Sindh CM Announces Rescue, Compensation Plans for Gul Plaza Fire

KARACHI: (Web Desk) – The horrific fire that broke out in Gul Plaza on Karachi’s MA Jinnah Road has left the city in mourning. Dozens of people are missing in the incident while many precious lives have been lost. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, while holding a press conference at the scene of the accident, announced the progress of the rescue operation, the loss of life and property, the relief package for the victims and important decisions to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that so far 15 bodies have been recovered in the Gul Plaza fire while 65 people are still missing. The rescue operation is still ongoing and it is feared that more bodies may be recovered from the debris.

He said that firefighters have entered the building from three different locations and are performing their duties in extremely dangerous conditions. During this, a firefighter was also martyred, over which the Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow and grief. He said that the father of the martyred firefighter was also associated with the same sector, which makes this sacrifice even more respectable.

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According to Murad Ali Shah, the Gul Plaza building has been severely weakened due to the fire and in view of the safety of human lives, a decision may have to be made to demolish the entire building. He said that an urgent meeting has been held with the business community in this regard to consult on the current situation and the future course of action.

The Sindh Chief Minister also appealed to those institutions that have modern equipment and resources to come forward and help the government in the rescue and rehabilitation process.

In the press conference, the Chief Minister announced that the families of those martyred in the tragedy will be given financial assistance of Rs 10 million each. In addition, the losses of the traders whose businesses have been completely destroyed will also be compensated. He said that in the past also, compensation was given to the victims in such incidents and this time too the government will fulfill its responsibility.

Murad Ali Shah said that around 1,000 to 1,200 shops in Gul Plaza have been completely burnt to ashes. The government will try to provide alternative accommodation to the affected traders so that they can restart their businesses.

He added that a transparent inquiry into the incident is being launched under the leadership of the Commissioner Karachi. Whatever shortcomings come to light will be corrected so that such tragic incidents can be avoided in the future.

The Chief Minister said that the ministers have been instructed to visit the homes of the bereaved families and express their sympathy to them, a committee has been formed for the rehabilitation of the victims and every possible effort will be made for the victims.