Sindh CM announces Rs10m aid for families of Gul Plaza fire victims

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced compensation of Rs10 million each for the families of those who lost their lives in the Gul Plaza tragedy.

According to a spokesperson, a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, the mayor, and other officials.

Murad Ali Shah said the distribution of financial assistance to the heirs of the deceased would begin from tomorrow.

Expressing deep sorrow over the fire at Gul Plaza, the chief minister said the loss of lives meant multiple families had been devastated. He noted that all affected individuals had lost their livelihoods, adding that the government was committed to taking concrete steps for their rehabilitation.

He said President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had been in constant contact, emphasising that the party leadership wanted the affected traders to be restored immediately. “All those impacted by the Gul Plaza incident will be rehabilitated,” he assured.

Murad Ali Shah said a clear plan was needed for the rehabilitation of all victims, noting reports that the plaza housed around 1,200 shops, meaning nearly 1,200 people had been affected.

Calling the incident a major tragedy, he said firefighting and rescue teams were attempting to access the building from three different points. He added that 73 people remain missing, and efforts are underway to trace them.

The chief minister also directed authorities to immediately begin debris removal and ordered a forensic investigation to determine the cause of the fire. He reiterated that compensation to the families of those who lost their lives would be paid without delay.

According to the spokesperson, a committee has been formed to address the issues and rehabilitation of those affected by the Gul Plaza incident.