• Meeting approves relief packages for victims
• Sharjeel hints at involving foreign experts
• Declares govt will not avoid formation of judicial commission, if necessary
• Rs10.5bn pipeline project for DHA water supply goes to FWO

KARACHI: The Sindh cabinet on Tuesday approved the relief and rehabilitation package announced earlier for victims of the Gul Plaza tragedy and formed a sub-committee to review the report of a body set up to investigate the blaze that killed 73 persons.

The cabinet also allocated funds for several infrastructure, transport, water and welfare projects aimed at accelerating Karachi’s development and strengthening public service delivery.

Speaking at a press conference, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon announced details of the decisions taken in the meeting chaired by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

He said that no life has a price, and no compensation can bring a life back. However, the Sindh government has announced assistance of Rs10 million for family of each deceased person.

He said approval had also been granted to provide Rs500,000 and an alternative place to affected shopkeepers so they can immediately restart their businesses.

He said the cabinet has formed a five-member committee under the chairmanship of the chief minister.

Following the cabinet meeting that reviewed the tragic fire incident at Gul Plaza, a notification issued by Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah said that a five-member subcommittee had been formed.

The notification issued after the meeting says CM Shah will head the committee as its chairman and other members include Mr Memon, Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar and Labour Minister Saeed Ghani.

According to its Terms of Reference, the committee will examine the fact-finding report on the Gul Plaza tragedy, recommend necessary legal and corrective measures, and submit its report at the next provincial cabinet meeting.

It may be recalled that CM Shah had constituted an inquiry committee under Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, with Karachi Additional Inspector General Azad Khan and others as its members.

“No negligence will be overlooked. Those found responsible will be held accountable,” a press release issued after the cabinet meeting quoted the chief minister as saying.

Probe underway

In response to a question, Mr Memon, who holds the portfolio of information, said the Sindh government is conducting a thorough investigation into the Gul Plaza incident at the highest level.

“If further investigation is required, the formation of a judicial commission will not be avoided”, he added.

To another question, he said that after the plaza incident, the government had called in a forensic team from Lahore, which clearly reflected its intentions. “If necessary, experts will also be called from abroad.”

Mr Memon said that along with fire audits, an effective mechanism is being developed to review fire prevention measures in buildings.

Committees comprising officials from the Sindh Building Control Authority, fire auditors and assistant commissioners will inspect buildings across the province.

He clarified that the government is not harming anyone but is working to protect the lives and property of traders.

He said the incident serves as a warning not only for Karachi or Sindh but for the entire country, especially old cities where such safety systems are lacking.

Over Rs19bn road network upgrade

The 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 the reconstruction of important arteries linking M-9 to Malir and Main Korangi Road to Khayaban-i-Saadi.

“These projects are essential for easing congestion, improving road safety, and supporting Karachi’s economic activity,” CM Shah said, directing the LG department to begin work without delay.

Revised PC-I of Yellow Line

The cabinet approved the revised PC-I of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Yellow Line, increasing the project cost to $620m, including additional World Bank financing for electric buses and construction of flyovers. The project is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2028.

For the BRT Red Line, the cabinet authorised Rs300m for land acquisition for the Malir Depot, noting that the project remains on track for completion by June 2026.

Dumlottee to DHA pipeline

To address water shortages in the city, the cabinet approved awarding the 36-kilometre Dumlottee to DHA water pipeline project to the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO).

The Sindh government will provide Rs10.55bn to the Water Board for the timely execution of the project.

The Sindh Workers Welfare Board was reconstituted with equal representation from employers and workers to ensure transparent utilisation of welfare funds.

The chief minister stressed the need for speed and quality in execution.

“Relief for the distressed, modern infrastructure, and transparent governance are our priorities. These decisions must translate into real, visible improvement for the people,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2026