KARACHI (Web Desk) - Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced immediate financial relief and reconstruction of Karachi’s Gul Plaza, pledging accountability after a deadly fire-triggered collapse that left dozens dead and missing.
Addressing the Sindh Assembly, he said each shop owner would receive Rs500,000 in the first phase, with full compensation to follow and the plaza rebuilt within two years. Shah detailed the timeline of the fire and rescue response, confirmed recoveries and DNA identification of victims, and ordered a comprehensive inquiry with criminal cases against those responsible, including officials if negligence is proven.
He rejected political point-scoring, traced regulatory lapses to pre–18th Amendment eras, and outlined support measures for affected traders, including temporary shops, subsidised loans, security, and interest-free financing.
Also read: Sindh Govt hires private audit firm to probe Gul Plaza incident
Shah further announced that temporary commercial arrangements would be made within two months to help traders resume business activities, while alternative shops would be provided for up to two years.
The Sindh government will also offer loans of up to Rs10 million to affected traders, with the provincial government bearing the interest. He added that security for affected traders would be ensured by the Sindh government and appreciated building owners who waived rent for a year to support victims.
The chief minister acknowledged gaps in building regulation and emergency preparedness, noting the absence of a formal insurance framework. He said the provincial government would initiate legislation to introduce mandatory insurance for commercial buildings.
Shah also rejected calls for federal control over Karachi, stating that the Constitution does not permit federal takeover of provincial governance, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rectifying longstanding administrative failures predating the 18th Constitutional Amendment.