KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has unveiled a comprehensive relief and reconstruction package for the victims of the Gul Plaza fire, assuring that affected shopkeepers and families will receive timely support.
Key Relief Measures:
Financial Assistance to Families: Next of kin of deceased victims have already received Rs1 crore each, with commissioners instructed to ensure immediate verification and payment.
Support for Shopkeepers: Each affected shop will receive Rs500,000 immediately to cover basic expenses.
Temporary Commercial Spaces: Within two months, traders will be provided alternative shops across two buildings comprising 850 shops, with owners agreeing to waive rent for one year, and efforts underway to extend rent-free usage to two years.
Interest-Free Loans: Each affected trader may access up to Rs1 crore under the Sindh Enterprise Development Fund, fully guaranteed by the government, with interest payments covered by Sindh administration.
Reconstruction and Accountability:
Gul Plaza will be demolished and rebuilt according to Karachi Building Control Authority-approved plans, without increasing the number of shops.
The reconstruction process is scheduled for completion within two years.
Legal action will be taken against all responsible individuals to ensure accountability.
City-Wide Safety Reforms:
Structural and fire safety audits have begun across Karachi, with over 300 buildings inspected so far. Non-compliant buildings will be sealed after a short grace period.
Unified Command for Emergency Agencies: All emergency and rescue organizations will operate under a single command structure to improve coordination.
Mandatory Insurance and Regulatory Oversight: Plans are underway to introduce insurance requirements for buildings and strengthen regulatory monitoring to prevent future disasters.
Government’s Commitment:
CM Shah emphasized that the priority remains public protection, justice for victims, and relief for affected individuals.
He also warned critics against using national tragedies to advance hidden political agendas, asserting that the Pakistan Peoples Party will continue to stand with citizens during disasters.
This comprehensive package combines immediate financial support, long-term reconstruction, and systemic safety reforms, aiming to restore livelihoods, enhance urban safety, and ensure accountability for the Gul Plaza incident.
The Sindh government emphasized that all steps will be taken to restore business activity safely, protect traders, and prevent similar incidents in Karachi in the future.
