Sindh CM announces cash compensation, rent-free shops and Gul Plaza rebuilding in 2 years 

Karachi (Web Desk): Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Friday unveiled a comprehensive relief and rebuilding plan for those affected by the devastating fire at Gul Plaza, admitting that official shortcomings had played a role and promising that those responsible would be held to account after a formal investigation.

Speaking on the floor of the Sindh Assembly, he conceded that there had been failures and negligence, saying the full picture would emerge once the inquiry was completed.

Murad Ali Shah reminded lawmakers that financial assistance for the families of those who lost their lives had been announced on the very first day after the incident.

“Nothing can truly make up for the loss of a life,” he said, while noting that the allocated funds had already been released. The Sindh added that the commissioner had been instructed to finish the verification process quickly so that payments could be handed over to the rightful heirs without further delay.

Turning to the impact on businesses, Murad Ali Shah said a committee made up of traders had been set up to calculate damages and supervise compensation for shopkeepers who suffered losses.

"As an immediate measure, each shop owner would receive Rs500,000 to help them get back on their feet and restart their businesses, the Sindh CM said.

To prevent long-term disruption to livelihoods, he said the government had identified two alternate commercial buildings that together contain 850 shops. The chief minister said that the building owners had agreed not to charge rent for one year.

Murad said that the provincial administration plans to complete the allocation of these shops within two months and is aiming to keep them rent-free for as long as two years.

He also introduced a major financial support scheme through the Sindh Enterprise Development Fund Limited. Under this initiative, every affected shopkeeper would be able to apply for a loan of up to Rs10 million.

He said that the he provincial government would serve as guarantor and cover the interest payments, reducing the financial burden on traders trying to rebuild.

Murad Ali Shah further announced that the damaged Gul Plaza structure would be torn down and reconstructed within a two-year timeframe.

He assured the assembly that the new building would contain the same number of shops as before, with no increase in commercial units.

Concluding his remarks, the chief minister said an investigation was in progress to establish the exact causes of the blaze and determine responsibility.

The Sindh CM emphasized that once the findings are finalized, those found accountable would face consequences.