Government to pay adequate compensation to the victim families of Anarkali Fire case:Liaqat Baloch

Lahore: Secretary General, Jamaat e Islami, Liaqat Baloch, has said that the recurring tragedies in the countries were an indication that Allah Almighty was angry with the Pakistani nation therefore it was time that the people as well as the rulers realized their misdeeds, begged for His mercy and changed their way of life. He was talking to the media after visiting the plaza in Anarkali Bazar that was gutted in fire on Monday causing over a dozen deaths.

The JI central leader said that timber worth billions of rupees was gutted due to a devastating fire in Karachi on the previous day while as many as 13 people were burnt alive in the Anarkali fire tragedy the same day. He said that unfortunately, such tragedies did not have any impact on the ruling junta or their governance. Deputy Secretary General, JI, Dr Farid Ahmed Piracha and other JI leaders accompanied him.

Liaqat Baloch held the government and concerned authorities responsible for the tragedy, and pointed out that there were clear bylaws for buildings besides the decisions of the Building Bylaws Commission headed by Justice rtd Khalilur Rehman Ramday. However, he said, these bylaws were being violated under the nose of the government, the district administration and the official machinery because of corruption, nepotism and inefficiency. Thus, there was absolutely no security of the life and property of the citizens.

He said it was common practice to set up enquiry committees after such incidents but the reports of such committee had never seen the light of the day, nor any punitive measure had even been taken against any official found responsible for such mishaps.

Liaqat Baloch noted that the wires transmitting electricity were hanging all around in the markets and streets while the wiring of electricity in buildings was also substandard and was the main cause of short-circuiting.  He impressed upon the government to pay adequate compensation to the families of those who lost their lives in the fire, make a fool proof system of electricity supply in the city, and ensure strict compliance of the Building bylaws.