ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday appealed to the overseas Pakistanis to donate generously in ‘PM Relief Fund for COVID-19’ to cope with the global challenge of coronavirus pandemic as the country is faced with looming challenge of poverty.
In a video message, the Prime Minister said the entire world is struggling against the corona pandemic, which has led to the lockdowns. He said the lockdown has adversely affected the world economy, including Pakistan, resulting in growing poverty across the globe. He said, “In the wake of growing economic difficulties, we need more money in the relief fund so the overseas Pakistanis should come forward to contribute in this regard.”
Imran Khan said Pakistan could only collect Rs8 billion so far which is quite a little amount for the 220 million population.
On the other hand, the United States of America provided relief of $2,200 billion for its 300 million population, while Germany and Japan allocated over $1,000 billion each to fight the pandemic of coronavirus.
“It is therefore need of the hour that overseas Pakistanis play their part in mitigating the difficult situation the country is currently facing,” he said.
He mentioned that a dedicated website – http://covid.ophrd.gov.pk had been launched for smooth transfer of donations.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that with joint efforts, Pakistan would be able to fully overcome the challenge of COVID-19.
Imran Khan also expressed the confidence that with the help and cooperation of Pakistani youth, Corona Tiger Force, and overseas Pakistanis we will succeed in the jihad against coronavirus.
The website of Corona Relief Fund offers multiple options for donations including through credit, or debit cards and wire transfers to support needy families.
Meanwhile, while chairing a review meeting on the implementation of financial package announced by the government, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that top priority of the government amid coronavirus situation is to provide relief to weaker segment of society, particularly labourers, daily-wagers and people with humble background.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers including Syed Fakhar Imam, Hammad Azhar, Omar Ayub, Asad Umer, Finance Adviser Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Commerce Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood, Adviser on Institutional Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain, Special Assistant on Social Welfare Dr Sania Nishtar, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority Lt Gen Muhammad Afzal, the Managing Director Utility Stores Corporation and other senior officials.
The Finance Secretary gave an in-depth briefing on the so far progress on financial assistance worth Rs 1.2 trillion announced for different sectors.
The Managing Director Utility Stores briefed about the position of available stock of items and arrangements in view of the month of Ramazan.
The meeting was apprised that Rs 25 billion were immediately provided to NDMA for necessary arrangements against coronavirus including diagnosis and treatment of affected patients.
Fifty billion rupees were allocated for medical equipment and facility of doctors and paramedic staff. For tax relief on food and health, Rs 15 billion have been allocated, of which Rs 10 billion have been spent so far.
For relief of daily-wagers, an amount of Rs 200 billion has been allocated. For other weaker segments and shelter homes, Rs 150 billion have been disbursed already, of which Rs 6 billion are reserved for expansion of network of shelter homes.
For relief to consumers of petrol and diesel, Rs 70 billion have been allocated.
The public will benefit from Utility Stores, for which Rs 50 billion have been disbursed for sale of items on cheaper rates.
On relief in electricity and gas consumer bills, the government will provide a relief of Rs 100 billion. Exporters will also get a relief of Rs 100 billion.
Meanwhile, after formally launching the TeleSchool Channel, a joint project of Pakistan Television Corporation and Ministry of Professional and Technical Training, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the country is facing unprecedented situation in the wake of coronavirus and TeleSchool Channel will help children get education who are staying at home due to closure of schools.
The Prime Minister said this is a brilliant concept and it should continue even after the opening of schools as it will help children residing in rural areas learn.
Minister of Education Shafqat Mahmood apprised the Prime Minister that twenty million children are out of school and even many adult literates are also not able to read and write beyond their names. He suggested utilizing mobile phones for education and learning as well.
Meanwhile, the channel will be available on satellite, terrestrial and cable. The educational channel will beam programs from 8:00am to 5:00pm every day and will deliver contents from grades 1 to 12. – TLTP