KARACHI: Following the detection of illegal renovation and repair work on the Baweja Buil­ding, a protected heritage site, the Sindh Antiquities and Archaeology Depart­ment directed the Sindh Building Control Autho­rity (SBCA) on Thursday to seal the building.

The protected structure, located on Mir Kar­am Ali Talpur Road, Saddar, dates back to 1925 and showcases a striking Anglo-Mughal architectural style, featuring cupolas and large domes. Its stonework is richly deta­iled, with ornate arches and decorative motifs that catches the eye.

Originally constructed as a commercial office building, the Baweja House now houses a mix of serviced apartments, corporate offices and a small shopping mall on the lower floors.

Because of its historic character and well-preserved facade, it is listed as a heritage property (SD-P-192) in Karachi’s cultural heritage register.

Speaking to Dawn, Director General of the Antiquities and Archae­ology Department Abdul Fatah Shaikh said the owner/builder/contractor, Muhammad Asif Sultan, was issued a show-cause notice in October last year for carrying out unauthorised demolition work on the Baweja Building without obtaining prior permission from the department, in violation of the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994.

He said the owner/buil­der was asked to appear in the department in person and explain his position on October 13, 2025.

The DG said that the building owner did not appear; however, the demolition and renovation work was stopped. “Later, he was again directed to appear on November 14 last year, but he did not turn up,” he added.

Mr Shaikh said he had written to the SBCA, the deputy commissioner, the SSP of District South and the area SHO to take action against the illegal work at the building.

Under the provisions of the Act, no demolition, alte­ration or construction activity is permitted on or around a declared heritage building without prior app­r­oval from the Technical/Advisory Committee on Sindh Cultural Heritage.

The DG said he had writ­ten to the SBCA to ens­ure that the illegal dem­­ol­ition work was stop­ped immediately and that the building also be sealed.

He added that no construction work or development should be permitted on the building until a final decision is made by the technical committee.

It may be noted that the city’s architectural heritage remains at stake as unauthorised demolition and illegal constructions at colonial-era buildings and monuments continue despite checks.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2026