Trader representatives demanded Rs5 billion rehabilitation package for Gul Plaza victims
Firefighters use a snorkel to put out flames after a fire broke out at Gul Plaza Market in Karachi. Photo:X
Following the devastating Gul Plaza fire, political parties and business groups have demanded compensation for losses suffered by traders and victims’ families.
Opposition parties criticized the government over the incident and expressed solidarity with the traders who lost their livelihoods, in addition to expressing condolences to the families of the fire victims.
An emergency meeting of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) was convened, chaired by businessmen’s group vice-president Javed Bilwani and KCCI president Rehan Hanif.
Participants expressed their deep sadness at this tragedy, offered their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and announced their full solidarity with the affected traders.
The meeting also announced the formation of a Gul Plaza Fire Incident Committee to coordinate relief efforts, assess losses and formally approach the government for compensation and rehabilitation of affected businesses.
Meanwhile, representatives of small traders demanded a 5 billion rupees rehabilitation program for the Gul Plaza victims, similar to the one announced after the Bolton Market fire.
All Karachi Traders Alliance Chairman Atiq Mir, while reviewing the firefighting operation from a snorkel, said that all available resources were deployed to control the fire, but it could not be brought under control in time, resulting in loss of precious lives. He urged the government to announce a comprehensive rehabilitation program for the affected traders.
Karachi Electronics Dealers Association President Rizwan Irfan appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori to provide relief to the traders, compensate the losses and express solidarity with the families of the deceased.
Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief Munam Zafar Khan along with party leaders including Sindh Assembly member Muhammad Farooq visited the site. He also carried out a night inspection with Alkhidmat rescue workers to review the rescue activities.
Later speaking to the media, Munam Zafar said the absence of essential firefighting chemicals, carbon dioxide and modern firefighting facilities in a major city was proof that institutions had been deliberately weakened. “Corruption has hollowed out all institutions and innocent citizens are paying the price,” he added.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and Sindh Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives. Kamal said the federal government was ready to extend all possible assistance to the Sindh government.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, along with MQM leaders and members of the national and provincial assemblies, visited the site and directed the authorities to further improve relief and rescue operations. The MQM demanded financial assistance for the families of the deceased, medical treatment for the injured and relief for the affected trading community.
Karachi Central Muslim League president Ahmed Nadeem Awan said the incident once again exposed the apathy of the city administration. He added that party volunteers remained at the scene throughout the night following the fire.
Pakistan Sunni Tehreek Chairman Engineer Muhammad Sarwat Ijaz Qadri, Central Chairman Sahibzada Allama Bilal Abbas Qadri and General Secretary Sahibzada Allama Bilal Saleem Qadri Shami expressed deep sadness over the tragedy. They urged the Sindh Chief Minister, Local Government Minister and relevant officials to strictly implement safety regulations from approval to completion of buildings, including fire alarms, emergency exits, fire-fighting equipment and overall emergency preparedness.
Pakistan Muslim League General Secretary Sardar Abdul Rahim, PML-Q Sindh Information Secretary Muhammad Sadiq Sheikh and Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed also expressed their grief, calling on the government to immediately announce adequate financial assistance for the families of those killed, the injured and traders whose shops and livelihoods were destroyed in the fire.
