KARACHI: Nazim Karachi Syed Mustafa Kamal Wednesday announced the establishment of a special fund for the rehabilitation of businessmen and traders affected by acts of arson at M A Jinnah road.

He appealed that in order to compensate the losses of affectees, 50 per cent of the fund be provided by the federal and provincial governments while they should be given 50 per cent interest-free loans so that they are rehabilitated to their original position.

Addressing a press conference at Civic Center, Mustafa Kamal said the fund is being setup on the directive of MQM chief Altaf Hussain with Account No 31618-0 at Habib Bank KMC Branch.

On the occasion he fervently appealed to philanthropists and citizens to contribute to the fund so that rehabilitation work of affectees could be started without any delay.

He said this amount will reach the affectees through the representatives of chambers of commerce while consultations will also be held with business associations.

To a question, Mustafa Kamal said it is difficult to assess the extent of losses caused by the fire; however, he said the city government had started a survey.—APP