KARACHI (Dunya News) – Former minister for Industries and Commerce SM Tanveer has appealed to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to extend all possible assistance to traders affected by the devastating fire at Gul Plaza, calling for urgent relief measures and a transparent inquiry into the incident.
Speaking to the media, SM Tanveer said the fire had severely disrupted livelihoods, leaving many traders and workers without income. He urged the chief minister to order an immediate investigation into the cause of the blaze, stressing that accountability and clarity were essential for restoring confidence among the affected business community.
Tanveer highlighted that a significant number of people had been rendered jobless due to the incident and called on the Sindh government to include them in its relief framework. He said assistance should not be limited to traders alone but should also cover workers and employees whose daily earnings were abruptly cut off following the fire.
The former minister emphasised that the provincial government should explore temporary employment opportunities or alternative livelihood arrangements for those who lost their jobs. He said the priority at this stage should be relief and rehabilitation, rather than criticism, adding that the state must do everything within its capacity to support those impacted by the tragedy.
Referring to the need for institutional response, SM Tanveer said a formal inquiry report should be completed without delay. He maintained that once findings are finalised, action must be taken strictly in accordance with the law against those found responsible, whether due to negligence, safety lapses or regulatory failures.
Sindh CM announces Rs10m compensation for each victim after deadly Gul Plaza fire
Gul Plaza, a prominent commercial building in Karachi, houses numerous small and medium-sized businesses. The fire caused extensive damage to shops and inventory, triggering concerns among traders about compensation, rebuilding and future safety measures. The incident has once again drawn attention to fire safety standards in commercial buildings across the city.
Traders affected by the blaze have been seeking government intervention, financial relief and clarity on the next steps, as losses continue to mount. The Sindh government has yet to announce a detailed relief or compensation package specifically for Gul Plaza, while calls for swift administrative action continue from business representatives and former officials alike.