Sindh CM Announces Shops for Gul Plaza Victims Within Two Months

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has announced that victims of the Gul Plaza tragedy will be provided with shops within two months.

Speaking to the media in Karachi, the Chief Minister said the provincial government is working to improve the city’s infrastructure. He added that after Eid, work on Shahrah-e-Bhutto leading to M-9 will commence, which had been delayed by a few months, and is expected to significantly ease traffic for the 50,000 daily commuters using the route.

Addressing the Gul Plaza incident, CM Shah said, “No compensation can replace the lives lost, but we stand with the victims. Families of those who died will receive Rs10 million each. The government will reconstruct the Gul Plaza building and provide Rs500,000 to each shop owner to sustain their households for the next two months. Work has already begun in coordination with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce, and all damages will be covered by the Sindh government.”

He further stated that temporary support will continue until the new shops are ready, which is expected within two months. The Sindh Investment Department will provide one crore rupees for each shop, and the Sindh government will bear the interest on any loans. “We will not construct even an inch more than the original number of shops. The reconstruction will be done in collaboration with the shop owners,” he added.

CM Shah also confirmed that a case has been registered regarding the tragedy, in which over 80 lives were lost. He vowed that those responsible would be punished and acknowledged the provincial government’s own shortcomings. Following the incident, committees have been formed in other provinces, and all buildings will be audited. CM Shah emphasized that strict measures will be taken to prevent similar disasters in the future, including sealing buildings that fail to comply with safety regulations.