Govt rolls up sleeves for Gul Plaza rebuild

Compensation for victims disbursed; traders to get aid as demolition plan kicks off

KARACHI:

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered the demolition and reconstruction of Gul Plaza, as the provincial government accelerates compensation payments to victims of the deadly fire and financial aid for affected traders.

CM Shah reviewed progress on relief measures and directed the Sindh Building Control Authority to present a detailed reconstruction plan, instructing that the damaged market be demolished to pave the way for new construction during a meeting at the CM House on Wednesday.

Officials informed the meeting that the Sindh government has allocated Rs850 million for families of the deceased, with Rs10 million fixed per victim. Out of 72 affected families, 61 have already received compensation through cheques delivered at their homes.

Briefing the meeting, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi said remaining cases are at various stages of processing. Three widows are awaiting finalisation of their CNICs with the National Database and Registration Authority, while four cases require further verification due to conflicting family claims. Investigations are also underway in Balochistan and Azad Kashmir, and four bodies remain unclaimed, according to police records.

For affected traders, Rs600 million has been earmarked, with each shop owner receiving Rs500,000 based on verified data provided by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. So far, 843 traders have received payments through cheques at the KCCI office.

However, discrepancies in shop ownership and total shop count have slowed the process. While initial reports listed 1,184 shops, updated figures from KCCI put the number at 1,209. Cases involving multiple shop ownership by single individuals or businesses have also created complications.

Expressing concern over delays, the chief minister directed authorities to expedite verification and ensure timely disbursement to all eligible recipients. He also called for stronger coordination with NADRA to fast-track pending identity documents and prioritise inter-provincial verifications.

On the issue of multiple shop ownership, he instructed officials to adopt a clear policy on whether compensation should be given per shop or per individual/business to avoid ambiguity.

Reaffirming his commitment, Murad Ali Shah said all relief efforts would be carried out with transparency and accountability to ensure justice for those affected by the tragic incident.