In the wake of the devastating Gul Plaza fire, the Sindh government has announced major relief and accountability measures, including Rs10 million compensation for each victim’s family, a forensic investigation, and plans to rebuild the damaged plaza.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced that Rs10 million will be given to the heirs of each deceased victim of the Gul Plaza tragedy. He said the distribution of relief funds will begin from tomorrow.

Offering condolences, the chief minister said the provincial government equally shares the grief of the affected families and stands with them in this time of sorrow.

Death toll feared to exceed 50

Addressing a press conference, Murad Ali Shah confirmed that 15 bodies have been recovered so far, while 65 people are still reported missing. Officials briefed the chief minister that the death toll is feared to exceed 50 as rescue and recovery operations continue.

He said the fire brigade has now entered the building from three sides and efforts are underway to locate the missing persons as soon as possible.

Also Read: Gul Plaza fire Karachi: Death toll hits 18, over 74 still missing

The chief minister said the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, though initial reports suggest a possible short circuit. He announced that the Sindh government has decided to conduct a full forensic examination of the fire.

A request has been made to the forensic institute in Lahore to assist with the investigation, he added.

Inquiry committee formed

An inquiry committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the Karachi commissioner. The committee will investigate what factors led to the incident, determine responsibility, and recommend punishment for those found at fault.

The commissioner has also been directed to estimate financial losses caused by the fire.

Gul Plaza may be rebuilt

Murad Ali Shah said the entire Gul Plaza building may need to be demolished due to severe structural damage. He confirmed that the Sindh government has decided to reconstruct Gul Plaza after completing investigations.

A separate committee for rehabilitation has been formed, which will determine how and where affected shopkeepers will be shifted temporarily.

The CM revealed that 1,017 shops were officially approved in Gul Plaza, and the inquiry will determine whether more shops were built than permitted. It will also examine whether adequate firefighting arrangements were in place at the time of the incident.

He acknowledged that mistakes were also made by the authorities, saying transparency is essential to prevent future tragedies.

Details of firefighting response

Murad Ali Shah said the fire was reported at 10:16am, and the first fire tender reached the site at 10:26 am. However, water supply issues due to road closures created difficulties in extinguishing the blaze.

More than 100 firefighters participated in the operation, he added.

Responding to criticism, the chief minister said Pakistan has a culture of making noise about every issue, citing examples like public backlash over e-challans. He said the police could have sealed the building, but unnecessary controversy often distracts from solutions.

“I am not angry with the media,” he said, “but is it wrong to ask for a positive role?”

Ministers directed to visit victims’ families

The chief minister directed all provincial ministers to visit the homes of the victims and personally convey condolences. He said a long-term plan for firefighting systems, emergency routes, and fire alarms will be developed to avoid such disasters in the future.

He added that facilitation for the business community is also being prioritized.

Petition in Sindh High Court

Meanwhile, a constitutional petition has been filed in the Sindh High Court regarding the Gul Plaza tragedy. The petition names the Sindh government, Karachi commissioner, KMC and SBCA as respondents.

The petitioner has requested the court to identify responsible parties and order legal action.