Gul Plaza fire: Sindh CM announces Rs10mn as compensation for each deceased

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday announced to form an investigation committee headed by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi to determine the causes of the Gul Plaza tragedy, as “10% fire” still continues to burn after 40 hours.

CM Murad said the DIG Karachi will assist the investigation body. He has appealed the forensic laboratory Lahore for help as well. Announcing to rebuild the shopping mall and rehabilitate shopkeepers, he also said the family of each deceased victim will be given Rs10 million as compensation.

A massive third-degree fire has gutted Gul Plaza on Karachi’s busy MA Jinnah Road, claiming at least 21 lives — including a heroic firefighter — as rescue teams continue to battle the blaze.

Addressing a press conference, the chief minister said there are no access routes to enter the building as 10% of the Gul Plaza fire still remains.

He also said the Sindh government will conduct a forensic report of the fire to determine how it started.

“It has been decided to immediately implement the 2024 Fire Safety Audit. That report had assessed 145 buildings. Business leaders will do their part and the government will complete its part,” the Sindh CM.

READ MORE: Karachi Gul Plaza fire: Death toll rises to 21 with over 60 still missing

With regards to the investigation, he said this inquiry is not about targeting anyone; it is about correcting our own mistakes. Action will certainly be taken if evidence of sabotage is found, he added.

“Mistakes can be made by anyone, and we will try to learn from them. The inquiry will reveal the causes; nothing can be said immediately,” he said, adding that those responsible will be punished, but no one will be made a scapegoat. However, he said, there are some mistakes that can be avoided immediately.

The chief minister announced that the family of each deceased victim will be given Rs10 million as compensation by the provincial government. He also assured that the affected shopkeepers would not be left alone and would be supported to get back on their feet.

“We have helped victims in the past, and we will do so again,” he said, adding that a special committee has been constituted to assist the Gul Plaza affectees. According to the plan, a traders’ committee will assess the financial losses, while the government will extend support accordingly,” he said.

He also said that proposals were under consideration to provide temporary alternative spaces to displaced shopkeepers.

The committee will also advise on how we can immediately provide shops to the victims to restart their businesses, the CM Sindh said.

The committee will provide recommendations on the compensation amount and the rehabilitation of victims.

Giving details of the incident, the chief minister said the tragic incident occurred the night before last. The fire broke out there at approximately 10:15 PM. The causes have not been finalised yet; it is estimated that a short circuit may have occurred, the Sindh CM said.

He said 24 fire engines, 10 bowsers, and 4 snorkels participated in the firefighting process. 100 firefighters from KMC and 100 firefighters from Rescue 1122 took part, he added.

Chairing a meeting earlier, CM Murad said it is reported that there are 1,200 shops in Gul Plaza, meaning there are 1,200 victims. All victims became unemployed overnight from running businesses, he said, saying he wants to take measures for the rehabilitation of all victims.

“A decision must be made on how to rehabilitate all victims. We will rehabilitate all victims of Gul Plaza,” he said.

READ MORE: After Gul Plaza fire, CM Murad orders safety audits of Karachi’s commercial buildings

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah and Saeed Ghani, Advisor for Rehabilitation Gianchand Israni, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, DC South Javed Khoso, and trader committee members Javed Bilwani, Idris Memon, Muhammad Raza, Junaid Makda, Tariq Yousuf, and Tanveer Pasta.

Commissioner Karachi Naqvi briefed the Sindh CM on the Gul Plaza tragedy.

It is estimated that fatalities could exceed 50, the chief minister was informed. Upon which, the CM directed to start the work of debris removal right away.

All trader representatives agreed with the CM on the point that the shopkeepers should be rehabilitated. “Shopkeepers should be restored immediately so their livelihoods can resume,” traders suggested. The Sindh chief minister replied that the government would rebuild the Gul Plaza building.

CM Murad said buildings that do not have emergency exits or fire alarms must ensure they are installed. He also directed the ministers to visit the homes of the Gul Plaza martyrs to offer condolences.