Karachi: Irfan Iqbal Sheikh President FPCCI has applauded Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI)’ flood relief campaign aimed at providing emergency sustenance and assistance to flood affectees of historically unprecedented floods in Balochistan. 

:I thank QCCI, on behalf of entire business, industry and trade community of Pakistan for working tirelessly 24/7 to reach as many affected families as possible. He paid tributes to exemplary leadership role of Fida Hussain Dashti, President QCCI for his meticulous and swift launch of relief efforts. 

He acknowledged patronage of relief campaign by prominent business leaders of Quetta Ghulam Farooq, Haji Juma Khan and Wali Khan and entire business community of Quetta for their selfless efforts in flood relief campaign under umbrella of QCCI. 

Mian Anjum Nisar, former President FPCCI apprised that QCCI is providing a number of essential goods to flood affectees including, but not limited to water-proof tents, linen sheets, clean drinking water, dry eatables, e.g. roasted black channa, dates and biscuits, packaged milk and juices, formula milk powder for children of various ages, stitched or ready-to-wear clothes, plastic shoes, sanitary pads, raw food items such as rice, flour and lentils for people stuck in homes due to flooding outside,; medical supplies for elderly, sick, mothers and children and dry fodder for cattle as well. 

Senator Haji Ghulam Ali, former President FPCCI explained that business community is also cooperating with government and Armed Forces to synergise relief efforts for maximum affect.

He asked for protecting SMEs in these times of crisis as these are real engine of economic growth and employment generation.  Mian Nasser Hyatt Maggo, former President FPCCI maintained that QCCI has made us all proud and have saved many lives through provision of much needed sustenance goods and cash handouts as well. 

Suleman Chawla, SVP FPCCI has extended his full support from platform of FPCCI to QCCI to facilitate their effective and substantial efforts and endeavours. We should all come together to save and rehabilitate as many lives and families as possible.  Irfan Iqbal has proposed five-point agenda to protect economy from further damage- government should negotiate restructuring of external debts with IMF, World Bank, ADB, IDB, Paris Club and friendly countries, detailed damage assessment should start immediately at every district, tehsil and village level, electricity bills of businesses affected by floods should be waived for 3 months, natural rainwater passages and canals should be restored to their natural shapes before monsoon season of next year and comprehensive plan to rehabilitate internally displaced people should be put in place with a deadline of 6 months along with regular provision of food and medical facilities throughout interim period. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 21 2022

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