January 23, 2006	Monday	Zilhaj 22, 1426

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 22: Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has decided to set up a help desk with 24-hour helpline to facilitate relief and rehabilitation operations in the quake-hit areas of Azad Kashmir and NWFP. The announcement was made by ICCI President Abdul Rauf while talking to the representatives of different NGOs at a coordination meeting of the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) at chamber’s offices here on Sunday.

The ICCI president said through the help desk, around 3,000 business houses would extend support to the government and NGOs in prompt procurement of reconstruction material and services at fair prices.

Abdul Rauf said establishment of the help desk would be followed by launching of a website and holding of a reconstruction expo.

He acknowledged and appreciated the relentless rescue, relief and rehabilitation endeavours undertaken by the local and foreign NGOs under the ERRA umbrella.

He said the ICCI had contributed millions of rupees towards the President’s Relief Fund and supported establishment of rescue camps and hospitals in the quake devastated areas.

Speaking on the occasion, ERRA Chairman Lt-Gen Mohammad Zubair apprised the meeting of the authority’s commitment and efforts towards the relief and reconstruction initiatives.

He welcomed the views of various NGOs and emphasized regular coordination among all the stakeholders.

Pharma industry: The pharmaceutical industry should be given three years to comply with the World Trade Organization (WTO) regime.

These views were expressed by a delegation of pharma industry led by Nasir Qureshi in a meeting with the officials of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI).

According to a press release, ICCI President Abdul Rauf said officers in the health ministry did harass the local pharmaceutical industry on the issue of compliance to the WTO conditions.

The pharma companies cannot bring changes overnight as these required sufficient time, he said, adding that at least three years were required for this purpose.

The ICCI president appealed to Federal Minister of Health Nasir Khan to take notice of the attitude of ministry’s officers and instruct the latter to cooperate with the local pharmaceutical industry.

On the occasion, Nasir Qureshi said international pharma companies were providing 93 per cent medicines while Pakistani companies just seven per cent.