Sindh rolls out compensation, credit support for Gul Plaza fire losses, and rebuilt plan

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced a relief and reconstruction package in the provincial assembly on Friday for those affected by the deadly Gul Plaza shopping centre fire, offering support through compensation, loans and rebuilding measures.

The Sindh government will demolish and reconstruct Gul Plaza within two years and provide compensation, interest-free loan support and temporary commercial space to traders affected by the recent fire, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah told the Sindh Assembly on Friday.

Outlining the relief measures, the chief minister said compensation for families of those who lost their lives had been announced immediately after the incident and funds were released without delay. He said an inquiry into the fire is underway and accountability will follow once responsibility is determined.

A committee of traders has been formed to assess losses and manage compensation for shop owners. As immediate relief, each affected shopkeeper will receive Rs 500,000 to support resuming business. Authorities have identified two alternate commercial buildings with a total of 850 shop spaces; owners have agreed to waive rent for one year, and the government plans to allocate these spaces within two months and maintain rent-free status for up to two years.

Under the Sindh Enterprise Development Fund Limited, shopkeepers will be eligible for loans of up to Rs 10 million, with the provincial government acting as guarantor and covering interest costs. The chief minister said Gul Plaza will be demolished and rebuilt within two years, with the reconstructed building accommodating the same number of shops as before and no additional commercial units.

The inquiry into the fire is ongoing, and the chief minister said accountability measures will follow once findings are finalised.