Sindh CM announces Rs10m compensation for each victim after deadly Gul Plaza fire

KARACHI (Dunya News) – Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has announced Rs10 million in compensation for each family of those killed in the deadly Gul Plaza fire in Karachi, as rescue operations, debris removal, and investigations continue at the multi-storey commercial building.

The compensation process will begin from tomorrow, once documentation is completed.

Addressing a press conference, the chief minister confirmed that 15 bodies have so far been recovered from the site, while 22 people sustained minor injuries and have since returned home. He said 65 people remain unaccounted for, adding that a total of around 80 individuals were affected by the incident.

The fire broke out at approximately 10:15pm on Saturday evening. While the exact cause has yet to be determined, preliminary assessments suggest a possible electrical short circuit. The blaze raged for over 24 hours, with cooling operations continuing amid heavy smoke and partial structural collapse that severely hampered rescue efforts.

Murad Ali Shah said around 200 firefighters participated in the operation, including 100 from KMC and 100 from Rescue 1122, supported by the Pakistan Navy and the Civil Aviation Authority. Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Deputy Mayor Salman Murad, and senior officials were present at the scene during rescue operations.

Firefighters managed to enter the building through three access points, but the structure has suffered an estimated 40 per cent collapse. The chief minister warned that complete demolition of the building may be required due to safety concerns.

He paid tribute to firefighter Furqan, who lost his life during the operation, noting that his father had also died in the line of duty as a firefighter. Immediate compensation has been announced for the families of firefighters who were killed while battling the blaze.

Briefings given to the chief minister indicated that the death toll could rise to between 50 and 60, as several missing persons are feared trapped under debris. Five of the recovered bodies are yet to be identified.

KARACHI (Jan 18); Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday evening visited Gul Plaza, the site of a devastating fire incident, where he reviewed rescue and firefighting operations and spoke to the media about the tragedy. pic.twitter.com/K5o9iPydSb

— Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) January 19, 2026

The building housed more than 1,200 shops, leaving a large number of traders suddenly unemployed. Murad Ali Shah said a special committee has been formed to recommend rehabilitation measures, including the immediate provision of alternative shops so affected traders can resume their businesses.

He confirmed that clearing of debris will begin immediately, alongside a forensic investigation to determine the cause of the fire. The chief secretary has been directed to formally notify a fact-finding committee, and the option of a judicial inquiry remains open if required.

Acknowledging long-standing safety concerns in Karachi, the chief minister admitted that many buildings in the city suffer from serious fire and structural safety issues. He said immediate and medium-term measures are being planned to address these risks, adding that cabinet members will visit the homes of victims’ families to express solidarity.

Karachi plaza fire extinguished: Death toll rises to 14 as fate of more than 60 remains unknown

Murad Ali Shah stressed that responsibility does not rest with the government alone, stating that shop owners and building management also have a duty to comply with safety standards. He urged all institutions to engage in self-accountability and called for restraint against spreading unrest during an already painful period for affected families and traders.

Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab informed the meeting that the Karachi Water Board supplied 431,000 gallons of water to contain the blaze. Rescue officials said smoke accumulation due to poor ventilation significantly delayed operations, forcing teams to cut windows and demolish walls to reach trapped individuals.