ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed confidence that whole nation will work together to confront the threat posed by COVID-19.
He said this while inaugurating COVID-19 Telehealth Portal here on Wednesday. The Prime Minister said, “We have to live with this virus for some time until a vaccine is developed.” He said even advanced countries with much more resources are unable to cope with the situation.
“In this context, we are facing a bigger challenge as in past not adequate investments were made in Pakistan in the health sector,” he further said. However, the Prime Minister was of the view that COVID-19 situation is not so bad in Pakistan as compared with other countries.
Imran Khan said it is very important to register doctors, and especially lady doctors, to render their services through health portal. He said in Corona Relief Tiger Force, a large number of health professionals are also registered on voluntary basis to play their role.
The Prime Minister said doctor to people ratio that is less in the country could be improved through this initiative. He said it is hoped that volunteers registered with the service will play effective role in far flung areas of the country.
The Prime Minister congratulated the team of Digital Pakistan for realization of the project at a very critical time.
Earlier, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Digital Pakistan Tania Adrus gave detailed briefing to the Prime Minister on Telehealth Portal. She said citizens can contact any doctor through this free service.
Special Assistant on Health Dr Zafar Mirza said a safe environment will be provided to doctors and patients through this gateway. He said citizens can also ask questions and seek guidance from medical experts through this portal.
Separately, Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday termed Rs200 billion Sukuk raised through competitive bidding at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) a landmark financial innovation.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Landmark financial innovation with Rs 200 bn Sukuk issued through competitive book building at PSX.”
“Oversubscribed by 170%, reflecting a strong market confidence in our Govt’s policies. As a result government saved Rs18 billion – savings that can now be used for welfare of the people,” the Prime Minister tweeted.
Earlier, Adviser to PM on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said that the government raised Rs200 billion rupees through Sukuk at a comparatively lower rate of return of six-month Kibor minus 10 basis points through competitive book building at Pakistan Stock Exchange.
In a tweeter, the advisor said the move saved Rs18 billion over 10 years on debt servicing, adding that the transactions were oversubscribed by 70 per cent. The adviser lauded excellent team effort of Ministry of Finance Debt Office, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, State Bank of Pakistan and Pakistan Stock Exchange.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the government keeps federation supreme.
Talking to Advisor on Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan here on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is determined to strengthen and operationalize national institutions for which Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has a pivotal role.
The Prime Minister said positive response of the international community and investors on Sukuk bonds shows their trust in the government of Pakistan.
Dr Babar Awan presented a training plan of young parliamentarians to polish their capabilities for legislation so that they can play an effective role in lawmaking activities in the parliament. The Prime Minister appreciated the training plan for young parliamentarians in the field of legislation.
Meanwhile, Special Assistant on Youth Affairs Usman Dar called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday and presented him weekly report about Corona Relief Tiger Force.
The Prime Minister approved assigning the responsibility of handling affairs of 154,000 Tiger Force of Sindh to the provincial governor.
The Prime Minister was briefed that at present 1,15,000 Tigers are taking part in relief activities in the wake of Covid-19.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over performance of the Tiger Force.
Later, briefing media, Usman Dar said government has decided in principle to activate Tiger Force in Sindh. He said 154,000 volunteers of Tiger Force will be led by Sindh Governor Imran Ismail as the Sindh government has excused engaging them in the province.
The special assistant said initially these volunteers will perform their responsibilities to help people in observing precautionary measures at Ehsaas Emergency Cash disbursement centers and Utility Stores across Sindh. – TLTP
PM hopes nation to work together in fight against corona pandemic
