October 18, 2005	Tuesday	Ramzan 13, 1426

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 17: Local manufacturers have increased cement price by Rs30 to 50 per bag as its demand has shot up following massive reconstruction in quake-affected areas.

This was stated by President of Islamabad Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) Abdul Rauf in a statement issued here on Monday.

Mr Rauf said that rate of cement would further increase as per demand and expressed concern that Monopoly Control Authority (MCA) has failed to check the increasing rates.

The president urged government to take immediate action and issue directions for private sector representation in the authority.

The earthquake has caused huge devastation in Kashmir and Frontier Province and reconstruction of these areas would take years, he said. He said that people were shelterless and there is an urgent need of shelters for survivors, as in winter it would be difficult to pass life in open sky and tents.

He further said that government should consider duty free import of construction material on emergent basis.

He said that considering admission of more earthquake patients, a 150 bed hospital is being established with the collaboration of Jamal Ansari owner of Akbar Associates. The President Islamabad Chambers of Commerce and Industry said that this hospital would start working in next 24 hours.

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