Karachi Residents Protest Over Buildings Wrongly Declared “Dangerous Buildings in Karachi.”

The Faisal Cantonment Board issued a notice identifying 62 buildings in Drigh Road and Gulistan-e-Jauhar as “Dangerous buildings in Karachi and uninhabitable,” triggering serious alarm in residential and commercial zones like Gulistan Colony, Drigh Road, Pakistan Chowk, and surrounding neighborhoods. The declaration came just as the monsoon season approached, a time when building integrity is especially crucial in Karachi.

However, the decision quickly drew backlash. Numerous residents, shop owners, and building managers have strongly objected, claiming that no proper structural survey or third-party assessment was conducted before their properties were labeled hazardous. Many allege that buildings with no visible cracks or structural issues were still listed, casting doubt on the transparency and accuracy of the Faisal Cantonment Board’s evaluation process.

This has led to a growing sentiment among locals that the move was premature, unverified, and potentially influenced by external motives, such as commercial interests or urban redevelopment pressures.

Residents Say: “Our Buildings Are Safe”

Affected families and business owners say they were shocked to find their buildings on the danger list, especially when many claim:

• Their properties have no cracks or structural faults
• They’ve done recent maintenance or renovations
• No official inspection was ever conducted before the list was published

Real-Life Examples

A shopkeeper from Royal Empire Plaza, Pakistan Chowk, said:

“My entire livelihood depends on this shop. There was no prior notice. How can they call it unsafe without even inspecting?”

Another resident shared that he lives with his elderly parents and small children in one of the listed buildings — and now faces eviction pressure without cause.

What Officials Say

Faisal Cantonment Board insists that:

• A survey was conducted
• Buildings listed were assessed by technical staff
• Notices are part of safety precautions before the monsoon season

However, residents claim that they were not presented with any reports or provided with justification, and that no structural engineers or PEC-certified inspectors visited their buildings.

Are These Buildings Dangerous?

The issue has exposed major gaps in transparency:

• Residents question the inspection process and credentials of the evaluators
• Some buildings had private structural reports proving safety
• Board’s public notice provides no building-wise reasoning or photographic evidence

This has led to confusion and fears about misuse of authority, potential evictions, and property devaluation.

Need for Transparency & Accountability

The matter has reached Sindh’s Caretaker Local Government Minister, Mubin Jumani, who acknowledged the controversy and ordered an inquiry. He stated that:

“No building should be declared dangerous without a complete technical evaluation.”

He also stressed that:

• Cantonment boards must consult stakeholders
• Final warnings should be issued only after proper procedures

Real Estate Impact: RealtorOnline’s Perspective

RealtorOnline understands how such developments can affect homeowners, tenants, and investors:

• Property values can drop overnight
• Families may be forced to evacuate without alternate housing
• Buyers become afraid to invest in affected areas

That’s why we emphasize due diligence, official documentation, and transparent communication from all authorities.

What You Should Do If Your Property Is Affected

• Demand a copy of the inspection report from the Faisal Cantonment Board
• Get a private structural stability certificate from a PEC-certified engineer
• File an appeal through a legal channel if your building was wrongly listed
• Keep a record of renovations, repairs, and rent receipts

Final Word from RealtorOnline

Karachi’s real estate market must be built on trust and clarity. Sudden declarations without proper checks hurt not just property owners, but the entire urban ecosystem. RealtorOnline is committed to bringing you verified news, property alerts, and critical updates that matter. We’re not just here to help you buy or sell — we’re here to protect your investments and keep you informed.

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