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FPCCI seeks donations for Bagh-e-Quaid project

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has appealed to the members of the business community throughout the country to donate generously towards the development plan of Bagh-e-Quaid which is facing a shortfall of Rs. 35 million in its cost which was estimated at Rs. 250 million.

In a letter sent to all member bodies, members managing committee of FPCCI, life members and patron members, it has been pointed out that Pakistan army plans to complete the project on time at a total cost of Rs. 250 million and to meet the shortfall. A briefing was arranged at the headquarters Engineers 5 Corps on January 20, 2000 where a request was made for donations from the business community of Pakistan.

Although the FPCCI has assured full cooperation in meeting the shortfall, it was suggested to the Corps Commander that the donations should be exempted from income tax by the Central Board of Revenue (CBR). Further, the State Bank be asked to give permission to scheduled banks to accept donations. It was also suggested that the businessmen making donations should not be enquired about their source of income keeping in view the national importance of the project.

Following the briefing, Brigadier Asif Ghazali, of headquarters Engineers 5 Corps, in a letter sent to Anwarul Haque, Secretary General, FPCCI, expressed his appreciation on behalf of Corps Commander 5 Corps " for you and your federation " to spare precious moments for the briefing.

"The responses and gestures showed of love for Quaid-e-Azam and commitments made by the honourable members of the (FPCCI) have given us tremendous encouragement," he said and added that a whole hearted perusal at your end will definitely help in meeting the shortfalls and bring desired results.

ECNEC had approved an amount of Rs. 320.119 million for the development of Bagh-e-Quaid. The present works were contracted for Rs 284.156 millions only. Pak army plans to complete the project in Rs. 250 million approximately. This arrangement shall address the short-falls in the available funds to some extent besides ensuring quality assurance and transparency.

Though the provinces were directed by the federal government to meet the obligations but none obliged, requesting exemption due to paucity of funds. A total short-fall of about Rs 35 million shall still remain for which there is no funding plan.

Present economic constraints do not allow the government to furnish the amount required to meet the short-fall. However, the Corps Commander feels that if the people of Pakistan who love their Quaid, contribute then this short-fall can be met without much problems.

Initially the project was expected to take for two years. However the army now hopes to complete the project by December 25, 2000. An account in the name of Bagh-e-Quaid has been opened in Askari Bank Ltd. A/C No. 011650352-1, Clifton branch, Karachi, under headquarters 5 Corps (Pak Army) where donations could be deposited.