Karachi: The Sindh government has announced plans to rebuild Gul Plaza, which was recently damaged in a fire.
According to sources, the reconstruction will be funded from the provincial budget, and the multi-storey plaza is expected to be completed within one year. Once rebuilt, shops will be allotted to their original owners.
The government has reportedly consulted construction experts to ensure the rebuilding is carried out efficiently.
Meanwhile, to support affected businesses, temporary commercial spaces have been arranged. Three locations have been selected by the Sindh government to accommodate shopkeepers during the reconstruction period.
This initiative aims to restore business activity quickly while ensuring the long-term rebuilding of Gul Plaza.
On the other hand, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has announced that each shop owner affected by the Gul Plaza fire will receive Rs500,000 in the first phase, alongside plans for the complete reconstruction of the plaza.
Delivering a policy statement in the Sindh Assembly, Shah expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which claimed multiple lives and left several people missing.
He confirmed that out of 88 reported missing, 82 were verified, 67 bodies have been recovered, and DNA identification is ongoing for the remaining victims.
The fire, Shah explained, started at 10:14 AM on a ground-floor shop, with the fire brigade called at 10:26 AM. A government representative reached the site 16 minutes later.
The CM emphasized that politics should not be played over such tragedies and that responsible parties will face accountability.
Shah also addressed past administrative issues, stating that the lease of Gul Plaza was approved decades ago and had been renewed over time. He said, “We are still cleaning up the legacy issues from before the Eighteenth Amendment.”
Regarding relief measures, Shah announced:
Rs500,000 compensation to each affected shop owner in the first phase, distributed via the Karachi Chamber of Commerce.
Temporary shops will be provided for two years until reconstruction is completed.
The Sindh government will ensure security for affected traders.
Loans of up to Rs10 million will be available to shop owners, with interest covered by the government.
The CM assured that Gul Plaza would be rebuilt in its original form within two years, with expert consultation to ensure safety and modern compliance standards. Temporary arrangements for shops will be made within two months.
Shah stressed the importance of coordination among government departments, calling for a unified approach to disaster management and highlighting the need for insurance legislation for such incidents in the future.
During the assembly session, members of MQM and Jamaat-e-Islami stood up in protest over certain statements, but the Speaker reminded members to follow house rules.
This announcement follows widespread criticism and concern over the Gul Plaza fire, which has prompted scrutiny of safety measures, emergency response, and long-term urban planning in Karachi.
