Pak PM declares multi-billion stimulus package as virus cases rise to 956
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday announced a multi-billion stimulus package to combat the deadly Coronavirus and to facilitate poor people in the prevailing circumstances as the country's COVID-19 cases rose to 956.
The government also suspended all passenger train operations through the country till March 31 and deployed army to assist the civil administration to enforce a nationwide lockdown to contain the virus outbreak.
In a wide ranging interaction with journalists, Khan came under huge criticism for delaying actions to counter the disease but he answered all questions with patience while defending his government actions.
Khan said 200 billion rupees have been allocated for the labour class to mitigate their sufferings, while the government is also reaching provinces and the business community to extend their assistance.
He said the government was highly conscious of its responsibilities and it was due to various policies and steps that the Coronavirus was still contained.
Khan said that the "situation is in a flux and all options are on the table, including curfew if needed."
"Curfew is the last stage of lockdown I am so much concerned about the downtrodden segment of the society as to how would they meet their ends during curfew, he said.
Prime Minister Khan said exports and industry are vital for the economy and 100 billion rupees have been reserved for release of tax refund immediately. He said the industry will also be entitled for deferred interest payments.