KARACHI: Around 350 affected shopkeepers of Gul Plaza will be provided temporary stalls at the site of Baradari, Bagh-i-Jinnah (former Polo Ground), in the first phase so that they can resume commercial activities.

Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah visited Bagh-i-Jinnah, along with Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, to review rehabilitation measures and temporary business arrangements for the affectees of the Gul Plaza tragedy.

During the visit, officials briefed the minister and the mayor at Baradari on the establishment of temporary stalls and provision of facilities for the displaced traders.

According to a press release, the minister said the Sindh government had taken emergency steps to provide immediate relief to the affected shopkeepers and had offered free alternative spaces at different locations across the city to enable them to resume business without delay.

LG minister, Karachi mayor review temporary arrangements for displaced traders

He announced that, with the approval of the chief minister, the process of disbursing compensation of up to Rs7 billion had been initiated.

He said interim financial assistance of up to Rs500,000 per month was also being provided to the affected traders.

Mr Shah stated that arrangements for temporary stalls, ground facilities, parking and security had been ensured and would remain in place until the completion of permanent reconstruction of the Gul Plaza building.

He added that special teams had been constituted to enforce fire safety measures in plazas and markets, directing owners to ensure the availability of fire extinguishers, clearance of emergency exits and strict compliance with safety protocols.

He warned that responsibility for any negligence would rest with the concerned management and owners.

Speaking on the occasion, the mayor said that, keeping in view the month of Ramazan, around 350 affected shopkeepers would be handed over stalls in the first phase to ensure uninterrupted commercial activity.

He said parking, basement facilities, security arrangements and deployment of police and wardens had been finalised.

He said registration of traders had been completed in collaboration with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to ensure transparency and fairness.

The mayor added that the final plan had been prepared in consultation with provincial ministers and the Karachi commissioner.

He said additional land was available if more stalls were required.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the provincial minister said Gul Plaza would be reconstructed in accordance with modern standards and fire safety requirements after full compensation and temporary rehabilitation were completed.

He added that the government would stand by the affected traders until their complete restoration.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2026