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News

PM announces Rs200b for labourers, cuts POL prices by Rs15 per litre

March 24, 2020 06:10 PM


In a stimulus package designed for various sectors, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday announced Rs15 per litre reduction in the price of petrol, diesel and kerosene, besides financial support to the poor families and industries amid the coronavirus pandemic.

He said the steps taken out of the fear of coronavirus were more dangerous than the virus itself. There had been much talk as if the country would be destroyed if lockdown wasn’t imposed, the prime minister remarked.

Addressing a press talk attended by famous anchors and journalists, the prime minister announced Rs200 billion for labourers, saying the Centre was in talk with the businesses and provinces to expand the package through their role.

Imran said the exporters and industries will get Rs100 billion as well as deferring the payment of principal amount and interests on their loans.

He said the poor families [daily wagers and others] will get Rs3,000 per month for four months through an allocated amount of Rs150 billion.

The prime minister also mentioned funding for other categories, including Rs50 billion for the Utilities Stores of Pakistan, Rs280 billion for wheat procurement and collection of bills in instalments for those consuming 300 units or less of electricity as well as the gas consumers with the bills of up to Rs2,000 bill.

Meanwhile, Rs100 billion are reserved for small and medium industries/ agriculture which will also get loans on concessional rates. It also aims at reducing the input cost for farmers.

The government has also allocated Rs50 billion for the doctors and medical staff, while another Rs100 billion for emergency purposes.

On the other hand, taxes on different food items have either been abolished or slashed.

Expressing his reservations over lockdown, the prime minister said taking decisions for the elite, instead of the poor, had been a routine in the country.

He said the curfew was the last stage of lockdown which had devastating consequences for the ordinary people. The provinces are free to take decisions after the 18th Amendment, the prime minister added.

Imran, however, warned that it wasn’t a T20 match and the pandemic could last for six months.

Although the rate of new cases and deaths is on a decline in Italy for the last three days, Imran claimed that the lockdown had no effect in that country.

He refused to answer a question about media and the arrest of Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman – owner and editor-in-chief of Geo/Jang Group, saying the press talk was meant for the coronavirus only.

When asked about the high-interest rate and its effects on the domestic economy as well the logic behind maintaining this level, Imran said they were keeping an eye on the issue, but added that it was a multidimensional issue.

About the ultimate decision-making authority in the country, Imran said no decision was taken without his approval and he was responsible for everything.

Answering a question, NDMA Chairman Lt-Gen Muhammad Afzal said they were facing serious problems in getting supplies from abroad with China being the only available source.



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