KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah emphasized that the provincial government is still in the process of rectifying irregularities from before the enactment of the 18th Amendment, dismissing recent calls to declare Karachi a federal territory in light of the tragic Gul Plaza fire.
During his speech in the Sindh Assembly, CM Shah criticized the politicization of the incident, stating that while he did not question anyone’s intentions, the tragedy has been used as a political tool. “This was a devastating event, and politics should not overshadow the gravity of the situation,” he remarked, referring to ongoing debates about Karachi’s governance and the push for federal status.
The death toll from the blaze at Gul Plaza, which erupted on January 17, has risen to 71, according to Police Surgeon Dr. Samia Syed. The rescue operation continues as authorities work to recover victims and provide relief to those affected.
Addressing the connection between the fire and the 18th Amendment, CM Shah expressed confusion over the linkage, asserting that all approvals for Gul Plaza’s construction predated the amendment. He detailed that an application for building approval was submitted in 1979, with the sale deed finalized in 1983. The Karachi Building Control Authority permitted construction in the 1980s, and the lease was renewed in 1991 by the then-mayor, all before the 18th Amendment came into effect.
He further explained that additional permissions were granted in 1998 and 2003 for expansion and regularization of shops, reinforcing that the approvals were all obtained prior to the amendment’s implementation. “Blaming the 18th Amendment for this tragedy is unjustified,” he stated.Regarding reconstruction, CM Shah announced that the government plans to rebuild the shops within two years, with the remaining structure of Gul Plaza to be demolished. He assured owners will be compensated with an equal number of shops after rebuilding.
Families of victims will receive Rs10 million each as a condolence offer, and a special committee has been tasked with assessing damages. The government will also provide Rs500,000 immediately to each shopkeeper and facilitate loans of up to Rs10 million with interest paid by the government.
To support local businesses during the rebuilding phase, the government has arranged temporary shops—500 in one building and 350 in another where owners will not be charged rent for a year. Additionally, the government will back collateral for shopkeepers to access loans, aiming to help them recover financially from the tragedy.
