The Sindh Cabinet on Tuesday approved a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package for the families of victims of the deadly Gul Plaza inferno in Karachi, formally endorsing the compensation measures announced earlier by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
The tragic fire broke out on the night of January 17 and took nearly two days to be fully extinguished. The incident claimed at least 73 lives and left more than 1,100 shops destroyed. After nine days of search and rescue operations, efforts to recover the remains of the deceased and missing concluded on Sunday.
According to a press release issued by the Chief Minister’s House, the cabinet expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and approved financial compensation of Rs10 million for each deceased victim’s family. In addition, the cabinet sanctioned Rs10 million in interest-free loans for shopkeepers affected by the devastating blaze.
To provide immediate relief, the cabinet also approved Rs500,000 per shopkeeper as subsistence support to help cover household and utility expenses during the recovery period. The chief minister directed that alternative commercial spaces be arranged within two months to enable affected traders to resume their businesses.
“There can be no compromise on human life. Relief, justice, and prevention must go hand in hand,” CM Murad Ali Shah said while addressing the cabinet meeting.
The cabinet further approved the formation of a high-level subcommittee comprising ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Ziaul Hassan Lanjar. The committee will review the findings of the inquiry into the incident and ensure accountability. The chief minister reiterated that no negligence would be overlooked and that those found responsible would face action.
Separately, the Sindh Cabinet approved Rs19.116 billion for the immediate execution of six major road infrastructure projects in Karachi.
These include the Star Gate flyover, Malir Halt underpass, Sohrab Goth flyover, and key road links connecting M-9 to Malir and Main Korangi Road to Khayaban-e-Saadi. The projects aim to ease traffic congestion, improve road safety, and support economic activity in the city.
