Sindh govt body seeks legal action against SBCA officials over Gul Plaza fire

Karachi: A Sindh government implementation committee has called for stringent legal and disciplinary action against officials of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). The committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, found these officials responsible for alleged failures in inspection, enforcement, and regulatory oversight that contributed to the deadly Gul Plaza fire in January 2026.

The officials implicated served between 2020 and the date of the incident. Their alleged shortcomings include the approval of a revised building plan and its subsequent regularization, which the committee deemed a failure in their duty. The fire at Gul Plaza tragically highlighted systemic issues within the building control framework.

In addition to recommending action against SBCA personnel, the committee also suggested disciplinary measures for officers from the Civil Defence, fire department, and the building management committee. Furthermore, the committee proposed significant amendments to the Sindh Building Control Ordinance of 1979. These changes aim to empower the SBCA to conduct mandatory post-construction inspections, ensuring ongoing compliance and safety standards after buildings are completed.