CRTF to support people in affected areas during lockdown: PM

PM announces relief package, youth force, public fund to fight COVID-19

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the Corona Relief Tiger Force (CRTF) will provide all possible support to the Coronavirus affected people in areas with Pakistan army.

Addressing the national at Pakistan Television here on Monday, he said, “the nations cannot defeat the pandemic from money, hospitals, and other medical resources, as American and many other super power  countries are facing same challenges but they are unable to control it.” He said we have allocated $8 million to fight with this pandemic, while America has allocated $2,000 billion.

He said that we have to fight this pandemic with Emaan (Faith) and inshallah our young Tiger Force will defeat it with the help of Pakistan Army.

He said that we cannot say what would be the result of this fight, but we cannot order for lockdown of cities as our 25 per cent population are living below the poverty line.

If the coronavirus affect our cities or areas, the Tiger Force will provide foods and other facilities like medicines etc. to the people during the lockdown of the areas. He said this virus is not dangerous disease as the people are propagating. He said only 4 to 5 per cent affected people have to shift hospitals for medical treatment while young people can easily survive at their home and they can recover from it.

In a message to the nation over the outbreak, PM Khan said it won’t make a difference to the poor people of the country if there is a lockdown or not if they are not getting any food. He emphasized that Pakistan, like other countries, cannot afford a lockdown.

PM Khan said the coronavirus doesn’t discriminate between the rich and poor. “How will a poor man eat in a lockdown? Will we be able to get food to their homes?” he asked, giving comparisons of developed nations like China and the UK.

We are analyzing all the situation regarding this Covid-19 Pandemic in Pakistan and inshallah we will overcome it through unity and facilities to the affected people at the doorstep.

The Prime Minister also announced Coronavirus Relief Fund Account in National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), and asked people to deposit their donations in this account. He further said no body will ask about their source of income and those who would donate in this account would be given tax incentives and tax exemptions.

He further claimed that we are also working with State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to support those businessmen and business groups, who are supporting this government in this critical time and supporting their employees. He said the SBP will provide those businessmen and groups low-markup loans to support their businesses.

He further claimed that under the Ehsaas programme, we will manage all donations with the coordination of Tiger Force and will spend this money where it is needed. The government will provide foods, medicines and other in those areas where it needed.  He asked the people, including those who donate money, to unite at one platform to fight with this coronavirus.

The Prime Minister Imran Khan further warned that the hoarders would be punished if they were found in any illegal business activity.

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