that the practice of digging wells decreases the water level which is dangerous for the buildings and infrastructures. Minster directed SBCA to update the list of illegal buildings in the city and take strict action against the encroachers.