The Eid ul Azha gives us the message of sacrifice and business community should not forget the Balochistan earthquake victims as well as other minorities who suffered casualties during recent unfortunate incidents. This was said by Shaban Khalid, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry in his statement on the eve of Eid ul Azha.
 

He said more than 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Awaran and Kech districts of Balochistan has caused around 376 casualties affecting the lives of about 200,000 people.  It is right time that businessmen and other well-to-do people should come forward to take care of the needs of affected families while celebrating Eid ul Azha. They should contribute food, especially sacrificial meat, basic emergency shelter, health care and essential non-food items to the affectees to minimize their miseries.
 

Shaban Khalid said at this Eid festival, we should also remember the victims of Christian community who lost their lives during the double suicide bombing at All Saints Church Peshawar as well as all those people who suffered due to the activities of anti-social elements. 
 

He said due to unsatisfactory law and order situation and security problems, the economy of Pakistan is facing many challenges and we need a peaceful environment to attract investment, promote business activities and exports. Therefore, we should discourage all those elements who are promoting hate, violence and extremism to weaken the foundations of the country. 
 

He also called upon the government to ensure security to vulnerable religious minorities during Eid festival. He said it is high time that that every person of society should rise above the petty fights and contribute to building consensus and unity in the nation. The nation should also rise above cast, creed and sectarian differences and stand united to confront the economic and other challenges being faced by the country.