Government initiates reconstruction of Gul Plaza

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered the demolition and reconstruction of Gul Plaza as the Sindh government speeds up compensation for victims of the deadly fire tragedy and financial assistance for traders who suffered losses in the blaze.

CM Shah reviewed the progress on relief measures during the day and asked the Sindh Building Control Authority to present their plan for the reconstruction of the Gul Plaza building, directing them to demolish the structure so that construction work could begin, during a meeting held at the CM House on Wednesday.

The Sindh government has allocated Rs850m for the families of the deceased, with each victim allocated Rs10m. Of the 72 families affected by the tragedy, 61 have already received compensation through cheques delivered at their homes.

Briefing the meeting, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi stated that these cases are at different stages of processing. Three widows are still awaiting the finalisation of their CNICs with the National Database and Registration Authority. Four cases are still pending as investigations are required due to conflicting family claims. Investigations are also underway in Balochistan and Azad Kashmir. Four dead bodies are still lying unclaimed according to police records.

Regarding the traders affected by the incident, Rs600 million has been allocated for them. Every shop owner will receive Rs500,000 on the basis of verified data provided by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Till now, 843 traders have received their money through cheques at the KCCI office.

There are discrepancies in shop ownership and the overall number of shops. The overall number of shops reported initially was 1,184.

However, according to updated data provided by KCCI, the overall number of shops is 1,209. There are complications in those cases where there are multiple shop owners.

Expressing his concern over the matter of delays in the process, the chief minister has directed the authorities to speed up the verification process and ensure the disbursement of the relief to the deserving individuals in a timely manner. Moreover, the need for better coordination with NADRA was emphasized in order to speed up the pending identity cards.

Regarding the matter of the ownership of multiple shops, the chief minister has directed the authorities to be clear in their policy regarding the compensation to be provided on the basis of individuals or shops.

Reaffirming his commitment to the matter, Murad Ali Shah has said that all relief operations would be carried out in a transparent and accountable manner in order to ensure justice to the victims of the tragic incident.