Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the exhibition organised by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) at the Karachi Expo Centre, the chief minister prayed for the victims of the Gul Plaza tragedy and said public cooperation was essential to prevent such incidents in the future.
Paying tribute to late business leader Siraj Qasim Teli, Shah said the exhibition was launched nearly two decades ago during difficult times in Karachi and had since become a permanent feature of the city’s annual calendar.
He said relief measures for Gul Plaza victims were under way, adding that financial assistance of Rs10 million per family had been initiated for the heirs of those who lost their lives, while affected shopkeepers were being provided Rs500,000 each. Further compensation would be paid after assessing business losses.
The chief minister said alternative commercial space would be provided to affected traders within two months and the plaza would be rebuilt with the same number of shops. He also announced that Rs10 billion would be spent on industrial infrastructure by the end of the current fiscal year.
Shah stressed the importance of regular fire audits, emergency exits and fire drills in buildings. He added that work on the K-IV water supply project was continuing with World Bank support, while desalination projects were also being considered to meet Karachi’s water needs.
Earlier, KCCI President Rehan Hanif urged the government to allocate substantial funds for modern fire-fighting equipment in the upcoming budget. “How long will the government pay compensations, concentrate on prevention,” he said. Referring to the KIV water supply scheme, Hanif said he was young when the project was launched, now he has grown old but the project is still incomplete.
Businessmen Group Chairman Zubair Motiwala appreciated the provincial government for allocating Rs9 billion for industrial zones.
He urged markets to improve fire safety measures. He also highlighted poor road conditions and called for increased funds for the Karachi mayor.