KARACHI: Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani announced on Wednesday that families displaced by the demolition of 54 unsafe buildings in Karachi will receive three months of rental assistance from the provincial government.
Speaking to reporters after meeting with town chairmen affiliated with Jamaat-i-Islami, Mr. Ghani said the move follows the recent collapse of a building in Lyari, which claimed multiple lives. He revealed that demolition of other dilapidated structures in the old city area is underway as part of efforts to prevent similar tragedies.
“The evacuation of buildings declared hazardous is proceeding swiftly,” he noted. “The government will cover three months of rent for both owners and tenants forced to vacate these dangerous structures as an immediate relief measure.”
Mr. Ghani added that depending on the progress of rehabilitation efforts and the needs of affected families, the rental support could be extended to six months or even a year. A dedicated committee has also been formed to oversee the rehabilitation process and ensure no displaced family is left unattended.
PTI Calls for Inquiry
Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers have submitted a resolution in the Sindh Assembly, demanding a high-level investigative committee to probe the rise in building collapse incidents across Karachi.
Muhammad Shabbir Qureshi, PTI’s parliamentary leader in the Sindh Assembly, emphasized the need for accountability. Referring to the Lyari tragedy that claimed 27 lives, he urged the identification and prosecution of negligent officials.
The resolution also calls for a comprehensive debate on illegal constructions in Karachi and proposes reforms to prevent such disasters in the future.
Governor Establishes Help Cell
In a separate move, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori announced the creation of a special cell at the Governor’s House to assist affected families.
This cell will liaise with government departments to provide prompt support and address complaints from displaced residents. Helplines—1366 and 021-99204748—have also been set up for victims seeking assistance.
