The Sindh government has announced Rs. 1 million in compensation for families of those killed in the Lyari building collapse. A total of 27 people lost their lives when a seven-storey building in Agra Taj Colony, Lyari, collapsed on Friday morning.
Senior Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani made the announcement during a press conference on Monday. The ministers expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and pledged strict action against those responsible.
As an immediate step, the Sindh government suspended the Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). Sharjeel Memon stated that accountability will follow and all negligent individuals will face legal consequences.
A fact-finding committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the collapse. According to Minister Saeed Ghani, the committee will submit its report within two days. He added that criminal cases will be registered against those found guilty of negligence.
Despite the tragedy, the builder and contractor involved have not yet been arrested. The builder, Mansoor Shah, reportedly fled and turned off his mobile phone after the incident. Police are actively searching for him.
An FIR has been filed by SBCA Assistant Director Zafar Iqbal at Kalri Police Station. The complaint alleges that substandard construction materials were used and that the building had been declared unsafe. Eviction notices were issued on April 22 and July 2, but many residents claim they were never informed.
According to rescue officials, a three-day operation ended with the recovery of 27 bodies. Most of the victims belonged to the Hindu community and came from low-income families. District Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso confirmed the end of the operation and the final death toll.
Following the collapse, five out of over 50 dangerous buildings in the area have been evacuated. The Sindh government has vowed to continue clearing unsafe structures in Lyari to prevent future tragedies.
Authorities have also urged the public to always verify a building’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) before making any property purchase.
The Sindh government is not only focusing on public safety and accountability but also cultural preservation. It recently announced plans for a biopic honouring humanitarian icon Abdul Sattar Edhi, showcasing his life and legacy.
