KARACHI (HRNW): Illegal commercial construction for a United Bank Limited (UBL) branch on residential plot number A563, Block 5, Gulshan-e-Iqbal (District East) has reached its final stages, allegedly fueled by massive corruption within the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). According to informed sources, the premises had previously been sealed by SBCA staff for violating building codes, but Riaz Jhakro—an official notorious for operating a “patta system” (systemic bribery) within the department—allegedly unsealed the property after receiving millions in bribes from a contractor named Ahsan. Sources claim the contractor was ordered to complete the work behind closed shutters as quickly as possible to present a fait accompli. Local residents and social activists have expressed outrage over this blatant violation of residential laws and have appealed to the Minister for Local Government Nasir Hussain Shah, Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah, DG SBCA Muzammil Hussain, and the Deputy Commissioner East to immediately demolish the illegal structure and initiate strict disciplinary action against the involved officials.
Raising a voice against illegal constructions and institutional corruption is vital for urban integrity. To support our mission of providing verified reporting on civic issues and administrative accountability in Karachi, please consider contributing to our work at hrnww.com/support-us.
