Karachi Division

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The issue of illegal and substandard construction in Karachi has turned into a serious urban crisis, with several residential buildings feared to be at risk of collapse at any time. Following a recent hearing in the Supreme Court regarding Karachi’s civic problems and unauthorized constructions, fresh questions have emerged over the role of builders, the building control authority, and certain political elements.
According to residents and social observers, illegal construction activities have increased significantly over the past decade, particularly in Nazimabad, Golbar and surrounding localities. Residential houses were reportedly demolished and replaced with multi-storey plazas in violation of building by-laws. Although regulations prohibit construction beyond ground-plus-two floors in several areas, many high-rise structures were still built.
Experts say building regulations and safety standards were widely ignored during construction, while approvals were allegedly secured through bribery and political influence. Residents claim that many structures have become unsafe due to poor-quality materials and substandard construction practices, raising fears of a major tragedy.
Reports suggest that replacing single-family homes with dozens of apartment units has led to unplanned population growth, placing immense pressure on water, electricity, gas and sewerage systems. Parking shortages, damaged roads and poor drainage conditions have also become a constant source of hardship for residents.
Civil society representatives and local residents allege that influential builders expanded their control in the construction sector through political connections and illegal wealth. They further claim that certain officials and employees of relevant authorities were also involved in corruption, with many witnessing unexplained increases in their financial status.
Observers believe that the continued lack of effective action against illegal constructions has further strengthened the builder mafia, while political and social groups have largely failed to provide a lasting solution to the crisis.
Residents and experts have demanded an immediate survey of unsafe and illegal buildings, greater transparency in the building control system, and indiscriminate action against all those involved in unlawful construction activities to prevent any future human tragedy.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Karachi, has frozen four major properties linked to Bahria Town Private Limited following orders of the Accountability Court. The action was taken on May 7, 2026, under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2010.
According to sources, investigations have revealed that the said assets were allegedly acquired through funds generated via money laundering. NAB has frozen Bahria Icon Tower located in the upscale Clifton area of Karachi, where evidence reportedly suggests money laundering of approximately Rs 8 billion. The property was allegedly registered under a fictitious company, “Galaxy Construction.”
Similarly, Bahria Town Tower on Tariq Road, Karachi, has also been frozen. Reports suggest that the project was registered under a nominee or benami frontman.
Expanding the scope of its operation beyond Karachi, NAB has also frozen 817 kanals of land owned by “Lifestyle Private Limited” in Sheikhupura and 2,029 kanals of land belonging to “Lifestyle Development” in Peshawar. These lands were reportedly allocated for the Bahria Town Peshawar project.
Investigations have identified these entities as alleged front companies used for the transfer of illegal funds and financial irregularities.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Karachi has recovered 80 acres of government land in Hyderabad that was allegedly illegally allotted to Bahria Town, according to an official statement issued by the bureau.
The recovered land is located in Deh Ganjo Takkar within the Gulshan e Sarmast housing scheme and is estimated to be worth around Rs6 billion. NAB said the land had allegedly been handed over to Bahria Town through an unlawful allotment at a much lower price of Rs 383 million.
According to NAB, the amount was also not fully paid, while the terms and conditions attached to the allotment were not fulfilled.
The bureau stated that the land was originally allocated for the establishment of a university. However, Bahria Town allegedly failed to comply with the conditions set for the allotment, raising serious questions over the use and transfer of government property.
Following NAB’s intervention, the Hyderabad Development Authority cancelled the allotment and took back possession of the land. The authority also forfeited the partially paid amount linked to the allotment.
The recovery comes at a time when broader legal proceedings involving Bahria Town owner Malik Riaz, his son, and others are already underway. Last week, an accountability court issued perpetual arrest warrants for Malik Riaz, his son, and other accused persons in connection with a land grabbing case.
Earlier in 2025, NAB had filed a reference against Bahria Town owners, government officials, and political figures over the alleged illegal transfer and conversion of government land for private housing schemes.
NAB said the latest recovery is part of its continuing action against illegal occupation, misuse, and transfer of public land.