Published in Dawn on September, 1998

THE Karachi Building Control Authority in a public notice (Dawn Sept 1) has warned the public that "some buildings are being constructed on Sharea Faisal in contravention of approved building plans, etc." It also states that "the unauthorized construction is potentially dangerous as they are being built without an approved plan, have not been properly supervised by a KBCA licensed architect/engineer and are being constructed in violation of the earthquake resistance design."

I have some news for the KBCA. All the buildings which it says are "being constructed" have in fact been completed years ago. I can say this with authority because in one of them (Amber Towers), I have been a resident for almost 12 years now. I can prove it, since I have utility bills and other payment receipts. Moreover, since KBCA didn't publish this notice in 1986, I moved into the premises without knowing that I was breaking the law.

The builders after recovering the money from the innocent flat-buyers, went on to make other projects, some of which are also listed as being unauthorized.

I and the hundreds of humans living or working in these buildings have a right to know why KBCA choose to remain silent when these buildings were being constructed. 

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