The business community of Sialkot has vowed to fulfil its social obligation and is using all resources for the rehabilitation of the quake victims of the country, said president Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) Dr Nouman Idris Butt.
Addressing a news conference here on Friday evening he disclosed that 500 houses would be constructed. Each house would consist of one room, washroom and kitchen in the quake-stricken areas and each house would cost Rs 20000.
In addition to this, schools and mosques would be constructed in quake-hit areas. Dr Nouman said and revealed that ration is being provided to 5000 families twice a month in the affected areas and this facility would be provided for six months.
He said: "As many as 1000 tool kits have been provided while 18,000 sheets are being distributed among the earthquake victims."
Speaking on the occasion, SCCI relief co-ordinator Qaiser Iqbal Baryar said that so far 105 trucks loaded with essential articles had been dispatched to the quake-hit areas by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry amounting to Rs 0.5 million. Apart from this, 21,000 families are being provided food and other articles of daily use in the affected areas.
Qaiser Baryar further disclosed that 2000 tents and 1500 leather jackets have also been sent to the quake-hit areas for providing shelter to the victims.
The business community of this export-oriented city has also planned to establish a 200-bed hospital having the facility of operation theatre in Balakot. The step has been taken for providing immediate and timely medical treatment facilities to the quake-hit people of Balakot and its adjoining areas.
On this occasion, president Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr Nouman Idris Butt, chairman Pakistan Gloves Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Dr Shumail Saeed Barlas and Qaiser Iqbal Baryar appealed to the business community of Sialkot to donate generously for fulfilling the needs and requirements of the quake-hit people of the country.