The Sindh government has taken action on the unlawful demolition of the heritage structure in Clifton known as Kharas House. Officially declared protected on March 8, 2018, by the culture department, it had been recognised for its historical and architectural value.
Following an inquiry ordered by Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah, the Karachi commissioner submitted a comprehensive report, which brought to light severe irregularities, deliberate violations, and a nexus between government officials and the private owner aimed at the unlawful demolition of the heritage building.
The inquiry revealed that the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), in a blatant disregard of the law, had issued a demolition permit without consulting the heritage department, thereby violating mandatory legal procedures.
The SBCA’s Technical Committee on Dangerous Buildings initiated the process on January 4, 2024, without the required participation of professional bodies. Despite noting that the structure “seemed to be heritage” and required verification, the SBCA granted a demolition permit to the property owner on October 18, 2024, without consulting the culture department.
The SBCA later attempted to justify the demolition using a court order from an unrelated case, a claim the inquiry deemed entirely baseless. Key steps were taken post-facto to cover up the illegal act, including a backdated request to the owner for heritage clarification and a sealing order issued this April.
The demolition began during the Eid holidays, when government offices were closed, indicating a calculated attempt to evade oversight. It was the District South deputy commissioner, not the SBCA or the culture department, that first noticed and attempted to halt the demolition.
Meanwhile, the SBCA attempted to cover its tracks by cancelling permissions and sending notices only after the demolition had commenced. Courier records confirm that these notices were issued late, with no timely warning to the assistant commissioner, which prevented effective intervention.
The report portrays a clear case of misconduct and manipulation, with recommendations for criminal proceedings against the SBCA officials responsible and the owner of the property.
In the light of these findings and recommendations, the CS ordered that FIRs be immediately registered against SBCA South Director Ashfaq Hussain, Deputy Director Agha Kashif and property owner Dhummai Cowasjee Kanja.
It has also been recommended that the matter be referred to the Anti-Corruption Establishment for further investigation, and that the named officials be suspended with immediate effect to ensure transparency and impartiality in the inquiry.
The matter was also brought to the knowledge of the chief minister, who reviewed the findings of the inquiry and fully endorsed the actions taken against the officers responsible.
The CM expressed grave concern over the unlawful demolition of the protected heritage site, emphasised the need for strict accountability and reiterated the government’s stance on the protection of the province’s cultural heritage.
The CS also instructed the culture department to immediately begin a citywide survey and mapping of all declared heritage buildings in the city. He also ordered disciplinary proceedings against the culture department’s heritage deputy director for failing to discharge duties and prevent the illegal demolition.
He emphasised that any individual who is found involved in endangering or destroying the cultural heritage of the province would face severe legal and administrative consequences.