THE metropolis of Karachi has been in the ruthless hands of the builder mafia for a very long time, and the PECHS area has remained one of the prime targets. The mushroom growth of multi-storey commercial portions in the residential area, and total disregard for the legally required open spaces have ruined what was once a serene and quiet residential locality.

The outward protruding portions from the actual plot sizes have also encroached upon the existing low and high trans- mission electricity wires and cables, causing many serious and fatal incidents of electrocution. The practice, however, has continued unabated.

Recently, another dimension of illegality has been added to the practice, with as much as half of the ‘basement’ popping up on the ground floor. How can that be a ‘basement’ at all? One wonders who is passing the building plans, and what the stakes are like.

Area residents are waiting for the day when the relevant stakeholders, including the relevant minister, bureaucrats and the head of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), will find the time and have the urge to take notice of these illegalities, issue necessary directives, and ensure that they are implemented.

Name withheld on request
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2024