Altaf demands setting up fund for fire-hit shopkeepers

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain on Wednesday called upon the City District Government Karachi (CDGK), to establish a special fund for shopkeepers, whose shops were gutted in the aftermath of blast in Ashura procession near Light House at MA Jinnah Road on Monday.

This he said during telephonic conversations with Nazim Karachi Syed Mustafa Kamal and Naib Nazim Mrs. Nasreen Jaleel, said a statement issued by MQM here.

Altaf Hussain termed the fire at markets in the aftermath of blast in mourning procession on Monday as a planned conspiracy.

He advised the Nazim and Naib Nazim Karachi that a special fund be set up by the CDGK and a separate account be also opened in this regard. He appealed to the philanthropists to donate in the proposed fund so that the affected shopkeepers be provided maximum possible assistance.

He also reiterated his demand of 50 per cent of the total loss of affected shopkeepers be paid to them immediately, while the remaining 50 per cent be provided to them in the shape of long-term loans.