ISLAMABAD: Murad Ali Shah, chief minister of Pakistan’s southern Sindh province, on Friday announced a comprehensive Rs7 billion ($25 million) relief package for affectees of the Gul Plaza fire, the CM’s office said.
On Jan. 17, a massive blaze tore through Gul Plaza, a densely packed shopping complex in the provincial capital of Karachi, killing over 70 people and destroying more than 1,200 shops.
Traders said at the time the blaze had wiped out inventories worth billions of rupees, much of which had been stocked in advance for the peak Eid shopping season, rendering them out of business.
Speaking at a ceremony in Karachi, the chief minister described the Gul Plaza tragedy as a painful incident that had caused immense human and financial losses to many families and the business community.
“No financial assistance can compensate for the pain and losses suffered, but we are committed to your rehabilitation and support,” he said.
A compensation of Rs10 million ($35,931) each was announced for the families of 72 deceased persons. Payments have already been completed in 64 cases, while four are under verification and four are pending due to issues relating to legal heirs, according to the chief minister.
In the second phase, 849 affected shopkeepers were provided Rs500,000 ($1,796) each as immediate relief during Ramadan to help them begin rebuilding their livelihoods. Under the ongoing phase, cheques worth Rs511.7 million ($1.8 million) were distributed among 200 verified affectees, while compensation for the remaining claimants would also be released after verification by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
Shah said his government was determined to complete all pending payments and continue supporting affected traders.
“Every verified affected person will receive compensation. No one will be left behind,” he promised.
