Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar has said a cash grant of Rs12,000 each will be given to deserving families affected by coronavirus next month.

Speaking on a Radio Pakistan programme on Thursday, Dr Sania said this cash programme was part of the relief package announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Stressing the need for national solidarity to fight coronavirus, she said this solidarity was not restricted to politicians; people need to act responsibly and adopt precautionary measures to steer the country out of this crisis.

The special assistant to PM said that people, including those in rural areas, should avoid gatherings and practice social distancing. She said the government was making arrangements to ensure adequate supply of essential food items, including wheat flour, to the market. People should not be worried about availability of essential items, she added.