KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Thursday launched a scathing attack on MQM-P leader Mustafa Kamal, stating that those responsible for burning people alive for extortion (Bhatta) have no moral authority to demand that Karachi be handed over to the federal government.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Memon reacted to Mustafa Kamal’s recent statements criticizing the 18th Amendment. He questioned how handing the city over to the federation would prevent tragedies, noting that such suggestions are coming from people whose hands are stained with the blood of innocent citizens.
Reminders of the Past The Senior Minister reminded the public of the Baldia Factory tragedy and the events of May 12, stating that innocent lives were taken and a factory was set on fire just for extortion. He further noted that according to JIT reports, the Bolton Market fire after Ashura was another act of economic terrorism. Memon pointed out that while families of victims from the Gul Plaza tragedy are still searching for their loved ones, political opponents are busy making statements. During the presser, he also played old video clips of Mustafa Kamal to highlight his past contradictions regarding his own party leadership and allies.
On the Gul Plaza Tragedy Addressing the recent fire at Gul Plaza, Memon termed it a painful tragedy and assured that the Sindh government is working on a one-point agenda to recover and identify the victims. He informed that out of 86 reported missing persons, two were found in hospitals, while DNA testing is currently underway for the identification of others. He reiterated that the Chief Minister of Sindh has met with the affected families and promised that the government would not abandon them, citing past financial assistance provided to victims of the Timber Market and Bolton Market fires.
Investigations and Safety Audits Sharjeel Memon clarified that an audit report regarding building safety was initiated in January 2024 during the caretaker setup. Investigations are now ongoing to determine if Gul Plaza was served a safety notice, and he asserted that if any negligence is found, the government will take strict action. He admitted that nearly 90% of buildings across Pakistan lack adequate fire exits and safety equipment, though new constructions are now being strictly monitored for SOP compliance.
Call Against Politicization The Minister condemned certain political elements for running paid campaigns to create unrest over the tragedy. He also mentioned that the government is considering interest-free loans for the affected shopkeepers to help them rebuild their businesses. Concluding his talk, he cited the success of the E-Challan system in Karachi as proof of the provincial government’s commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure despite political opposition.
