LAHORE Oct 17: Federal Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan has said that business community can play a vital role in raising huge funds required for the rehabilitation of the quake-hit areas.

Addressing the members of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Monday, the minister said that huge funds were required for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of infrastructure that had almost been totally devastated in the affected areas.

He suggested that the LCCI should form a permanent fund-raising committee which should visit different markets and contact every trader/industrialist to solicit and collect donations.

“I am also ready to go with you, If you need my services just let me know, and I will come immediately,” he added.

He hoped that the same overwhelming spirit and zeal would be displayed during the second and perhaps more crucial phase of rebuilding of infrastructure and rehabilitation of the quake victims as was witnessed in the first phase.

“Though the business community have contributed generously towards relief efforts and are fully aware of the situation, I have decided to visit different chambers and trade associations to further motivate traders for more donations so that rehabilitation work is facilitated,” he observed.

The minister said that this was the most difficult time in the history of our country. “In this hour of trial, the nation has shown the same unity of purpose seen in the 1965 war. If this spirit continues, we can overcome all difficulties.”

At present it was difficult to comprehend and assess the full social implications of the catastrophe, but it was clear that we would have to move fast with full determination to rehabilitate the displaced people to minimize the impact of the tragedy, he added.

“A large number of children have been rendered homeless, many women have lost their husbands while many people have lost their whole families. Most of them are shelter-less, and we have the daunting task to provide them shelter. Huge funds are required for this work, and you can play an important role in this regard,” he told the business community.

“Pakistan has given us all a lot, during the past some years you have earned good profits, now Pakistan needs your help, and you should respond with generous donations,” the minister said.

LCCI vice-president Aftab Ahmed Vohra in his welcome address said that the chamber members had already made contributions in cash and kind, and were ready to do much more to help their brethren in distress.

He informed the minister that the LCCI had arranged the purchase of blankets from India and over 40,000 blankets would reach Pakistan on Tuesday.

He assured every help from the business community and said that a committee, as suggested by the minister, would also be set up to contact traders for seeking donations.

Some of the LCCI members suggested duty-free import of all material required for relief and rehabilitation. They said that galvanized sheets should be used for providing shelter in the affected areas, which could later be used for construction of schools and hospitals.

Recommending that the government look into the option of using high-tech, lightweight and inexpensive housing material for providing shelter to people in the affected areas, they offered their full assistance in this regard.—APP