ISLAMABAD: The prime minister visited an Ehsaas cash distribution site set up at the Pakistan Sports Complex and met with the first batch of job-loss/livelihood-loss affectees, who received the emergency cash assistance of Rs12,000 each through the system.
On the occasion, he inquired from different people about the financial impacts in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic. A number of affectees apprised him about their issues and expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the financial support through the cash programme.
The Prime Minister said the government took various decisions for keeping continuity in the economical activities and had opened different sectors.
Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar, PM’s Special Assistant on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar and other senior officials also accompanied the Prime Minister.
Dr Sania Nishtar briefed the Prime Minister about the whole process. She told the first batch of beneficiaries that the country was passing through difficult times and assured the government’s support to the vulnerable segments of society. Nishtar also urged people to adopt precautionary measures.
According to details, the donations under the PM Corona Fund are being utilised for the Ehsaas Emergency Cash to the deserving affectees. An Ehsaas Emergency Cash of Rs12,000 is being given to each individual.
Till today, as many as 3.4 million applications had been received via Ehsaas Labour Portal since the prime minister launched it on May 2.
More than Rs 3 billion have been mobilized so far in the PM’s COVID-19 Fund and the pledges continue to be realized. The Prime Minister had committed that for each rupee donated by the donors, four rupees would be committed by the government.
In the interest of transparency, details about the disbursement and withdrawal will be made public.
Abdul Razzaq, an affected driver of Bara Kahu, told APP that he was jobless for more than two months and expressed his gratitude to the government for the financial support.
Shahida, an affectee female tailor from Rawalpindi, also expressed her satisfaction over the cash support and praised the prime minister for the initiative.
On Saturday, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had approved a Rs75bn emergency cash assistance package for labourers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, under which they will be provided Rs12,000 a month.
The prime minister had on May 3 announced that funds collected through the PM’s COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Assistance Fund 2020 will be used to assist labourers whose livelihood has been affected due to the lockdown and its impact on the economy.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the government has to maintain a balance between economic activities and preventive measures against coronavirus pandemic.
The Prime Minister said this while talking to President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Mian Anjum Nisar and Vice Presidents Dr Muhammad Arshad and Qaisar Khan Daudzai here on Monday.
The Prime Minister said the government has allowed industries to continue work; however, industrialists should ensure implementation of preventive measures against coronavirus. He asked the FPCCI office-bearers to ensure implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
The president FPCCI presented a cheque of Rs20 million for Corona Relief Fund to the Prime Minister.
The delegations apprised the PM of the positive results of the government’s impetus package and also suggested some means to further boost the industrial sector on the line of construction industry package. Qaisar Khan highlighted the issues related to industry in KP and newly merged tribal districts. The Prime Minister welcomed the suggestions.
Separately, Prime Minister Imran Khan formally launched Ehsaas Emergency Cash program for those rendered jobless due to coronavirus.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has relieved Dr Tanveer Ahmed Qureshi of his duties as Health Secretary and directed him to report to the Establishment Division.
Amir Ashraf Khawaja has been appointed Health Secretary in place of Dr Tanveer Ahmed Qureshi. Amir Ashraf Khawaja was an OSD officer of grade 22 in Establishment Division.
The Establishment Division has issued notification of the aforementioned transfers and appointments. Moreover, a notification has been issued appointing Tariq ul Huda Shah as Member Customs Operations Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). TLTP, NNI