Expressing grave concern over loss of billions of rupees and precious lives in repeated fire incidents in Karachi and Lahore, the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has demanded of the government to ensure installation of Fire Hydrants at the market places to avoid future mishaps.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, LCCI President Ijaz A Mumtaz said that despite repeated fire accidents in different areas of the country during last one decade, no precautionary measures had been taken to avoid such incidents.
He said that although it is the government’s task to install hydrants in markets and public places but in case of financial constraints at governmental level, the private sector should also contribute.
He asked the government to announce compensation for the businessmen who have suffered huge losses and also urged the private sector to get fire insurance on their own.
The LCCI president said that the fire in Karachi Timber Market and Lahore New Anarkali has exposed the weaknesses in the system and there is an urgent need to adopt precautionary measures.
He said that the massive devastation caused by the huge fire could have been averted if the government departments concerned had performed their duties properly and ensured implementation of rules and regulations.
Ijaz A Mumtaz said that Lahore and Karachi had attained the status of commercial hubs of the country but due attention had not been given to up-gradation of fire-fighting equipment to control the situation in case of any such untoward incident.
He said that on a number of occasions in the past, the LCCI had invited the attention of authorities concerned towards poor condition of fire-fighting equipment but to no avail.
He also stressed the need to launch awareness campaign to avoid fire incidents at business places causing heavy financial losses to the business community.
The LCCI president urged the government to look into the matter and issue necessary directions to this regard.
