The Sindh government has announced major decisions following the tragic fire incident at Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced that the families of those who lost their lives in the incident will be given compensation of Rs 10 million each. At the same time, immediate measures will also be taken to rehabilitate affected traders and businesses.
Addressing a press conference, the chief minister said the Gul Plaza fire was an extremely heartbreaking and tragic incident, as the location is a well-known commercial area visited by a large number of citizens. He stated that the fire broke out at around 10:15 p.m., but the exact cause has not yet been determined. Initial assessments suggest the possibility of a short circuit; however, a conclusion will only be reached after the completion of investigations.
Murad Ali Shah said that although the fire has been brought under control, around 10 percent of the building is still affected, and internal access points have become highly dangerous. He announced the strict implementation of the Fire Safety Audit 2024, under which 145 buildings across the city will be thoroughly inspected, stressing that both the government and the business community must fulfill their respective responsibilities.
The chief minister announced a formal inquiry into the Gul Plaza incident, stating that an investigation committee headed by the Karachi commissioner has been formed, with support from the DIG Karachi, while forensic assistance will also be sought from a laboratory in Lahore.
He clarified that the inquiry is not aimed at targeting individuals but at identifying systemic flaws and ensuring reforms. However, he warned that legal action will be taken if negligence or sabotage is proven. He also urged people to avoid speculation and exaggeration so that facts can emerge clearly.
Murad Ali Shah revealed that 24 fire brigade vehicles, 10 water bowsers, and four snorkels were deployed during the firefighting operation, while a total of 200 firefighters from KMC and Rescue 1122 participated in the efforts.
Earlier, a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister was held regarding the Gul Plaza tragedy, attended by provincial ministers, the Karachi mayor, the chief secretary, the Karachi commissioner, the district administration, and traders’ representatives. The meeting was informed that dozens of families have been affected and hundreds of people have become unemployed overnight, making immediate rehabilitation the government’s top priority.
Officials told the meeting that around 1,200 shops were operating in Gul Plaza, meaning more than 1,200 families have been impacted. The chief minister announced that the building will be reconstructed, and a committee will be formed to recommend temporary or alternative shops for affected traders.
In a briefing, the Karachi commissioner said that 14 bodies have been recovered so far, with fears that the death toll may rise. Cooling operations are ongoing, and debris removal has been ordered. It was also revealed that the firefighter who lost his life in the incident belonged to a family in which his father had also been martyred in the same profession.
Expressing solidarity with the affected families, the chief minister said he would personally visit the homes of the martyrs to offer condolences. He assured that a comprehensive long-term plan for firefighting and safety measures will be implemented strictly to prevent such tragedies in the future.
