The Sindh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, approved an extensive relief and rehabilitation package for victims of the Gul Plaza tragedy, constituted a high-level subcommittee under the chief minister to review the inquiry committee’s findings for further necessary action, and sanctioned multi-billion-rupee infrastructure, transport, water, and welfare projects aimed at accelerating Karachi’s development and strengthening public service delivery.
At the outset of the meeting, the cabinet offered Fateh for the shuhda of the Gul Plaza tragedy. The chief minister said the government’s foremost responsibility was to provide immediate relief to affected families while ensuring accountability. “There can be no compromise on human life. Relief, justice, and prevention must go hand in hand,” CM Murad said.
The cabinet expressed profound grief over the loss of lives in the Gul Plaza incident and approved a comprehensive compensation and recovery package.
Families of the deceased will receive Rs10 million each as financial compensation, it was reaffirmed.
To support affected traders, the cabinet approved interest-free loans of Rs10 million per shopkeeper, with the Sindh government bearing the entire interest cost. In addition, Rs500,000 per shopkeeper will be provided as immediate subsistence support to cover household and utility expenses.
The chief minister directed that alternative commercial spaces be provided within two months to enable shopkeepers to resume their businesses, which the cabinet also approved.
A high-level subcommittee, comprising ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani, and Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, was constituted to review the inquiry committee’s report and ensure that responsibility is fixed and justice is delivered. It may be recalled that Murad had constituted an inquiry committee under Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi with Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan and others as its members.
“No negligence will be overlooked. Those found responsible will be held accountable,” the CM said.
Rs19.1bn road network upgrade
The cabinet approved Rs19.116 billion for the immediate execution of six major road infrastructure projects in Karachi. These include the Star Gate flyover, Malir Halt underpass, Sohrab Goth flyover, and the reconstruction of important arteries linking M-9 to Malir and the main Korangi road to Khayaban-e-Saadi.
“These projects are essential for easing congestion, improving road safety, and supporting Karachi’s economic activity,” Murad said, directing the Local Government Department to commence work without delay.
The cabinet approved the revised PC-I of the BRT Yellow Line, increasing the project cost to $620 million, including additional World Bank financing for electric buses and construction of flyovers. The project is targeted for completion by December 31, 2028.
For the BRT Red Line, the cabinet authorised Rs300 million for land acquisition for the Malir Depot, noting that the project remains on track for completion by June 2026.
Moreover, a committee headed by Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah was formed to review compensation claims of 53 Lyari Expressway affectees amounting to Rs315 million. While reiterating that the project falls under federal jurisdiction, the chief minister said the provincial government would step in if claims are legally validated.
To address water shortages in the city, the cabinet approved awarding the 36-kilometre Dumlottee to DHA water pipeline project to the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO). The Sindh government will provide Rs 10.55 billion to the Water Board for the timely execution of the project.
The cabinet approved the allocation of 100 acres of forest land to the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation for the installation of a 6 MGD water filtration plant at Deh Bhelo Miano, following a request from the Mayor of Hyderabad.
Social welfare, labour, agriculture, education projects
The cabinet approved a two-year extension (until 2027) of the agreement with the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) to continue operating three major drug rehabilitation centres in Karachi, Manghopir, and Malir.
In the agriculture sector, approval was granted for a state-of-the-art Fruit and Vegetable Mandi in Larkana for Rs6.371 billion. Spread over 46 acres, the facility will include modern cold storage, a traders’ restaurant/hotel, and a 1MW solar power system.
The Workers Welfare Board Sindh was reconstituted with equal representation from employers and workers to ensure transparent utilisation of welfare funds.
The cabinet approved the closure of the Sindh Renewable Energy Company (SREC) after being briefed that its functions are already being performed by the Energy Department. Established in 2012, the company had received an investment of Rs 101.622 million. The cabinet concluded that maintaining a separate corporate entity was no longer necessary and decided to wind up the company to avoid duplication and ensure administrative efficiency.
The Sindh Cabinet also approved the appointment of seven non-official members to the Board of Governors of Law Colleges, aimed at strengthening governance, oversight, and academic administration of legal education institutions across the province.
Concluding the meeting, Chief Minister Murad stressed the need for speed and quality in execution. “Relief for the distressed, modern infrastructure, and transparent governance are our priorities. These decisions must translate into real, visible improvement for the people,” he said.
