Govt has lifted lockdown restriction on agriculture, contruction sector: PM

LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday expressed optimism that Pakistan will come out of corona pandemic situation successfully with the resolve and discipline of the nation.

Addressing the ceremony of ration distribution and relief fund at Governor House, the prime minister said COVID-19 pandemic is a test and difficult situation for the nation and people can overcome it through precautionary measures.

The prime minister said this situation is more difficult due to the fact that no one across the world has the experience to cope with it and even developed countries are struggling with the pandemic.

He said the US government gave a relief package of $2 trillion dollars to stimulate its economy in the wake of coronavirus outbreak but are still struggling. In comparison, he said the government has given a relief package worth $8 billion which is the largest history and will be further enhanced when more resources become available.

PM Imran Khan said the nation is facing the dual challenge of controlling the spread of coronavirus and increasing unemployment due to lockdown. He said fifty to sixty million people in the country live under the poverty line and are suffering due to lockdown.

He added that the government has lifted lockdown on construction and agricultural sectors in order to enable people to be gainfully employed and earn their livelihood.

He said transparency and merit will be strictly observed in distribution of cash among the needy persons, adding that the government is collecting comprehensive data in order to ensure the eligibility of people. The prime minister said Facebook page of the Ehsaas program will be launched next week, detailing the data of areas where people most need the rations.

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan visited a quarantine facility set up at Expo Centre in Lahore which has a capacity to treat about 1,000 persons. He visited different sections of the facility and was briefed by Punjab health minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid.

Later, addressing a ceremony of the Corona Relief Tiger Force in Lahore, the prime minister said the people will remember only those who serve their countrymen and we will emerge as a successful nation after this pandemic. He said the nation fully supports those who are standing with masses in this hour of need. He directed PTI MPAs and MNAs to remain active in their constituencies and help their people.

Earlier, speaking at the ceremony, Governor Punjab Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar said that Prime Minister Imran Khan gave a historic package for poor needy and deprived segments of society. He said that all patients are treated at Shaukat Khanam Memorial Cancer Hospital without any discrimination and the donated ration will be distributed transparently.