The Sindh provincial cabinet has taken decisive steps to address the aftermath of the tragic Gul Plaza fire by approving a substantial compensation package worth Rs7 billion for the victims affected by the disaster. This move reflects the government’s commitment to providing relief and support to those who suffered losses in the incident, underscoring the urgency of humanitarian assistance in the wake of such calamities.
The cabinet meeting, presided over by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, also focused on broader urban development and infrastructure projects aimed at improving the quality of life in Karachi and other parts of the province. Among the key decisions was the approval of Rs8.53 billion dedicated to the rehabilitation and upgrading of Karachi’s deteriorating road network. This allocation is expected to facilitate smoother traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance connectivity across the sprawling metropolis, which is Pakistan’s largest city and economic hub.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, the cabinet sanctioned Rs1.57 billion for the preservation and restoration of a historic building located on II Chandrigarh Road. This initiative highlights the government’s recognition of the importance of conserving cultural heritage sites amidst rapid urbanization, ensuring that the city’s rich history is safeguarded for future generations.
Further financial support was extended to local governance and security agencies. The Hyderabad Municipal Corporation received a grant of Rs5.2 billion to bolster municipal services and development projects in the city. Meanwhile, Rs560 million was allocated to the Sindh Police specifically for conducting operations in slum areas, aiming to enhance law enforcement presence and improve security conditions in some of the most vulnerable neighborhoods.
In a significant administrative move, the Sindh government delegated price control authority to Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners by empowering them with magistrate-level powers. This decentralization is intended to strengthen local governance and enable quicker, more effective responses to inflation and price-related issues affecting everyday consumers.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah conducted a thorough review of ongoing infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the K-4 water supply project and the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Red Line along the Northern Expressway (NEPA). Expressing dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the K-4 expansion, which is critical for addressing Karachi’s water scarcity challenges, the chief minister emphasized the need to accelerate work and meet project deadlines to ensure timely delivery of essential services.
Overall, the cabinet’s decisions reflect a multi-faceted approach to governance, combining disaster relief, urban development, heritage conservation, law enforcement enhancement, and administrative reforms. These measures aim to address immediate needs while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and improved public welfare across Sindh.
