Illegal construction of extra floors, portions springs up with impunity in Karachi

Karachi, Pakistan – The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) finds itself once again under scrutiny as illegal construction continues to proliferate across the city, particularly the brazen rebuilding of previously demolished illicit structures. This persistent issue, often attributed to a "portion mafia," involves the unauthorized addition of multiple floors to residential buildings, placing an immense burden on already strained civic infrastructure. The situation has been exacerbated by a lack of effective enforcement, leading to a sense of impunity among those engaged in these illegal activities.

Residents who dare to voice their opposition to these unlawful developments often face intimidation and threats. One resident recounted how, after successfully obtaining a demolition order for an illegal construction next to his home, the builder resumed work shortly after. When objections were raised again, the resident faced threats and was even summoned to a police station and advised not to pursue the matter. This chilling account illustrates the risks involved in challenging the powerful networks that facilitate illegal construction.

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The SBCA team arrived and they demolished the under-construction structure. However, to our surprise the builder returned after some time and resumed the construction making it clear that the earlier action had been merely a cosmetic one.

The SBCA claims to have taken numerous "enforcement actions" this year, but the reality on the ground suggests these efforts are largely cosmetic. The Gul Plaza tragedy, which highlighted the dangers of unsafe construction, has seemingly done little to deter the practice. From a local perspective in Karachi, this is not merely an issue of building codes; it is a systemic problem fueled by corruption and a disregard for public safety and urban planning. The "portion mafia" operates with apparent impunity, undermining the authority of regulatory bodies and compromising the quality of life for ordinary citizens. The rebuilding of demolished structures sends a clear message: the system is failing, and the rule of law is being flouted with alarming regularity.

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We raised objections again but this time I was threatened and told to remain silent. I was even summoned to the Shahrah-i-Noor Jehan police station where I was asked by the police not to pursue the matter further.