On July 19, 2025, authorities in Karachi declared 43 residential buildings in Gulistan-e-Johar as dangerous, raising alarm for thousands of residents, including women and children, living in hundreds of flats across various blocks. The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) identified these structures as structurally unsound, prompting safety concerns following the recent Lyari building collapse that killed 27 people.

Hasan Bakhshi, Chairman of the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD), called for a thorough technical assessment, stating, “Reports must be prepared using proper tools—mere assumptions are not acceptable.”

The declaration has left residents uncertain about their homes, with many awaiting clarity on evacuation or rehabilitation plans. The SBCA’s ongoing surveys aim to prevent further tragedies, but the lack of immediate relocation options has heightened public anxiety, a concern echoed by many.