KARACHI: The Sindh cabinet on Tuesday formally approved a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package for families affected by the deadly Gul Plaza inferno, endorsing Rs10 million in financial compensation for each victim’s family and additional support for traders whose livelihoods were destroyed in the blaze.
The compensation package, announced earlier by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on January 19, was approved during a cabinet meeting that expressed deep grief over the tragedy, which claimed at least 73 lives and destroyed more than 1,100 shops in Karachi’s commercial hub.
The fire broke out on the night of January 17 and took nearly two days to be fully extinguished. After nine days of intensive search and debris removal, rescue authorities concluded operations on Sunday.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s House, the cabinet approved Rs10 million in compensation for the families of the deceased, along with interest-free loans of Rs10 million for each affected shopkeeper to help them restart their businesses.
“In addition, Rs500,000 per shopkeeper will be provided as immediate subsistence support to meet household and utility expenses,” the statement said.
Addressing the cabinet, CM Murad stressed that accountability and prevention were as important as relief. “There can be no compromise on human life. Relief, justice, and prevention must go hand in hand,” he said.
The chief minister also directed authorities to provide alternative commercial spaces within two months, enabling displaced traders to resume business activity while long-term reconstruction plans are finalised.
High-level panel to review findings
The provincial cabinet approved the formation of a high-level subcommittee to examine the findings of the fact-finding inquiry and initiate all necessary legal actions.
The committee, chaired by the chief minister and comprising Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, will present its recommendations at the next cabinet meeting.
“No negligence will be overlooked. Those found responsible will be held accountable,” CM Murad was quoted as saying.
Earlier, on January 19, the chief minister had announced the formation of an inquiry committee headed by Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi to investigate the causes of the fire and determine responsibility. He said the purpose of the inquiry was not merely to assign blame but to acknowledge failures and prevent future tragedies.
Infrastructure projects approved
Separately, the Sindh cabinet approved Rs19.116 billion for the immediate execution of six major road infrastructure projects in Karachi.
The projects include the Star Gate flyover, Malir Halt underpass, Sohrab Goth flyover, and the reconstruction of key arteries connecting M-9 to Malir and Main Korangi Road to Khayaban-i-Saadi.
“These projects are essential for easing congestion, improving road safety, and supporting Karachi’s economic activity,” the chief minister said.
Victim identification continues
Meanwhile, four more victims of the Gul Plaza fire were identified on Tuesday, bringing the total number of identified deceased to 27, police officials said.
Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed said all 73 bodies and remains had been medicolegally processed, with 20 identifications confirmed through DNA matching so far.
Authorities said the identification process would continue as more DNA results become available, while families await closure following one of Karachi’s deadliest commercial fires in recent years.
