KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly on Monday saw heated scenes over the deadly Gul Plaza fire as Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) members staged a strong protest, raised slogans and walked out of the House, while the government assured the legislature of complete support to all affected traders, compensation for victims’ families and a transparent investigation into the tragedy. The session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Naveed Anthony, began one hour and 18 minutes late. The atmosphere in the House remained sombre at the outset, with treasury and opposition members expressing deep grief over the Gul Plaza tragedy and offering Fateha for the deceased. At the start of proceedings, Provincial Labour Minister Saeed Ghani sought permission to give a statement on the incident. MQM members stood up from their seats, insisting they should be allowed to speak first. The deputy speaker ruled that the minister would complete his statement and all members would then be given an opportunity to speak. The ruling triggered strong protests from MQM lawmakers, who raised loud slogans of “Zalimo jawab do, khoon ka hisaab do.” Amid continuous sloganeering and disorder, MQM members staged a walkout and did not return to the House till the end of the session. Addressing the Assembly, Saeed Ghani termed the Gul Plaza fire extremely tragic and heart breaking, saying the entire province was grieving. He stressed that the Sindh government was not absolving itself of responsibility. “There may have been shortcomings on our part, but this is not the time for politics or chaos. It is the time to stand with the affected people,” he said. Saeed Ghani informed the House that, according to available information, eight bodies had been recovered while 62 people were missing. He later stated that overall figures showed 14 deaths, 62 missing persons and 22 injured. The Sindh government, he announced, had decided to pay Rs1 crore compensation to each bereaved family. The labour minister said separate committees had been formed for a transparent inquiry into the incident and for the rehabilitation of affected traders. These committees would determine the causes of the fire and submit recommendations for business restoration. Politicising the tragedy, he said, would be gross injustice to the people of the city and the province. Referring to past incidents, the minister recalled the September 11, 2012 Baldia factory fire in Karachi, in which 290 people lost their lives, calling the Gul Plaza blaze the biggest tragedy since then. He said Chief Minister Sindh had categorically stated that the government did not consider itself free of blame and had ordered an inquiry to identify lapses at all levels — whether by government departments, shopkeepers or the market association. Providing operational details, Saeed Ghani said the fire broke out at around 10:15pm in one shop. A fire tender reached the site within 12 minutes, but the blaze had already spread throughout the plaza and was declared a third-category fire. Subsequently, around 26 fire tenders and four snorkels from KMC, Rescue 1122, Pakistan Navy and Civil Aviation were deployed. He said 100 KMC fire fighters and Rescue 1122 personnel remained engaged throughout the operation, while the commissioner Karachi, deputy commissioner, DIGs, SSPs and other senior officials were present at the site. He clarified that although the chief minister and the mayor were not in Karachi at the time, they remained in constant contact from the moment the fire erupted. Elected representatives, advisers, the deputy mayor and he himself visited the site and monitored the operation. Saeed Ghani said Gul Plaza covered an area of about 8,000 square yards, nearly two acres, making it extremely difficult to control the fire. Initially, reports indicated six deaths and 20 injuries, after which a large number of people gathered, fearing their relatives were trapped inside. The deputy commissioner South immediately set up a help desk and publicised contact numbers through the media. So far, 70 families have reported missing persons. Eight bodies have been recovered from the debris, while 62 people remain missing and rescue operations are ongoing. According to official data, the plaza housed 1,021 shops, all of which were completely destroyed. The labour minister said the CM Sindh chaired a meeting on Monday attended by representatives of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, trader bodies and the Gul Plaza association. A committee comprising these stakeholders has been formed to assess losses and compile a report so the Sindh government can assist traders in restarting their businesses. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026