Senior Minister Sindh, Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that the government is taking necessary steps to ensure rehabilitation of the trading community and affected businesses of the Gul Plaza tragedy.
More than 80 people had lost their lives in the Gul Plaza tragedy two weeks back.
The Senior Minister, while talking to the media, announced a Rs500,000 compensation to each of the affected businesses. The Cabinet of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh has approved and authorised the decision.
He further stated that the Karachi Chamber of Commerce carried out a financial loss assessment for the trading community. Government officials had been in close contact with the affected traders on a daily basis.
The Minister stressed upon the government’s role in supporting the citizens of Karachi after every tragic incident in the past such as the timber market fire.
The government of Sindh plans to bear the costs in support of the trading and commerce community.
Sharjeel Memon also announced that the Chief Minister will lead a sub committee along with the Law Minister, local government bodies and the Labor Minister to assess the losses.
He further claimed that a report will be issued for the complete assessment of the aftermath of the Gul Plaza fire. All decisions will be taken by the sub committee.
The Minister said that the government acknowledges the scale of the tragedy and will remember the martyrs.
Fire Safety SOPs
Chief Minister Sindh is currently conducting meetings to discuss preemptive steps, analysis of the fire audit along with future Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for buildings. The Sindh Building Control Authority (SCBA) has initiated the formulation of new measures to be put in place.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce is expected to oversee the new framework with the government in charge of ensuring the security of affected businesses.
He laid further emphasis on the importance of modern infrastructure, saying that over 90% of buildings in the entire country lacked proper facilities.
The Senior Minister also expressed gratitude for other provincial authorities joining the lead in evaluating fire safety in their respective regions.
He added that the Gul Plaza tragedy served as an eye opener not only for Sindh but for the entire country when it came to fire safety. He stated that in the federal capital, Islamabad, over 50% of buildings also lacked proper facilities.
Proactive measures are currently being taken by each province to ensure fire safety mechanisms. The Minister finally said the government continues to play an active role in ensuring fire safety for buildings in every province.
