Tensions escalated between officials of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and local police during a demolition operation in Gulistan-e-Johar, after law enforcement officers halted action against an allegedly illegal structure.
According to official sources, an SBCA enforcement team reached Plot No. SA-3, Block-2, Gulistan-e-Johar to demolish an illegally constructed penthouse following formal approval from the Director General of SBCA. However, the operation was abruptly stopped after police personnel intervened at the site.
Police Intervention Sparks Confrontation
Sources claim that the Station House Officer (SHO) on duty warned SBCA staff that they would be arrested if they proceeded with the demolition. The situation intensified when an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) allegedly threatened SBCA officials — a moment that was captured in a video now circulating among authorities.
“The police warned SBCA workers and officers to immediately stop demolition or face arrest,” a source familiar with the incident said.
Police reportedly forced SBCA officials and laborers to descend from the building and placed them inside police mobile vans. Sources further alleged that the SHO also threatened to detain senior SBCA officers in the police lock-up.
SBCA Confirms Demolition Order
Building Control officials later confirmed that a valid demolition order had been issued by the Director General SBCA for the said property, citing violations of approved building plans.
According to SBCA sources, Deputy Director Najam Qureshi, Assistant Director Zeeshan Haider, Building Inspector Munir Jamali, and other enforcement staff were present at the site to execute the order when the confrontation occurred.
Growing Concerns Over Law Enforcement Interference
The incident has raised serious questions about interference in anti-encroachment and anti-illegal construction operations in Karachi. SBCA officials expressed concern that such incidents undermine regulatory authority and encourage illegal construction across the city.
The matter is expected to be reported to higher authorities for further action and clarification regarding the role of police during legally sanctioned demolition operations.