WMO President Salman Iqbal announces Rs500 crore loan for those affected by Gul Plaza incident

Salman Iqbal, the President and CEO of ARY and the President of the World Memon Organization (WMO), addressed the media and voiced his solidarity with the people affected by the Gul Plaza tragedy.

He stated that the tragedy of Gul Plaza is not just the concern of Karachiites, as the people of Karachi have always been the backbone of Pakistan.

Salman Iqbal added that Gul Plaza was a large commercial center from where products used to flow to Pakistan. Salman also emphasized that he met with a lot of women whose only source of living was earning money through their businesses at Gul Plaza.

“Many shopping malls as well as markets are dependent on the supplies they get from Gul Plaza. Of the 1,200 establishments that are functioning at the moment in the plaza, the total business estimated is around 1,200 to 1,300 crore rupees,” he added.

Salman Iqbal said that he had appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari to support the affected traders. He also assured the affectees that if they ever require help in reviving their business, he will be with them.

Announcing financial assistance, he urged the affected traders to take a Rs 500 crore loan, emphasizing that he used the word “loan” because the people of Karachi do not ask for charity.

He further stated that the closure of 1,200 shops has impacted nearly 60,000 people, causing widespread financial loss.