Sindh cabinet approves relief package for Gul Plaza victims

The Sindh cabinet approved  on Tuesday an "extensive relief and rehabilitation package" for the victims of the Gul Plaza tragedy.

A meeting of the cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, constituted a high-level subcommittee to review the inquiry committee’s findings for further necessary action.

At the start of the meeting, the cabinet offered fateh for the shuhda of Gul Plaza tragedy. CM Murad said that the government’s foremost responsibility was to provide immediate relief to the affected families.

“There can be no compromise on human life. Relief, justice, and prevention must go hand in lhand,” he added.

The cabinet okayed a comprehensive compensation and recovery package with families of the deceased to receive Rs10 million each as financial compensation.

To support affected traders, the cabinet approved interest-free loans of Rs10 million per shopkeeper, with the provincial government bearing the entire interest cost. In addition, Rs500,000 per shopkeeper will be provided as immediate subsistence support to cover household and utility expenses.

The chief minister directed that alternative commercial spaces be provided within two months to enable shopkeepers to resume their businesses which the cabinet also approved.

A high-level subcommittee, comprising Ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, was constituted to review the inquiry committee’s report and ensure that responsibility is fixed and justice is delivered.

It may be recalled that the chief minister had constituted an inquiry committee under Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi with AIG Karachi Azad Khan and others as its members. 

“No negligence will be overlooked. Those found responsible will be held accountable,” the CM said.