ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday that the Pakistanis have always fought unitedly in a difficult time and the nation will also win the war against the coronavirus pandemic, ARY News reported.
PM Imran Khan made the statement while participating in ARY Digital Network’s telethon to collect donations for PM’s Relief Fund to fight COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan.
Imran Khan reiterated that the federal government announced the country’s biggest-ever $8 billion worth relief package for the nationals to fight the pandemic.
PM Imran Khan said it is not finalised how to utilise the dam funds to contain coronavirus pandemic. He added that dams are also important for the nation.
“We have to witness how long this war against coronavirus will continue. This nation fights unitedly whenever a crisis hits the country. Coronavirus makes no difference between a rich and poor person after we saw the situation of Europe and the United States (US) due to the pandemic.”
“I want to tell the nation regarding the importance of the Corona Relief Fund. We have delivered Pakistan’s biggest-ever relief package worth $8 billion in accordance to our available resources. US government had announced $2200 billion package amid COVID-19 crisis.”
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“Pakistan has faced a severe economic crisis, however, the number of persons is in majority in Pakistan which donate money for welfare tasks. Our young population is on the second number around the world.”
“At this time, the government has shortage of resources and the authorities have to provide relief after collecting donations to the deserving people facing difficulties due to lockdown. The daily wagers are now unemployed and businesses are at a halt. These people need our support.”
The premier said, “The population of China’s Wuhan was 10 million and the Chinese government had provided ration to its nationals at their home. We also have to provide food to the nationals after restricting them inside their houses and without finalising such measures, lockdown will not produce any good result.”
Imran Khan announced that the federal government will transfer case worth Rs150 billion to the deserving people through the database of Ehsaas programme. He detailed that 12 million families are currently registered with the programme, whereas, at least 80 to 100 million people will be affected with the lockdown.
“The government is forming Corona Relief Tiger Force to spot needy people to cover the remaining 80 to 100 million people from the funds.”
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When questioned regarding the proper utilisation and immediate results after collecting the funds, PM Khan replied, “I think, I am the biggest fundraiser in the history of Pakistan who collected donations for constructing Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital. Later, I collected funds to run the hospital after its construction was completed. After this, Namal University and two more cancer hospitals had been established in the country.”
“Former chief justice raised funds for constructing dams and the donations were preserved and unspent. I can collect funds earlier but the government prefers to finalise preparation to cope with the impacts of the pandemic.”
“Relief funds will be spent on those lost their jobs due to coroanvirus and the people who are not registered with the government’s programme.”
“In America and Europe, all labourers are registered and possessed social security. Whereas, 80 per cent labourers are not registered in Pakistan. The services of Tiger Force will be utilised to spot such people.”
Commenting over the transparency in spendings, PM Khan said the government will record all expenditures under the relief funds by using all modern techniques.
The premier also appealed showbiz industry to help the nationals as it is the time to raise their voice and fame to fight COVID-19.
PM also announced to launch Facebook page of Ehsaas programe that will be used to dispatch ration to the areas facing difficulties. The social media page will also guide welfare institutions and social workers for relief activities.
During the telethon, various prominent personalities, businesspersons, celebrities and others announced donations of millions of rupees for the PM’s Relief Fund.
