Sindh CM vows to reconstruct Gul Plaza building

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday said that around 65 people are still missing after the deadly fire at Gul Plaza, while the death toll increased to 17 after more bodies were recovered.

Speaking at a press conference, the chief minister said that while the final death toll could not yet be confirmed, 15 bodies had been recovered so far. He said that as of 1pm, about 65 people who were reported to be present at Gul Plaza remain unaccounted for.

Murad Ali Shah announced that the Sindh government would provide Rs10 million in compensation to the family of each deceased victim.

Briefing the media on rescue efforts, he said that around 40 per cent of the building had collapsed, while the remaining portion was also in a dangerous condition, adding that the entire structure might need to be demolished.

Expressing condolences, the chief minister said the government shared the grief of the affected families. Separately, during a meeting with representatives of the traders’ community, Murad Ali Shah assured them of immediate steps to rehabilitate affected businesses.

According to a statement, the chief minister announced that Gul Plaza would be reconstructed. He also formed a committee to propose measures for business rehabilitation and compensation for those affected.

The chief minister said a forensic examination would be carried out to determine the cause of the fire, adding that the chief secretary would formally notify the fact-finding committee.