ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has reiterated that the federal government was taking all possible steps to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The statement came during a meeting with Punjab’s Minister for Industries Mian Aslam in Islamabad today (Thursday).
PM Imran further said that the government was also cognizant of the difficulties faced by the low-income groups including laborers and workers due to the lockdown.
The Prime Minister also said that the government has shared comprehensive SOPs with the provinces for the industries in order to ensure the protection of the workforce.
PM Imran also directed the provincial minister to stay in contact with the business community to ensure the implementation of these SOPs.
Minister for National Food Security Syed Fakhar Imam also called Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad today (Thursday).
During the meeting, PM Imran Khan said that the government was committed to effective checking of smuggling of wheat and other edible items.
The Prime Minister said that an ordinance was being introduced to control hoarding and smuggling so that strict law could be enforced against the people involved in such activities.
He also directed the Food Security Minister to monitor demand and supply of the essential commodities so that shortage of food does not take place in any part of the country.
Commenting on agriculture, PM Imran said that the agriculture sector was ignored in the past, adding that the federal government was taking assistance from China in order to promote the modern techniques in agriculture.