KARACHI: The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has once again come under officialscrutinyafter the Chief Minister’s Secretariat issued a stern warning over its failure to submit a satisfactory report on action against illegal constructions. cautioning that continued non-compliance could result in the matter being placed directly before the chief minister along with adverse recommendations against the authority.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the director general of SBCA. the secretariat expressed dissatisfaction with the building authority’s handling of a report sought on enforcement actions against illegal buildings.
It also directed the building regulator to submit a corrected and updated report within seven days.
The issue stems from a report submitted by SBCA in response to a March 2 communication from the provincial government seeking details of action taken against illegal. unauthorised constructions. However, after reviewing the report, the secretariat found multiple deficiencies in the document.
Authority told to submit corrected and updated document
“The report lacks uniformity, clarity,. completeness,” the letter states, adding that it “appears to be based on outdated data and contains references of non-reporting by the concerned officers of SBCA.”
The secretariat further noted that “significant discrepancies. disparities have been observed in the data furnished by different districts,” raising questions about the reliability of the information submitted by the authority.
It was also pointed out that reports covering the period from March 2026 onward had not been submitted at all. creating a serious information gap regarding ongoing enforcement operations.
The latest episode comes at a time when the building regulator is already facing scrutiny on other fronts. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has alreadyinitiatedan inquiry into the alleged approval of illegal marriage halls. commercial activities on amenity plots in Karachi.
The bureau has sought details from SBCA regarding the issuance of no-objection certificates (NOCs) for marriage halls. marquees allegedly established in violation of applicable regulations.
The anti-corruption watchdog has also requested information regarding alleged financial losses to the national exchequer. reasons for the authority’s failure to act in certain cases.
The inquiry has revived longstanding concerns over unauthorised commercialisation, encroachments. alleged regulatory failures within the city’s building control system, adding to pressure on the authority to demonstrate effective oversight.
Against this backdrop. the CM Secretariat’s latest communication appears to reflect growing frustration within the provincial administration over the SBCA’s performance.
The letter reveals that the shortcomings had already been communicated to the authority’s designated focal person.
According to the secretariat, the official had assured authorities that “the deficiencies would be rectified. a revised report would be submitted.” However, despite the passage of considerable time, “an updated report has not been received.”
As a result, the secretariat conveyed that “the Competent Authority has expressed serious displeasure over the carelessness. casual attitude displayed in the matter and has desired to issue a warning to the focal person of SBCA.
“The authority has now been directed to submit a corrected, comprehensive, and updated report within 07 days positively.
“The letter carries an unusually stern warning. stating that in case of non-compliance, the matter will be brought up before the Chief Minister, highlighting therein the negligence of the Authority with adversary recommendations thereof.”
When contacted, the SBCA spokesperson said the authority was compiling updated information from all districts. addressing the shortcomings identified by the CM Secretariat.
“All observations raised by the secretariat are being attended to on priority. The required report will be submitted within the stipulated time frame,” the spokesperson said.
Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2026
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