Gul Plaza tragedy: Govt working to rehabilitate shopkeepers: Murad

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has stated that the government in collaboration with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) is actively working to help affected shopkeepers of Gul Plaza restart their businesses and aims to ensure that compensation is provided within two months so that the shopkeepers can buy inventories to restart their businesses.

Inaugurating the 21st My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony Exhibition, Organised by the KCCI, the Chief Minister informed that several locations have been identified where affected shopkeepers will be facilitated to resume their businesses until the complete reconstruction of the gutted Gul Plaza.

He clarified that no rent will be charged for these temporary shops, and the shopkeepers will only be required to bear the basic maintenance expenses.

Murad Ali Shah further stated that that the Sindh government is providing compensation of Rs. 10 million each to the families of those who lost their lives in the Gul Plaza incident. As an immediate relief measure, Rs. 500,000 each is also being provided to the shopkeepers of Gul Plaza.

He further announced that the Gul Plaza building will be reconstructed in the same manner and with the same number of shops, while ensuring improved standards. He stated that the new building without a single square inch extra will be constructed in a better and safer manner within two years.

Commenting on ‘My Karachi Exhibition’, he paid rich tribute to the KCCI for initiating the exhibition 22 years ago at a time when the megacity was facing difficult circumstances. He stated that the exhibition was launched to revive confidence, project a positive image of Karachi, and promote economic activity, adding that today people across the country eagerly wait for the My Karachi Exhibition every year.

He further stated that the Sindh Government is working wholeheartedly for the overall improvement of Karachi. He recalled that during 2017–18, funds were provided to industrial town associations for the improvement of industrial estates, adding that the government continues to work in the same manner to improve the infrastructure in industrial areas. In this regard, a sum of almost Rs10 billion has been provided to all industrial associations this year with an advice to fully utilize the same by the end of June 2026. The Sindh government will only monitor whereas the business community will carry out the execution for improving infrastructure in industrial zones, he added.

Murad Ali Shah said that more than Rs. 13 billion have also been provided to Mayor Karachi for improving drainage systems and roads. He said the law and order situation in Karachi has improved significantly, and traffic flow has also improved with the introduction of e-challan systems, while urging citizens to strictly follow safety measures while driving.

On future plans, the Chief Minister said the Sindh Government is determined to accelerate development work in Karachi. He highlighted that the provincial government is working with the World Bank on the K-IV water project and aims to provide an additional 260 million gallons per day of water to the megacity. He added that work is also under way on desalination projects to address long-term water needs.

Sharing details of his discussion with President of World Bank, he said that WB President emphasised that while governments and institutions can allocate funds, meaningful participation of the private sector is essential for the success of major projects.

Expressing his vision, he said it is his desire that the private sector works closely with the government, stressing that foreign investors will not come unless local investment takes place first.

However, Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, while highly appreciating the presence of a large number of diplomats at the My Karachi Exhibition, urged the diplomatic community to project Karachi positively as a peaceful, progressive, and productive city where business activities are being conducted smoothly and confidently.

He stated that the My Karachi Exhibition has become a landmark and a distinct identity of the Chamber, attracting not only local participants but also foreign exhibitors. He added that the core objective of the exhibition is to portray the soft and positive image of Karachi while providing the public an opportunity to purchase quality products at discounted rates ahead of Ramadan, thereby offering relief to consumers amid the prevailing inflationary pressures.

Motiwala also appreciated the Sindh Government for undertaking numerous initiatives, particularly those aimed at improving infrastructure and strengthening healthcare services across the province. He pointed out that the Sindh Government has provided Rs. 9.46 billion to the industrial zones of Karachi for infrastructure development, expressing optimism that these funds will be utilised prudently and that the positive impact will soon be visible to the citizens of Karachi.

Commending the Sindh Government’s support and cooperation in the rehabilitation of the Gul Plaza affectees, Chairman BMG stressed that the business community must also recognize its own responsibilities. He emphasised the need to address serious shortcomings at business premises, particularly the widespread presence of loose and unorganised wiring in markets, which often becomes a major cause of fire incidents. He urged traders to adopt precautionary measures and ensure that comprehensive fire safety arrangements are in place at commercial markets across Karachi.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026