KARACHI (January 19, 2026): The Sindh government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 million each for the families of those who lost their lives in the catastrophic Gul Plaza fire. The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, to assess the aftermath of the tragedy and plan the rehabilitation of affected traders.
Key Decisions and Rehabilitation Committee The Chief Minister announced a formal forensic investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. To oversee the recovery process, a special committee has been formed, comprising provincial ministers Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, Murtaza Wahab, and Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi.
“I want to ensure immediate compensation for the families of the martyrs,” the CM stated. He further committed that the government would rebuild the Gul Plaza structure and ensure that all affected traders are fully rehabilitated.
Directives for Safety Audits Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, CM Murad Ali Shah shared that President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are personally monitoring the situation. He emphasized a long-term strategy for fire safety across the city.
- Mandatory Safety Measures: The CM directed that all commercial buildings must ensure emergency exits and functional fire alarm systems.
- Debris Removal: Instructions were issued to begin the immediate removal of debris from the site.
- Ministerial Visits: Provincial ministers have been tasked to visit the homes of the deceased to offer condolences and support on behalf of the government.
Support for the Business Community During the meeting, traders highlighted that with 1,200 shops destroyed, 1,200 families have lost their primary source of income. They urged the government to expedite the rehabilitation process to restore their livelihoods.
Minister for Local Government, Nasir Hussain Shah, assured the business community that all restoration work would be carried out in close consultation with the traders’ association to ensure their needs are met.
