Collective response required to meet COVID-19

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Senator Shibli Faraz while talking to the journalists here at a Presser today, stated that  govt. would take along all the federating units to address the situation arising out of coronavirus.

Shibli Faraz noted that the nation was fighting an unprecedented challenge of Covid-19 and a collective retaliation was required to meet that.  Minister, while maintaining that the country could not afford a complete lockdown due to economic condition, pointed out that the government had given the concept of smart lockdown to protect the daily wagers and laborers from the impacts of Coronavirus.

Information Minister noted that there was now a greater realization including in Sindh of striking a balance in the lockdown and the economic activity. He claimed that incumbent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Govt. was the first  which had taken practical steps including that of Panagahs and Sehat Cards for the well-being and protection of the workers.

Senator Shibli Faraz said it was Prime Minister Imran Khan’s  empathy  for the workers and laborers that mega Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program was launched in the wake of coronavirus under which Rs. 12,000/head are being given to them. The Information Minister further said that industries such as construction had also been reopened to provide livelihood opportunities to the workers.

Focusing on the dilemma of Media Workers the Information Minister said a mechanism was being evolved to ensure the salary protection of media workers. Talking apropos the situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Information Minister said that government had effectively presented the lingering dispute at United Nations and other forums. Shibli Fraz said that Information Ministry would soon be equipped with modern requirements. He said our plan is to enhance its outreach to the protection of the national interests and image of the country.