A dilapidated seven-storey residential building in Agra Taj Colony in Karachi’s Lyari area was evacuated and sealed on official orders, with authorities preparing for its demolition.

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) also dismantled the building’s decaying water tank, prompting strong protests from residents.

The assistant commissioner, accompanied by an enforcement team, arrived at the site in Agra Taj Colony late Saturday night to evacuate the building.

However, the team faced stiff resistance from residents, most of whom remain inside despite the imminent risk.

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The building comprises 12 residential units, 11 of which were still occupied at the time of evacuation.

Officials stated that the SBCA’s technical committee had conducted a structural inspection, and the building is expected to be demolished within the next two days upon receipt of the detailed report.

Residents, meanwhile, protested against the demolition without being provided with alternative housing.

They have appealed to authorities to intervene and ensure their relocation before any further action is taken.

The building had been declared uninhabitable as far back as April this year.

FIR registered against builder

Legal action has also been initiated against the builder and contractor of the building.

An FIR has been registered at the Kalri Police Station on the complaint of SBCA Assistant Director Zafar Iqbal. Builder Mansoor Shah and an unidentified contractor had been nominated in the case.

According to the FIR, the builder and contractor used substandard material and illegally constructed the seven-storey building, which now poses a severe threat to human life.

The report notes that the structure has been declared unfit for habitation and could collapse at any moment, leading to potential casualties.

The authorities have already disconnected the building’s water and electricity supply and sealed the premises. Preparations are underway for its full demolition.