Sindh cabinet approves Rs10 million compensation for each Gul Plaza victim

KARACHI (Dunya News) - The Sindh cabinet expressed sorrow over the Gul Plaza tragedy and approved a comprehensive compensation and relief package for the victims, while forming a sub-committee to review the inquiry report into the incident, on Tuesday.

The sub-committee, headed by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, includes provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani and Ziaul-Hassan Lanjar.

The committee will examine the findings of an inquiry committee led by the Karachi commissioner. After examining the Gul Plaza tragedy inquiry report the committee will decide on further action.

Murad Ali Shah said that affected traders will be given Rs 500,000 for a period of two months. He added that alternative shops will also be provided to them within two months. The families of those who lost their loved ones in the incident will be given Rs 10 million each.

The cabinet also approved the provision of interest-free loans of Rs100 million to each affected shopkeeper to help them restart their businesses. The Sindh government will bear the interest cost on the loans.

Murad Ali Shah stated, “I admit that it was our negligence. An FIR has been registered regarding the Gul Plaza incident, and investigations are underway. After the investigation, responsibility will be determined.”

Addressing the cabinet, the chief minister said it was the collective responsibility of the government to provide maximum possible relief to those affected.

The chief minister said arrangements would be made to provide shops to all affected traders within two months to enable them to resume business, adding that the government would take all possible steps to ensure their protection and facilitation.