Khi tycoons vow big donations for flood-hit

KARACHI: Top business bodies and banks have expressed their deep concern over the colossal loss in flood affected areas of Sindh during the meeting with the President Asif Ali Zardari at Bilawal House here Friday and generously announced contributions for their relief and rehabilitation.

President Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Haji Ghulam Ali said that the apex body has prepared 30,000 ration packs worth Rs 140 million for flood-affected areas.

He said that these packets, carrying ration of one month for a family of seven members, were ready with FPCCI for distribution to affected areas. He said FPCCI has already contributed Rs 100 million for relief and rehabilitation work.

President Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), Naveed A Khan said the amount of donation from members for flood relief work has crossed Rs 200 million and this will go up with the passage of time.

Last year, OICCI contributed more than Rs 1 billion towards flood affectees. This year we are hoping to get better than last year, he added.

Business leader and former president Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Siraj Kassem Teli said Rs20 million has so far been mobilized and more is being collected for relief and
rehabilitation work.

He urged the President to stay in Karachi as motivating force to keep everybody moving for relief and rehabilitation work in inundated areas.

Chairman Hilal-e-Ahmer, Sardar Yasin Malik said that his organization has so far distributed 55,000 bags of ration among the flood victims and installed water purification plants in affected areas.

Managing director Pak Libya Holding Company, Kaml Uddin Khan also presented a cheque worth Rs 10 million to the President Asif Ali Zardari for flood affectees.

Chairman Pakistan Business Council, Asad Umer said that his Council has mobilized Rs 150 million for flood relief activities and will arrange one million meals for flood affectees.

Leading businessman and stock broker, Arif Habib has suggested the government to impose half a percent of sales tax to generate Rs 30 billion for flood victims. (APP)