The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) held a press conference at its Bahadurabad headquarters, where Opposition Leader in the Sindh Assembly, Ali Khurshidi, along with party members and National Assembly representatives, addressed the media regarding a tragic building collapse in Lyari, Karachi. Khurshidi expressed condolences for the lives lost, praying for their forgiveness, and noted that the collapsed building was already declared unsafe by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). He highlighted that such incidents are not new, with dozens of similar tragedies occurring in the past.

Khurshidi criticized the SBCA, alleging that illegal constructions flourish in Karachi under the patronage of corrupt officials who amass billions in bribes. He stated that issuing notices to vacate unsafe buildings is insufficient; the government must provide alternative housing for affected residents. “Merely issuing notices and shirking responsibility is unacceptable. Such incidents will continue unless addressed,” he warned, accusing the government of surrendering Karachi to mafias, including those controlling construction, water, and transport.

He further criticized the Sindh government, claiming the administrative system has collapsed, failing to provide basic services like water, infrastructure, education, or healthcare. Khurshidi alleged that no legal work in Sindh is possible without bribes, pointing to rampant corruption, including within the traffic police. He held the Sindh government responsible for all deaths in such incidents, criticizing the reinstatement of suspended corrupt officers after paying bribes. Targeting PPP leadership, he remarked, “Bilawal Bhutto and President Zardari, the Sindh government is your visiting card. Instead of condemning, you should fix these culprits.”

Khurshidi demanded that corrupt officers be sacked rather than merely suspended and called for a clear government policy to prevent such tragedies. He also criticized the government’s inefficiency in issuing motorcycle number plates, which burdens the poor, and highlighted issues at the Excise Office, questioning why such a flawed system was introduced without adequate capacity.

National Assembly member Dr. Arshad Vohra added that after the Lyari collapse, the adjacent building was sealed, displacing residents, including patients, who were left on the streets without alternative accommodations. He recounted his unsuccessful attempts to contact the Commissioner and other officials for assistance. Vohra emphasized that many buildings in Karachi, some over 70 years old, are dilapidated, and it is the government’s responsibility to provide housing for affected residents. He noted that Karachi contributes 25% to Pakistan’s GDP and pays the highest taxes, yet its condition remains deplorable. He urged the government, with support from the World Bank and federal authorities, to launch a program to relocate residents of unsafe buildings.