Sindh Cabinet Grants Rs10 Million in Compensation to Gul Plaza Tragedy Victims’ Families

The Sindh Cabinet approved Rs10 million in compensation to each victim’s family as efforts continued for identification and investigation following the Gul Plaza tragedy. Authorities confirmed identifying three more victims, bringing the total to 27 identified fatalities. Police Surgeon Dr Samia reported that the medical-legal process of 73 bodies had been completed; DNA testing at the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory in Karachi confirmed the identities of 20 individuals. The cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also approved interest-free loans of Rs10 million each for affected shopkeepers to restart their businesses, with the government covering any accrued interests.

The chief minister expressed sympathy over the tragedy and established a sub-committee headed by himself, comprising provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Ziaul Hassan Lanjar. This sub-committee will review an inquiry report prepared by Karachi Commissioner-led committee and take further actions based on its findings.

Search and debris removal operations at Gul Plaza remained suspended for the second day due to safety concerns; green safety sheets were installed around the site with police and Rangers deployed. The building has been handed over to the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA).

Meanwhile, investigators prepared a detailed sketch of the site after examining it from all three sides under District City investigation officers’ supervision. Formal investigations including recording statements will commence after receiving an inquiry committee’s report; the sketch includes Shop No. 193.

Forensic teams are examining multiple aspects of the case, and evidence collection continues at the scene. A National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) van has been requisitioned for data compilation on deceased and missing persons; affected families have prepared Family Registration Certificates (FRCs) at the DC South office.