Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has rejected attempts to politicise the deadly Gul Plaza fire, saying the tragedy should not be linked to the 18th Constitutional Amendment or used to fuel demands for changing Karachi’s administrative status.
Addressing the Sindh Assembly, the chief minister said the provincial government was still addressing administrative and regulatory flaws that existed long before the 18th Amendment. He stressed that blaming constitutional reforms for the incident was misleading and unfair.
He said the loss of lives in the Gul Plaza blaze was a national tragedy. He added that while criticism was welcome, the issue should not be exploited for political gain.
The chief minister confirmed that the death toll has risen to 71. Rescue and recovery operations are still ongoing at the site of the multi-storey commercial building, where the fire broke out on January 17.
Murad Ali Shah said he was surprised by repeated references to the 18th Amendment in the debate surrounding the tragedy. He stated that the building’s approvals and expansions were granted decades earlier.
According to the chief minister, the original application to construct the building was submitted in 1979. The sale deed was approved in 1983. Construction permissions were issued during the 1980s by the relevant authority.
He said the plot’s lease was renewed in 1991 by the city administration of that time. This decision, he emphasised, was taken before the 18th Amendment became law.
The chief minister further explained that permission to construct an additional floor was granted in 1998. Additional shops were later regularised in 2003. All these approvals, he said, were issued before the constitutional amendment.
He strongly rejected the claim that the tragedy occurred because of the 18th Amendment. He said linking the two was equivalent to spreading misinformation.
Reconstruction and Relief Measures
Murad Ali Shah announced that the remaining structure of Gul Plaza will be demolished. A complete reconstruction will follow. He said the rebuilding process will be completed within two years.
He assured affected traders that they will receive the same number of shops once construction is complete. He said the government will ensure transparency in the rebuilding process.
The chief minister announced Rs10 million compensation for each family of those who lost their lives. He said no amount of money can replace a human life, but the state has a responsibility to support grieving families.
He added that a committee has been formed to assess financial losses. The Sindh government will cover the damages.
As immediate relief, Rs500,000 will be paid to every affected shopkeeper. Officials have been instructed to compile verified lists of traders by Monday.
To help businesses resume operations, the government has arranged 850 temporary shops in two separate buildings. Shop owners have agreed not to charge rent for one year.
The chief minister also announced financial assistance for traders through bank loans. The provincial government will provide guarantees for loans of up to Rs10 million per shopkeeper and will bear the interest costs.
