Sindh Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah attended a ceremony for the distribution of financial assistance cheques among the affectees of Gul Plaza.
Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi, President Pakistan Chamber of Commerce Zubair Motiwala, PPP leader Shehzad Memon and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the ceremony, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah announced that cheques would soon be distributed among 300 more affectees, reiterating that the rehabilitation of Gul Plaza and its victims remains the top priority of the Sindh Government. He said that the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party has ensured full financial assistance and taken special measures for the rehabilitation of the affectees. He further stated that the process of demolishing the damaged structure of Gul Plaza and clearing debris will begin shortly.
The minister added that the Sindh Government will provide easy loans to the affected traders, and upon application, loans of up to Rs10 million will be granted. Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said that certain improvements will be made in the reconstruction of the plaza, including enhanced parking facilities and additional exit routes, while the number of shops in the new building will remain the same as before. He also informed that claims submitted by Gul Plaza affectees range from Rs300,000 to Rs50 million per shopkeeper, and that another 300 affectees will receive their cheques in the coming days as part of the ongoing assistance process.