PM gives clarion call: Expats asked to donate generously to Covid Fund

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again made a clarion call to the overseas Pakistanis asking them to loosen their purse-strings and contribute generously to the PM’s Covid Relief Fund enabling the motherland to fight off the killer disease.

In a tweet on Monday, he said, “Overseas Pakistanis have always been Pakistan’s source of strength. I would like all overseas Pakistanis to once again help Pak during this critical time of COVID 19 pandemic by donating generously to PM’s Covid Relief Fund at covid.ophrd.gov.pk.”

Meanwhile, chairing a meeting here, which reviewed implementation of the economic stimulus package announced by the government to support economy and economic activities in the country in wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the prime minister said provision of relief to the weaker segments of the society, especially labour and daily-wagers and common people, was a top priority of the government.

The meeting was informed that the government had announced a stimulus package of Rs1.2 trillion to support various sectors in view of an evolving situation due to the coronavirus and its repercussions.

The forum was told that Rs25 billion had immediately been released to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) for prevention of coronavirus, diagnosis and treatment of the corona-affected people, whereas Rs50 billion had been allocated for procurement of medical equipment and provision of facilities to the medical staff.

Moreover, Rs15 billion was allocated for rebate in taxes on food items and goods relating to health sector and of this amount Rs10 billion had so far been spent.

The meeting was briefed that Rs200 billion was allocated for provision of relief to daily wagers, while Rs150 billion was meant for the weaker segments and shelter homes and this amount had already been released.

Additionally, Rs6 billion had been provided to expand the network of shelter homes. The meeting was informed that Rs70 billion had been kept for providing relief to the common people on account of petrol and diesel, while Rs50 billion was reserved for provision of essential items to the people at subsided rates from the Utility Stores.

The government is providing Rs100 billion as relief on electricity and gas bills, while Rs100 billion has been earmarked for provision of relief to exporters. Managing Director Utility Stores Corporation (USC) gave a detailed briefing about the stock position at the stores, increase in sale, and preparation for the upcoming holy month of Ramazan. TeleSchool Channel formally launched:

Meanwhile, formally launching the TeleSchool Channel — a joint project of the Ministry of Education and Pakistan Television — the prime minister said none could predict how long the coronavirus pandemic would persist, keeping in view the prevailing situation.

He said the country was facing an unprecedented situation in the wake of coronavirus and this initiative would help children get education, who were staying at home due to closure of schools.

He said TeleSchool was a brilliant concept and it should continue even after the opening of schools, as it would help children residing in rural areas to learn while already a vast majority of children in Pakistan were out of school. The prime minister also said the initiative would be very productive, particularly the far-flung areas, where no schooling infrastructure existed.

Moreover, he said, the initiative would be handy in areas like Mianwali, where the standard of education was not so good.

He said the concept would be also helpful to the adults, who were desirous of education. He emphasized improved health and education sectors were the way forward.

Minister of Education Shafqat Mahmood said some 20 million children were out of school and even many adult literates were also not able to read and write beyond their names.

He suggested utilizing mobile phones for education and learning as well. He said the support of prime minister would be required.

The channel will be available on satellite, terrestrial and cable. The educational channel will beam programs from 8am to 5pm every day and will deliver content from grades 1 to 12.