Gul Plaza compensation will be released within the next two months, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah assured on Friday, pledging full support for affected shopkeepers to restart their businesses while confirming that the building will be reconstructed exactly as before without any additional space.
KARACHI: Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah stated that the provincial government, in collaboration with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), is actively facilitating Gul Plaza shopkeepers to resume their businesses. He confirmed that compensation funds would be disbursed within two months to enable traders to purchase inventory and restart operations.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 21st My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony Exhibition, the Chief Minister said that multiple temporary locations have been identified where affected shopkeepers will be accommodated until the complete reconstruction of Gul Plaza.
He clarified that no rent will be charged for these temporary shops, and traders will only bear basic maintenance costs.
Rs10 Million Compensation for Victims’ Families
Murad Ali Shah announced that the Sindh Government is providing Rs10 million in compensation to each family of those who lost their lives in the Gul Plaza incident. As immediate relief, Rs500,000 is also being paid to every affected shopkeeper.
Gul Plaza Reconstruction Without Any Extra Space
Reaffirming transparency, the Chief Minister stated that Gul Plaza will be reconstructed in the same manner and with the same number of shops, ensuring improved safety standards.
“Not a single square inch extra will be added,” he said, adding that the new, safer structure will be completed within two years.
Sindh Government’s Commitment to Karachi’s Development
Speaking about broader development initiatives, Murad Ali Shah highlighted that nearly Rs10 billion has been allocated this year to industrial associations across Sindh for infrastructure improvements, with instructions to utilize the funds by June 2026. Execution will be handled by the business community, while the government will monitor progress.
He also disclosed that Rs13 billion has been provided to the Mayor of Karachi for improving drainage systems and roads. The Chief Minister noted significant improvements in law and order and traffic flow, particularly after the introduction of the e-challan system, urging citizens to follow traffic safety rules.
Water Supply and Future Projects
The Chief Minister said the Sindh Government is working with the World Bank on the long-delayed K-IV water project, aiming to supply an additional 260 million gallons per day to Karachi. He added that desalination projects are also under consideration to meet long-term water needs.
Sharing insights from discussions with the World Bank President, Murad Ali Shah emphasized that private sector participation is critical for the success of large development projects, noting that foreign investment depends heavily on strong local investment.
Business Community Welcomes Government Support
Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala praised the Sindh Government’s timely response to the Gul Plaza incident and urged traders to improve fire safety standards in markets, particularly addressing unsafe and loose wiring that often causes fires.
He also appreciated the presence of foreign diplomats at the My Karachi Exhibition and requested them to project Karachi as a peaceful, progressive, and business-friendly city.
My Karachi Exhibition: A Symbol of Confidence
The Chief Minister paid tribute to KCCI for launching the My Karachi Exhibition 22 years ago during challenging times, stating that it helped restore confidence and promote a positive image of Karachi. Today, he noted, the exhibition has become a national attraction eagerly awaited every year.
President KCCI Rehan Hanif also acknowledged the Sindh Government’s cooperation and emphasized the urgent need for enhanced fire safety measures, increased funding for the fire department, early completion of the Safe City Project, and expedited progress on the K-IV water supply project.Financial Relief and Temporary Shops
The provincial government will give Rs. 500,000 as immediate relief to each affected shopkeeper. Families of people who died in the tragic incident will receive Rs. 10 million each. Authorities have also found temporary spaces where traders can run their shops. The government will not charge rent for these temporary locations. Shopkeepers will only pay basic maintenance costs.
Rebuilding Gul Plaza Safely
Officials plan to rebuild Gul Plaza within two years. The chief minister promised that the new building will match the exact size and shop count of the original structure. The government will not add any extra space to the new design. Instead, engineers will focus on building a safer structure with better safety standards.
Infrastructure and City Projects
Business leaders at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) praised the government’s prompt support. The provincial government recently gave nearly Rs. 10 billion to industrial associations to improve local infrastructure. Mayor Karachi also received over Rs. 13 billion for road and drainage repairs.
KCCI officials highlighted the need for better fire safety in all commercial areas. They urged traders to fix loose wiring to prevent future fires. Leaders also discussed the city’s severe water shortage. The provincial government is currently working with the World Bank on the K-IV water project. This long-delayed project will bring an extra 260 million gallons of water to Karachi every day.
Why This Matters
Fires in busy commercial markets destroy millions of rupees in goods and threaten lives. The Gul Plaza incident left hundreds of local traders without a source of income. Quick financial help allows these shopkeepers to recover and feed their families. The disaster also highlights a serious need for better fire safety. By addressing loose wiring and funding local fire departments, the city can prevent similar tragedies in its crowded markets.
What Happens Next
Shopkeepers will soon move into their rent-free temporary shops to resume trading. The government aims to deliver the full compensation funds within eight weeks. Engineers will start the safe reconstruction of Gul Plaza, aiming for completion by 2026. Meanwhile, the KCCI and the Sindh government will monitor how industrial zones spend the newly allocated infrastructure funds before the June 2026 deadline. Authorities will also push for the early completion of the K-IV water project and the Safe City security project.