KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has directed the provincial and local authorities to pay compensation to the families of 11 people who lost their lives in a fire at a shopping mall on Rashid Minhas Road over the weekend.

A two-judge bench, headed by acting Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, also directed the authorities to conduct a probe into the tragic incident and initiate criminal proceedings against delinquent officials if concrete material found in the inquiry.

In its written order issued on Wednesday, the SHC stated: “It is further expected that the families of innocent citizens, who have lost their lives in this highly tragic incident, shall be compensated as per policy, in accordance with law by the provincial/local government.”

The bench had taken up a petition seeking implementation of laws regarding fire safety in buildings and prevention of fire related incidents in high-rises of the city for hearing on Nov 28, and issued notices to the respondents as well as advocate general Sindh for Dec 7.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2023