On July 5, 2025, the death toll from a six-storey building collapse in Karachi’s Lyari rose to 16, with rescue operations ongoing to save approximately 20 people still trapped, per Mayor Murtaza Wahab. The tragedy has exposed systemic issues with building safety.
The collapse occurred on July 4 in Lyari’s Baghdadi area on Fida Hussain Shaikha Road, killing 16, including eight on-site and one at Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK), per Dr. Summaiya Syed. Nine survivors, including five women, were rescued, with three in critical condition at SMBB Trauma Centre, per Dr. Muhammad Sabir Memon. Rescue 1122 and Edhi Foundation teams, using cranes, continue searching for survivors in the debris of the 40-year-old structure, housing 100 residents.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered urgent rescue operations and a high-level committee to investigate negligence within three days, suspending SBCA officials. The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) had marked the building as dangerous, issuing evacuation notices; however, residents claim that none were received. Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi emphasised the importance of resident responsibility but urged prioritisation of safety. Governor Kamran Tessori demanded “no negligence” in rescue efforts, deploying all resources.
Karachi’s Building Safety Crisis
The SBCA identifies 578 unsafe buildings in Karachi, with District South, including Lyari, experiencing a similar partial collapse in Kharadar on July 1, caused by a rooftop water tank failure, which trapped residents but reported no casualties. The Lyari incident, following the flagging of 570 dangerous buildings in December 2024, amplifies calls on X for stricter enforcement, with posts like “SBCA’s inaction costs lives!” highlighting public frustration.
The Lyari collapse, killing 16 and impacting 2.5 million residents in the area, per 2023 census data, underscores Karachi’s infrastructure crisis. With 70% of flagged buildings remaining uninspected, according to the SBCA, the tragedy fuels demands for reforms, which in turn affect public safety and trust. Trending on X, it sparks discussions on urban planning and governance, urging accountability to prevent future losses in Pakistan’s largest city.
