ICCI asks cement manufacturers to reduce prices to help quake-hit areas

The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has called on Pakistan's cement manufacturers to reduce the price of cement to benefit the millions of people whose homes were damaged after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit the Pak-Afghan region earlier this week.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Water and Power says early reports indicate the country’s dams and hydropower installations are safe and secure . However, houses and others infrastructure have reportedly been damaged in northern area. The government is now undertaking rescue and relief efforts as well as measures to control damage caused by the massive quake.

Atif Ikram Sheikh, president of the ICCI said that coal prices have been reduced  20 per cent and has reduced the cost of doing business for industries using coal. He said that price of cement must be reduced to aid those who want to repair or reconstruct their homes as international coal prices will come down soon.