Islamabad: Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Monday announced that a cell has been established at the PM Office to determine the upward or downward trajectory of the coronavirus pandemic’s spread in the country during the next week — a news source reported. As per the publication, the government will formulate its future plans once the final report in this regard has been prepared.
The PM — during his address to the nation — warned that
individuals found to be hoarding food items or raising their prices
exorbitantly would have to face severe punishment. He added that there was
sufficient food in the country including wheat, rice, pulses, and grains.
The premier further announced that the State Bank of Pakistan would be extending soft loans to the industries, so that they are not compelled to lay off their workers — allowing them to continue to pay their employees monthly salaries.
During the same address, PM Khan also announced the launch
of the Corona Relief Tigers (CRT) and the Corona Relief Fund. Reportedly, the CRT
are expected to provide food items at the doorsteps of impoverished households during
the times when their neighbourhoods are on lockdown.
On the other hand, the Corona Relief Fund is aimed at the
philanthropists and overseas Pakistanis — imploring them to send their
donations to the fund. The PM announced that those who deposit money in the
fund will be given tax relief, even as they help the government assist in
providing relief to nearly 15 million impoverished people.
