Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has confirmed that financial compensation has been delivered to the families of 26 victims affected by the deadly Gul Plaza fire, urging political parties not to exploit the tragedy for point-scoring.
Speaking to the media after launching an anti-polio campaign in Karachi, the chief minister confirmed that compensation cheques of Rs10 million each were handed over directly to the homes of 26 families whose loved ones lost their lives in the incident.
He said the government handled the matter with sensitivity and avoided unnecessary media presence during visits to grieving families.
“It is not appropriate to visit people’s homes every day and seek media publicity,” he said.
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Murad Ali Shah stressed that tragedies should not be turned into political events. He said it was inappropriate to repeatedly visit victims’ homes with cameras, adding that such actions hurt the dignity of affected families rather than helping them.
According to the chief minister, the government believes in delivering relief quietly instead of seeking publicity.
The Sindh CM also shared updates on the investigation into the Gul Plaza fire.
He said the inquiry report has already been received and action has been taken against certain individuals found responsible.
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He further revealed that a formal letter has been sent for the formation of a judicial commission to ensure transparency and accountability in the case.
Commenting on the current political situation, Murad Ali Shah referred to Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman’s announcement of a sit-in scheduled for the 14th.
The chief minister said Hafiz Naeem should focus on contesting elections and securing public votes instead of staging protests.
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He added that those being referred to as a “Qabza group” were elected by the people through the democratic process.
Shah criticised Hafiz Naeem for not taking oath or vacating his assembly seat, stating that elected representatives must either attend the assembly or step down. He remarked that small sit-ins cannot replace democratic participation.
The chief minister also made it clear that the Sindh government will not allow traffic disruptions on Shahrah-e-Faisal or other major roads. He said institutions responsible for maintaining order would be strengthened to prevent public inconvenience.
He further pointed out that local government elections have not yet been held in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa either, suggesting that political parties should raise concerns there as well once elections are conducted.
