KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, in a simple ceremony, distributed Rs445.197 million in compensation cheques among 358 fire-affected shopkeepers of Karachi’s Cooperative and Victoria markets that were gutted in a fire in November last year.

The ceremony was held at the CM House on Friday with provincial ministers, Sindh chief secretary, KCCI office bearer and affected shopkeepers in attendance.

It may be recalled that on November 14, 2021, an unfortunate incident of fire occurred in Cooperative Market, Sadaar, in which many shops were completely or partially damaged/burnt.

The chief minister had constituted the `Karachi Affected Relief Committee’ under Minister Cooperatives Jam Ikram Dharejo. The committee assessed the claims of Victoria shopping Center, where 20 shops were affected, and the Saddar Cooperative Market where 338 shops were burnt.

It recommended compensation to the tune of Rs52.450 million and Rs392.747 million for the two markets respectively.

The chief minister approved the amount and handed over the compensation cheques among the fire affected shopkeepers so that they could restart their business.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that he was really shocked and felt deeply saddened over the tragedy that deprived thousands of livelihood and affected many others.

Murad Ali Shah said that it was not the first time that the Sindh government has supported the business community in difficult times.

“At the time of the Bolton Market fire incident in 2009, our government provided due compensation to all the affectees,” he said.