ISLAMABAD, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday unveiled a relief package to provide financial support to different economic sectors and laborers being affected by COVID-19.
Talking to the media in Islamabad, Khan said 200 billion rupees have been allocated for the laborers, who have been hit due to lockdown in provinces and restrictions on the movement and business in the country.
He also announced release of tax refunds amounting to 100 billion rupees to help the industrial sector and the export sector.
A total of 100 billion rupees will be given to the small and medium industry and agriculture sector with deferred interest payment, Khan said, adding concessional loan would be extended to the sectors.
Another 50 billion rupees were announced for the government-run Utility Stores to provide essential items of daily use to the people on reduced rates than the market prices.
Khan said the vulnerable families, affected by the pandemic, will get 3,000 rupees per month for a period of four months and 150 billion rupees have been allocated for this purpose.
A 50-billion-rupee package will be given to the medical staff for necessary supplies while the National Disaster Management Authority of Pakistan would receive 25 billion rupees for the purchase and procuring of safety kits and other equipment to face the challenge of the coronavirus.
Khan also announced complete cut of taxes and reduction in process on edible items like cooking oil, ghee and pulses to lower the prices of kitchen items to facilitate common people. Huge incentives will also be announced for the construction industry in a few days.
He refused to declare a complete lockdown of the country and argued that Pakistan cannot afford a complete lockdown with the imposition of curfew.
"The situation in Pakistan is not too bad to go for the lockdown and this would be the last option," the prime minister said, adding the government would review the situation after a few weeks.
Replying to a question, he said the economic situation had been improving in the country as the macroeconomic indicators witnessed rising, but the COVID-19 outbreak has hit the economy.
"I appeal to the people to refrain from overreacting, as wrong decisions taken out of fear can be more disastrous than the coronavirus itself," Khan said.
According to the data released on the official website of the health ministry of Pakistan on Tuesday, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has surpassed 900 in the country. (1 U.S. dollar = 158.72 Rupees)
