Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah today announced a substantial compensation package for the victims of the tragic Gul Plaza fire, with each affected family set to receive Rs100 million.
The Chief Minister also pledged that the fire-ravaged building would be reconstructed in a safer and improved manner within two years.
The announcement came during his address at the inauguration of the 21st ‘My Karachi – Oasis of Harmony’ International Exhibition at the Karachi Expo Centre.
Mr Shah described the annual event as a symbol of business confidence, cultural unity, and collective progress for the city and the nation.
In addition to the compensation for families who lost loved ones, the Chief Minister confirmed that shopkeepers impacted by the blaze have been provided with Rs500,000 each for immediate relief. He stated the government”s objective is to restore their businesses within two months, ensuring the new plaza contains the same number of shops as the original.
Mr Shah reaffirmed Karachi’s pivotal role in Pakistan’s economy, noting its contribution of around 25 per cent to national production and nearly 90 per cent to Sindh”s economy. “Karachi Port and Port Qasim further enhance the city’s strategic commercial importance,” he added.
He attributed renewed investor confidence and new development opportunities to the sustained efforts of the provincial government and law enforcement agencies, which have made the metropolis safer. ‘Security is a continuous process, and we will not rest until every citizen and investor feels fully secure,’ he said.
Addressing a critical issue for industrialists, the Chief Minister highlighted the energy paradox where Sindh, producing 65 per cent of the country’s natural gas, sees its industries suffer from shortages affecting productivity. He assured the business community that efforts would persist to secure a fair and reliable energy supply.
The provincial government’s development agenda was also detailed, including ongoing funding for industrial estates initiated in 2017, major drainage and road improvement projects valued at over Rs13 billion, and several other city projects exceeding Rs1 billion in each town.
Improvements in urban management were noted, with the introduction of the e-challan system leading to better traffic flow. Mr Shah urged citizens to continue observing road safety measures.
Regarding emergency services, he acknowledged administrative challenges in fire safety and rescue coordination but confirmed that Sindh Rescue 1122 is actively operating. He suggested that investing even half of the resources lost in emergencies into these services could significantly improve response systems.
To address the city”s long-term water needs, the Chief Minister confirmed that the government is collaborating with the World Bank on the K-IV project, which aims to provide an additional 260 million gallons per day. Desalination projects are also under consideration.
Mr Shah emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships, stating that while the government can allocate funds, sustainable development requires active participation from the private sector. He noted that Sindh’s PPP framework has received acknowledgement from international agencies.
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister paid tribute to the late business leader Siraj Kassam Teli and distributed awards to outstanding exhibitors. He was received upon arrival by provincial ministers and event organisers, with whom he formally inaugurated the exhibition.
Concluding his address, he stressed that Karachi”s advancement is a shared responsibility among the government, private sector, and civil society, expressing confidence that the business community would continue its vital role in national development.