Karachi Division

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The Municipal Commissioner of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has informed the Judicial Commission investigating the Gul Plaza fire tragedy that no approval was ever granted for any change in the building’s land use.
In a written response submitted before the commission, the municipal commissioner stated that the clarification was provided after a thorough internal review of official records. The commission had earlier sought an explanation regarding the building’s land status.
According to the reply, a report from the KMC Director Land also confirmed that there is no record of any such approval. It was further maintained that since the land came under KMC’s administrative control, no change in its status has been documented in official records.
The response emphasized that the findings were based on a detailed examination of the Land Department’s record and clarified that no other legal proceedings would be affected by this position.
Meanwhile, the Senior Member of the Board of Revenue (BoR) has also submitted a separate report to the Judicial Commission, detailing the ownership and record of the Gul Plaza land. The report stated that the plot originally belongs to the provincial government, while KMC only exercised limited administrative and financial authority over it.
It further noted that no audit or review is available on record regarding compliance with the original land use conditions. The BoR’s findings were compiled using records from the District Registrar Karachi, Deputy Director Lands KMC, and Mukhtiarkar Saddar.
According to the report, the land, measuring approximately 8,128 square yards, was initially recorded as property of the Karachi municipality.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
The Sindh government has ordered immediate action against dangerous and dilapidated buildings across Karachi, directing authorities to ensure the prompt evacuation of residents and the demolition of unsafe structures to prevent potential loss of life and property.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting chaired by Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, attended by senior officials from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and other relevant departments. The meeting reviewed the condition of hazardous buildings in the city and assessed risks posed to residents and nearby areas.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to public safety, the minister stated that protecting lives and property remains the top priority and warned that any negligence would not be tolerated. He instructed authorities to carry out identification, evacuation, and demolition operations in a coordinated and transparent manner.
Officials were also directed to accelerate the digitisation of building records to improve monitoring and help identify unsafe and illegal structures more efficiently. The meeting further discussed support measures for affected residents, including temporary relocation and alternative accommodation options during evacuation processes.
Authorities have been given strict timelines to speed up operations as the government moves to reduce risks posed by structurally compromised buildings and prevent future tragedies.

Karachi: ReNews Pakistan
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab inaugurated a newly constructed road developed by English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM), built using recycled industrial plastic waste, marking a step toward sustainable urban infrastructure and environmental innovation.
The road, located near EBM’s manufacturing facility in Karachi, is designed to improve connectivity within the industrial zone and facilitate smoother movement of both traffic and logistics vehicles. The project highlights how industrial plastic waste can be repurposed into durable infrastructure, reducing landfill burden while offering a scalable model for future urban development.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with Concept Loop, is part of EBM’s broader sustainability strategy focused on circular economy practices, waste reduction, and responsible resource utilization. It also demonstrates how private-sector innovation can contribute to solving environmental challenges in urban Pakistan.
Speaking at the inauguration, EBM Executive Director Shahzain Munir said the company has always placed innovation at the center of its operations. He added that the project reflects EBM’s commitment to converting waste into long-term value and emphasized the importance of public–private partnerships in driving meaningful impact.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab praised the initiative, calling it a practical solution for Karachi’s infrastructure and environmental challenges. He noted that such efforts from the private sector are essential for delivering measurable improvements in urban development.
The inauguration event also included awareness activities aimed at promoting sustainable practices and responsible waste management.
On the same day, the mayor also laid the foundation stone for the rehabilitation of Mirza Adam Khan Road in Lyari Town, a project costing around Rs400 million. The scheme includes road construction as well as significant upgrades to the drainage system under Package-03.
Officials said the project involves a 4.48-kilometre dual carriageway and a 26-foot-wide road designed to improve traffic flow. A 4.61-kilometre drainage line, along with additional sewerage infrastructure, will also be installed to address long-standing drainage issues in the area.
The mayor said the development of Lyari’s infrastructure is a priority and confirmed that work is being carried out with a focus on quality and transparency. He added that Mirza Adam Khan Road is a key artery connecting Mauripur Road and the Garden areas and serves as an important alternative route during heavy traffic congestion.
He further stated that under the Lyari Transformation Project, launched on the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, development work worth around Rs5 billion is underway in its first phase. He added that major water and road infrastructure projects in the area are progressing rapidly and are expected to be completed within the stipulated timelines.