KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has assured the affected shopkeepers of the ill-fated Gul Plaza that the provincial government would temporarily accommodate them at Parking Plaza, New Jamia Market, and Royal Market on Korangi Road, providing full compensation for their losses.

He was addressing a gathering during his visit to the verification counters for claims of losses at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Saturday to review the process and meet the affected traders.

The KCCI, on the instruction of the chief minister, has set up counters to verify claims of losses and ownership or tenancy filed by traders affected by the Gul Plaza incident.

The chief minister was accompanied by provincial ministers Nasir Hussain Shah and Jam Ikram Dharejo, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, and other senior officials.

Parking Plaza, New Jamia Market, Korangi’s Royal Market selected for shopkeepers’ relocation; Murad visits verification counters for losses claims at KCCI

He met KCCI leaders, including Zubair Motiwala and Javed Bilwani, while a large number of Gul Plaza-affected shopkeepers were present as the verification of losses continued at specially established counters.

The chief minister said that the provincial government had already paid Rs10 million each to 45 families of the 62 martyrs of the tragedy, adding that 1,153 compensation cheques of Rs500,000 each for affected shopkeepers were ready for distribution. “We are determined to ensure the complete rehabilitation of the affected traders and will not rest until they are back on their feet,” he said.

Mr Shah said that the provincial government had resolved to stand with the victims in every possible way, adding that President Asif Ali Zardari had also directed that the pain of the affected families be shared and their rehabilitation ensured.

Mr Shah appreciated the Karachi Chamber for conducting the verification process with transparency and said it would be completed by the next day.

He sought a verified list from the commissioner and announced that, once approved, funds would be released within five days. “I will approve the summary today, and compensation cheques will reach the victims within five days,” he assured.

The chief minister said that affected traders were being temporarily accommodated at Parking Plaza, New Jamia Market, and Royal Market on Korangi Road, reiterating that Gul Plaza would be rebuilt. He also stressed that daily-wage workers affected by the incident must not be overlooked.

Highlighting fire safety concerns, the chief minister noted that Karachi required around 200 fire tenders and acknowledged the current shortfall.

He said efforts were underway to arrange the required number within a year and urged the business community to play its role by installing fire safety equipment at commercial premises.

Speaking on the occasion, Zubair Motiwala thanked the Sindh government for its prompt response and said the chamber was honestly carrying out the verification process.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2026