Daily Times

Sir: This is with reference to your editorial Karachi attack (Daily Times December 30, 2009). This is of course a great tragedy, and perhaps the financial loss is greater than what the people suffered during the two major wars with India. Those who lost their goods and shops will naturally demand compensation from the government. However, to obviate exaggerated and fictitious demands, which are bound to arise, knowing the greed which humans are prone to, all claims should be examined in great detail before payment. One way of doing this, of course, is to ask the claimants to prove the veracity of their losses. In the case of property, it is easy to ascertain the value. But to determine the value of goods lost through arson, the income tax and wealth statements of the claimants will need to be studied. Of course those who had insured their properties and goods against theft and arson will be relatively better off. But knowing the nature of our people, we can be sure that the number of victims who had insurance policies will be very small. In any case, compensation should be paid to small businessmen and facilities provided to them elsewhere to restart their businesses. The government should also immediately make plans to shift the chemical, paper, plastic and oil godowns to the outskirts of the city.

SHAKIR LAKHANI
Karachi