Gul Plaza search ends; experts to inspect structure as compensation approved

Authorities in Karachi said the search and rescue operation at the fire-hit Gul Plaza shopping centre has concluded after about 10 days, and the damaged building has been sealed.

The Sindh Building Control Authority said specialists from the Lahore Forensic Laboratory and the Pakistan Engineering Council are expected to examine the structure and assist in determining the cause of the blaze. Officials indicated the inspection could take more than a week and noted the building has been declared unsafe.

The fire erupted on January 17 and rapidly spread through the large commercial complex, known for its roughly 1,200 family-run shops selling items including wedding wear, toys and household goods. Officials reported at least 73 deaths, with 23 victims identified through DNA sampling.

Police registered a first information report at Nabi Bux Police Station on charges linked to negligence. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said authorities were also considering whether sabotage or terrorism played any role, adding that anti-terror provisions could be included if evidence supports that direction.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah told the provincial assembly the government plans to rebuild shops on the site within two years and demolish what remains of the structure. He said owners would be allocated the same number of shops after reconstruction.

The chief minister also announced that families of those who died would receive Rs10 million each. A committee has been tasked with assessing losses, and the provincial government said it would cover damages.

To help affected shopkeepers resume business, the chief minister said temporary arrangements had been made for hundreds of shops in two separate buildings, with owners agreeing not to charge rent for a year.

In a related decision, the Sindh cabinet approved Rs10 million compensation for victims’ families and formed a sub-committee on the Gul Plaza incident chaired by the chief minister. The panel—comprising senior provincial ministers—will review the inquiry report led by the Karachi commissioner, after which the chief minister will decide further steps.

The cabinet also approved financial support for shopkeepers, including Rs500,000 each for utility-related expenses through the Karachi commissioner and Rs10 million interest-free loans to help restart businesses, with the Sindh government covering the interest on those loans.