ISLAMABAD, Oct 24: The cabinet committee on fund-raising from business community for earthquake relief has so far received Rs7.1 billion from 222 business groups.

Federal Minister for Privatisation and Investment Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh who is chairman of the committee in a statement on Monday said that as on October 24, Rs5,271.27 million had been raised for the President’s relief fund, Rs136.20 million for other relief funds and Rs1,671.13 million contributions in kind. The minister urged the donors to indicate the worth of goods at the time of their handing over which was essential to compare the remaining requirements.

Dr Shaikh appealed to the remaining business groups not to make delay in their contributions as the advent of winter was a big threat for the victims, particularly for the children and the old age persons.

He further stated that most of the companies, which have earlier made contributions, have further increased the value of their donations.