The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) Sunday urged the government for conducting a thorough judicial probe into the unfortunate fire and demolition of Gakkhar Plaza and announce compensation for the families of the affected people.
In an exclusive talk with the APP, President, PEW Dr Murtaza said these steps would improve the image of the government among the masses, especially the business community.
"Apart from the architect, Construction Company and the owner of the plaza, different concerned departments and regulators are also responsible for the tragedy. All important departments prefer to sleep until a wake-up call was given which is usually at the cost of masses," he said. "The trading community seeks government's help and immediate establishment of a support fund on self-help basis to help them cope with calamities and emergencies in an effective way," he said.
He said shopkeepers and industrialists across the country have arranged private security guards to defend their life and property. They should also raise fund for emergencies, he opined.
"Different associations, unions and business chambers that are supposed to safeguard interests of members collect fees from shopkeepers and use it for personal projection. Many business leaders use the finances for enhancing contacts with influentials". "These bodies are left with no funds when needed and leaders find themselves confined to announcements and promises only," he said. This trend will continue until common traders come up with demand for audit of the accounts and ask leaders to stop using their money for personal gains.