Gul Plaza tragedy: Sindh CM announces Rs10 million compensation per family

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said on Monday the provincial government would pay Rs10 million per family to the relatives of those killed in a deadly fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi, announcing a rehabilitation package for all those affected by the incident.

Addressing a press conference, Shah said that the compensation would be provided to each family of the deceased and that the disbursement of financial assistance would begin from Tuesday.

He described the incident as tragic and said it had left the city in mourning, adding that no evidence of sabotage had so far emerged, though strict action would be taken if any was found.

According to the chief minister, the fire broke out at around 10:10 pm due to a short circuit inside a shop.

He said that the loss of life could not be compensated, but assured that the government would not abandon the affected families.

Shah said that at least 15 people had been confirmed dead, 65 were missing and 22 injured.

He said that 15 bodies had so far been recovered from the building and that around 80 people were affected by the incident.

He said nearly 40 per cent of the building had been completely destroyed and its condition suggested it might not be possible to retain the structure, making demolition likely.

About 90 per cent of the fire had been brought under control, he said, while 10 per cent was still burning, adding that there were no accessible entry routes into the building.

The chief minister said 26 fire brigade vehicles, four snorkels and around 100 firefighters took part in the operation.

One firefighter, identified as Furqan, was killed during rescue efforts. Shah said the Karachi mayor had been directed to take special measures for the welfare of the deceased firefighter’s family.

Shah said an investigation committee was being formed under the supervision of the Karachi commissioner, with assistance from the city’s deputy inspector general of police.

He said the purpose of the inquiry was to identify shortcomings rather than assign blame, adding that those found responsible would be punished once the investigation was completed.

He said assistance would also be sought from a forensic laboratory in Lahore and that the government had decided to implement the Fire Safety Audit 2024, under which 145 buildings had been inspected.

The government would fulfil its responsibilities and learn lessons from the incident, he added.

Shah said efforts were under way to provide alternative locations to affected traders and that suggestions had been sought from the business community to help those whose businesses were destroyed resume operations.

He also urged the media to avoid speculation, saying the actual causes of the incident would become clear after the inquiry.

Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said on Monday that rescue operations following the tragic fire would continue until all missing persons are located. He praised the efforts of firefighters and warning against politicising the incident.

Addressing the media, Wahab said that even now, the same firefighters who had battled the blaze were continuing their work under difficult conditions.

He condemned attempts to blame individuals, saying such comments “discourage these brave personnel.”

“One of our courageous firefighters sacrificed his life in the line of duty,” Wahab said. “Life goes on, and many issues may be politicised, but it is inappropriate to play politics over matters of humanity.”

The Karachi mayor said that attention should remain on the victims and their families, noting that people wanted to be with their loved ones in the aftermath of the disaster.

He announced that the government would provide Rs10 million the heirs of each deceased person in compensation.

“Life cannot be replaced, but these were hardworking individuals who were performing their duties here,” Wahab added.

He said that a committee has been formed to assess the losses suffered by traders in the incident, and the government will ensure appropriate restitution, he said.

Wahab also said that the widow of the martyred firefighter would receive Rs10 million in compensation and be offered a job under the martyrdom quota.