Hasan Bakhshi Calls for Action Over Missing SBCA Files, Says Nasla Tower Blueprint Approved

Former Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) chairman Muhammad Hasan Bakhshi has called for action against officials responsible for the disappearance of more than 38 construction project files from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA).

He made the demand while addressing a dinner hosted in his honour by prominent builder Zakaria Karim. During the event, Bakhshi also announced that the blueprint for Nasla Tower had been approved and expressed hope that residents would receive the building soon.

Calls for Accountability at SBCA

Bakhshi urged the relevant authorities to investigate the missing project files and hold responsible officials accountable. He also discussed measures taken during his tenure to address alleged corruption and improve administrative processes.

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Speaking about the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), he said efforts had been made to remove its director and deputy director from their positions. He further claimed that certain officials associated with the Anti-Corruption Establishment and SBCA had been suspended over alleged corruption.

Bakhshi also highlighted changes to the title verification process. According to him, the service had previously involved alleged bribery but has now been made free of charge.

ABAD Highlights Tax Reforms and Housing Finance

Reviewing ABAD’s performance during his tenure, Bakhshi said the association worked with the federal government and relevant institutions to secure changes in the tax framework affecting the construction industry.

He cited the removal of the Federal Excise Duty (FED) and Section 7E, alongside a 50% reduction in tax under Section 236C. He also discussed the restoration of a task force following the formation of the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Bakhshi said ABAD had helped introduce a housing scheme worth Rs10 million for the first time. He added that subsidised financing would be provided to builders and developers. The scheme’s structure and eligibility details were not provided at the event, according to the supplied account.

Real Estate Regulation and Skills Training

The former ABAD chairman said efforts were underway to secure approval of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) law. He said the proposed legislation could improve transparency and facilitate investment in the property sector.

Bakhshi also highlighted a technical training initiative for young people. Under the programme, 500 students are receiving free electrician and technical training to improve their employment prospects in the construction industry.

He said these initiatives could help address the sector’s need for skilled workers while creating more opportunities for young Pakistanis.

Coordination Measures and Proposed Saudi Investment

Bakhshi referred to a meeting with Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. He said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari subsequently formed a coordination committee that took action against encroachments, achieving progress in this area.

He also expressed confidence in ABAD’s newly elected cabinet, describing the association as a united platform for the construction industry.

On international investment, Bakhshi said ABAD had reached an agreement with Saudi Prince Al-Rauf, with progress expected towards an investment of $4 billion. He described the proposed investment as a significant opportunity for Pakistan’s construction and real estate markets.

The agreement’s terms, investment timeline and funding commitments were not detailed in the supplied statement.

Builders’ Role in Pakistan’s Economy

Bakhshi rejected the characterisation of builders as a “builder mafia.” He argued that builders are educated professionals who contribute to construction, employment generation and national economic activity.

He expressed hope that ABAD’s new leadership would continue working to improve the business environment and support the construction sector.

The former chairman’s remarks covered regulatory accountability, tax policy, housing finance, technical training and investment. These issues remain important to the industry’s efforts to strengthen investor confidence and expand construction activity in Pakistan.