Political Exploitation of Gul Plaza Tragedy ‘Regrettable’, Action to Be Taken Against Those Responsible: Sindh Interior Minister

SANGHAR (Hasnain Ashiq Saand)

Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjhar has expressed deep grief over the Gul Plaza tragedy, describing the loss of precious lives as a national tragedy. He said the entire provincial government is mourning the incident and vowed that those responsible will be held accountable under the law.

Addressing the media at the Police Training College in Shadadpur, the minister said that a case has been registered in the incident, with sections related to negligence and carelessness included. He stressed that action would be taken against the culprits in accordance with the law.

Lanjhar said it was regrettable that the tragedy was being politicised. He criticised leaders of the MQM for linking the incident to the Eighteenth Amendment and the NFC Award, saying such claims were beyond comprehension. “Politics over dead bodies is unacceptable,” he remarked.

The interior minister clarified that the lease of Gul Plaza had been granted in the past and that Sindh Chief Minister has already presented all facts before the nation. He added that the chief minister has announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased and that affected traders would be provided with new shops.

On the law-and-order situation in the province, Lanjhar said maintaining peace remained the government’s top priority. He said intensive operations were underway to eliminate or compel surrender of dacoits in the riverine (Kacha) areas. He also disclosed that a special task force had been formed to counter drug trafficking and was operating effectively.

Earlier, addressing the passing-out parade at the Police Training College, the interior minister congratulated the police recruits for taking their oath and urged them to protect citizens’ lives and property. He lauded the sacrifices of Sindh Police, noting that the force was committed to safeguarding the public from urban centres to the riverine areas.

Lanjhar claimed that there were no “no-go areas” in Sindh, though operations continued in the Kacha areas of Ghotki and Kashmore. He said that, in line with the vision of President Asif Ali Zardari, a large number of dacoits in Shikarpur had surrendered and were facing legal proceedings.

The minister also said Sindh and Punjab police were conducting joint operations in border areas. He thanked Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for appreciating the performance of Sindh Police and Rangers, adding that cooperation between the provinces was essential for strengthening peace.

Regarding Karachi, he said crime rates had significantly decreased compared to the past and that the city’s crime rate was lower than that of many major cities worldwide. He directed the police to further improve performance and restore public confidence.

Lanjhar also expressed hope that newly appointed Sindh IG Javed Alam would boost police morale. He praised SSP Zahida Parveen, principal of the Police Training College, and her team for their performance, emphasising the need for modern training and specialised courses to produce professional police officers.

IG Sindh Police Javed Alam Odho, addressing the parade, said 683 recruits had successfully completed training. He said policing was not merely about force but about upholding the rule of law, respecting human rights, maintaining discipline, and serving the public. He congratulated the graduates and urged them to serve the Sindh Police with honesty, courage, and fairness.

The ceremony was also attended by Senator Quratulain Marri, PPP leaders Aajaz Dhamrah, MNA Salahuddin Junejo, Javed Nayab Laghari, Naveed Dero and others.