April 9, 2003	Wednesday	Safar 6, 1424

LAHORE, April 8: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has proposed the establishment of an Afghanistan Reconstruction Foundation (ARF) to enable both public and private sectors to effectively participate in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

“The establishment of the ARF will help channelize and institutionalize the public and private sector efforts for development activities in Afghanistan,” said the LCCI proposals for the budget 2003-04.

The ARF, the budget proposals said, would be in a position to lobby for donor funds from the humanitarian and development aid. “If Pakistan wants to achieve any meaningful gains (in Afghanistan), it must be able to demonstrate its contribution. The impact will come from such a Foundation.”

The chamber has urged the government to channelize and institutionalize all philanthropic and social organizations that want to work for Afghanistan through the proposed ARF.