Government Takes Immediate Action for Victims of Building Collapse in Lyari
The Sindh Local Government Minister, Saeed Ghani, has pledged full support to the victims of the tragic building collapse in Baghdadi Lyari. The incident has left many families devastated, and the provincial government is working on multiple fronts to ensure their rehabilitation and well-being.
Ghani assured that the government is providing immediate financial assistance of Rs one million for each person who lost their life in the incident. In addition, affected families are receiving three months’ rent as an interim relief measure, helping them find alternative housing. “We share the grief of every bereaved family and assure them that strict action will be taken against those found responsible for this tragedy,” he emphasized.
The minister made these remarks while offering condolences to the families of the deceased victims. He was accompanied by several prominent figures, including Sindh Assembly member and President of PPP Sindh Minority Wing, Lal Chand Ukrani; Vice President of PPP Minority Wing and head of the Kutchi Maheshwari Meghwar Panchayat, Lakshman Maheshwari; PPP Karachi Division General Secretary and District South President Javed Nagori; Lyari Town Chairman Nasir Karim; and others.
Ghani expressed deep sympathy for the relatives of seven members of a single family who perished in the tragedy and offered Fateha for the deceased. He also met with families of 20 victims from the Kutchi Maheshwari Meghwar Panchayat, conveying his heartfelt condolences.
The bereaved families shared their current challenges, including staying with relatives and facing various hardships. Ghani confirmed that the Karachi Commissioner had already been instructed two days ago to ensure that rent assistance for three months is disbursed within the next one to two days. This move aims to help affected individuals move to rental accommodations without delay.
He added that a committee formed for long-term rehabilitation will soon finalize a plan to provide permanent housing for the victims. “The Sindh government will not leave the victims alone in their grief. A dedicated desk has been established at the Town Office to facilitate their rehabilitation,” he said.
Ghani explained that a special desk in Lyari Town, under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner as directed by the Karachi Commissioner, will manage the disbursement of rent to the affected residents and oversee their immediate resettlement.
Lakshman Maheshwari, President of the Kutchi Maheshwari Meghwar Panchayat and Vice President of the PPP Minority Wing, praised the swift action by the Sindh government. He highlighted that from day one, the party leadership, including the Sindh Chief Minister and Local Government Minister, had remained in close contact. Maheshwari commended the completion of the rescue operation within a record 48 hours.
He noted with sorrow that 20 members of the Panchayat, including women and children, lost their lives in the disaster. Maheshwari thanked the Sindh government for the swift relief measures and mentioned that the families of the deceased would soon complete all necessary legal formalities to receive the announced Rs 1 million compensation per victim.
Steps Being Taken for Rehabilitation and Support
The Sindh government is taking several steps to ensure the welfare of the victims and their families. These include:
- Immediate Financial Assistance: Each family of a deceased individual is being provided with Rs one million.
- Rent Relief: Affected families are receiving three months’ rent to assist with finding temporary housing.
- Long-Term Housing Plans: A committee is working on finalizing a plan for permanent housing solutions for the victims.
- Dedicated Support Desk: A specialized desk has been set up at the Town Office to streamline the rehabilitation process.
- Resettlement Oversight: A team is managing the disbursement of rent and overseeing the immediate resettlement of affected residents.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to supporting the victims and ensuring they receive the necessary aid during this difficult time. The collaboration between officials and community leaders is playing a crucial role in addressing the needs of the affected families.