lahore
The Anarkali Bazaar and its other more than 30 adjacent small markets and trade centres remain shut on Tuesday to mourn the fire incident which left around 13 people dead on Monday. All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran general secretary Naeem Mir, while expressing grave concern over loss of precious lives in Anarkali fire incident, has demanded of the government to dismiss LESCO Chief, beside taking strict action against City District Govt agencies for approving map of this building and against those who constructed this plaza violating the building bylaws to avoid future mishaps.
He said that the huge destruction and loss of precious lives could have been averted if the concerned government departments as well the traders’ community had performed their duties properly and ensured implementation of rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressing concern over loss of billions of rupees and precious lives in repeated fire incidents at Karachi and Lahore, demanding the government to ensure installation of Fire Hydrants at the market places which are inaccessible for fire tenders to avoid future mishaps.
LCCI President Ijaz A. Mumtaz said that despite various fire incidents took place in the country during last one decade, no concrete measures had been taken.
He said that although it is the government’s task to put Hydrants in inaccessible market places but in case of financial constraints at government 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.  LCCI President said that the fire in Karachi Timber Market and Lahore Anarkali has exposed the weaknesses in the system and there is an urgent need to rectify them on emergent basis.
Progressive Group expressing deep sense of sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives and property in Anarkali and Karachi fire incidents has urged the government to refrain from offering lip services like past and form an effective committee which could pinpoint the causes of such incidents and suggest measures for prevention in future.
Progressive Group President Khalid Usman and Secretary Information Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer said that the government should not sit satisfied after forming an investigation committee and put recommendations by it in to cold storage. He said to prevent such incidents is very essential, which not only cause loss to property, disrupt trade activities in that area for a certain period but also causes loss of precious lives.