Gul Plaza fire: Sindh CM announces Rs10 million compensation for families of each victim

Karachi (Web Desk): The tragic incident at Gul Plaza has so far claimed the lives of 17 people, while 65 others remain missing as rescue operations continue.

Addressing a news conference in Karachi along with officials, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, while confirming the death toll, announced a compensation of Rs10 million for the families of each deceased and stated that disbursement of the funds would begin from Tuesday.

The chief minister further assured that affected shopkeepers would be provided with alternative locations to continue their businesses and that Gul Plaza would be completely reconstructed.

He noted that approximately 40% percent of the building had collapsed, while the remaining structure had also been declared unsafe.

The Sindh CM said that the immediate focus is on learning from the recent tragedy and ensuring such incidents do not happen again.

Reflecting on personal and collective responsibility, the chief minister said, “All of us need to evaluate our roles. I am answerable to the people.”

Murad Ali Shah emphasized that anyone found negligent or responsible would face strict punishment. 
To investigate the situation surrounding the tragedy, a committee led by the Commissioner of Karachi has been established.

The inquiry committee will examine the causes of the fire and point out any lapses, and Murad left the door open for the formation of a judicial commission if deemed necessary, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is preventing such disasters in the future.

Earlier, the Sindh CM convened a meeting with provincial ministers, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, and other officials to get a detailed briefing on the fire.

The officials warned that the death toll could rise to as many as 50, prompting an intensification of ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

The fire, which erupted late on Saturday in the multi-storey building, burned for more than 24 hours before being brought under control, with cooling operations still ongoing, according to the Karachi commissioner.

Thick smoke and collapsed sections of the building had made rescue operations extremely challenging.