Karachi: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has termed the Gul Plaza tragedy a deeply painful and heartbreaking incident, saying that every Pakistani is grieving and standing in solidarity with the affected families. Addressing a press conference in Karachi, the Senior Minister and Provincial Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit said the sorrow was not limited to the victims families alone but shared by the entire nation.
Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that from the very first day of the incident, the Sindh government has been working with a single-point agenda: the recovery of all bodies trapped under the debris. He said DNA tests are being conducted to identify the victims, adding that information about 86 missing persons has been received so far, while the search for others continues. The administration, he said, is working round the clock to complete rescue and recovery operations.
He announced that the families of those who lost their lives would be provided compensation of Rs100 million each. In addition, the Sindh government will compensate around 1,200 shopkeepers for their losses. Drawing parallels with past incidents, he recalled that after fires at Timber Market and Bolton Market during Ashura, the provincial government had assessed losses through the Chamber of Commerce and compensated affected traders. He assured that this time as well, compensation would be paid honestly through a transparent and organized mechanism.
Emphasizing the value of human life, Sharjeel Inam Memon said no price could ever compensate for the loss of a life. He added that the government wants to ensure that such incidents do not occur again in the future. He also paid tribute to a firefighter who was martyred during the firefighting operation, stating that the Sindh government stands shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.
The senior minister disclosed that an audit report had been presented on January 1, 2024, following which notices were issued to all shops at a time when a caretaker chief minister was in office. He further said that a committee has been tasked with conducting a transparent inquiry into the fire incident, including its causes, any negligence during rescue operations, and other contributing factors. The government, he added, is awaiting the committees report.
Sharjeel Inam Memon said a delegation of the Chamber of Commerce has met the Chief Minister of Sindh and supported the need to ensure fire safety in all buildings. However, he noted that an estimated 90 percent of buildings across Pakistan lack proper fire safety systems, and authorities often face resistance when attempting to enforce standard operating procedures.
Responding to political criticism, the senior minister said certain parties were politicizing the tragedy instead of standing with the victims families. He recalled past incidents, including the Bolton Market fire during Ashura, stating that while others caused destruction, it was the government that later provided relief. He stressed that even today, families are waiting for the remains of their loved ones, while political point-scoring continues.
He also referred to past incidents of violence, including those of May 12, and said that despite such tragedies, the governments responsibility remains the protection of peoples lives and property. He added that Gul Plaza was a commercial center visited by people from all walks of life.
In response to questions regarding statements against the 18th Amendment, he said that if there were objections, they should be raised in parliament rather than through media campaigns. He reiterated that the Pakistan Peoples Party has always shown political tolerance, noting that there were no political prisoners during its tenure from 2008 to 2013.
Concluding the press conference, Sharjeel Inam Memon said that forensic investigations into the Gul Plaza incident, including the possibility of sabotage, are ongoing. He stressed that once the report is finalized, those found responsible will be held accountable, adding that even if his own name appeared in the findings, he would not seek any exemption.
