“Sealing of heritage site ordered,” the Sindh Antiquities and Archaeology Department mandated on Thursday. This directive compels the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) to seal the Baweja Building, a designated heritage site, following the discovery of unauthorized renovation and repair activities.
The Baweja Building, situated on Mir Karam Ali Talpur Road in Saddar, Karachi, stands as a testament to 1925 architecture. Its Anglo-Mughal style, characterized by prominent cupolas and grand domes, highlights the building’s historical significance. Intricate stonework adorns its facade, featuring ornate arches and decorative motifs.
Baweja Building: A Protected Heritage Site
Originally intended as commercial office space, the Baweja House now accommodates a blend of serviced apartments, corporate offices, and a small retail area. Its well-preserved facade has cemented its status as a listed heritage property, identified as (SD-P-192) in Karachi’s cultural heritage register. SindhNews.com has consistently highlighted the importance of preserving such landmarks.
Abdul Fatah Shaikh, Director General of the Antiquities and Archaeology Department, explained the situation. He stated that the building’s owner, Muhammad Asif Sultan, received a show-cause notice in October of the previous year. This notice cited unauthorized demolition work conducted without the department’s explicit permission, a direct contravention of the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994.
Mr. Shaikh further elaborated that the owner was summoned twice, first on October 13, 2025, and again on November 14, 2025, to present his case. However, he failed to appear on both occasions. Despite the owner’s non-compliance, demolition and renovation activities were halted.
Legal Framework for Heritage Preservation
The Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994, strictly governs activities on and around declared heritage buildings. Under this act, any demolition, alteration, or construction requires prior approval from the Technical/Advisory Committee on Sindh Cultural Heritage.
To ensure compliance, Mr. Shaikh had previously communicated with the SBCA, the deputy commissioner, the SSP of District South, and the local Station House Officer (SHO). The directive to seal the building and halt all unauthorized work until a final decision by the technical committee underscores the department’s commitment to protecting the site.
Karachi’s architectural heritage faces ongoing threats from illegal constructions and unauthorized demolitions at colonial-era structures, often proceeding despite oversight. SindhNews.com continues to report on these critical issues impacting the city’s historical fabric. The sealing of the Baweja Building represents a crucial step in safeguarding its integrity.