Pakistan extends lockdown but specific industries will be reopened in phases
Prime Minister Imran Khan announced a two-week extension to the countrywide shut down in a bid to limit the COVID-19 spread.
However, specific industries will be reopened in phases, starting with the construction business. “By tomorrow, an ordinance will be introduced under which unprecedented incentives will be given to the construction industry,” Khan said.
Pakistan is actively seeking debt relief due to the unexpected economic slowdown in the current scenario. The World Bank expects the country to fall into recession during the 2020-21 fiscal year.
Successful Measures
The premier made a note that due to the timely steps taken, coronavirus spread at a slower than expected rate. “Owing to the restrictions we imposed, the virus did not spread the way it should have. It only spread to an extent of 30% as opposed to our projections,” the PM Said. Currently, Pakistan has a little over 5000 active cases with 96 COVID-19 related deaths to date.
Pakistan to bring back citizens abroad
The Prime Minister also discussed the return of Pakistanis stranded overseas. He said that mechanism to bring citizens back is in the works, and will be done in phases not to overburden resources. He also pointed out that the virus mostly spread at home through people traveling back from overseas.
Ehsaas Program
On the subject of social welfare, Imran khan said that about 2.8 million families have benefitted from the Ehsaas Program. He reiterated that there is no political interference, and disbursements are purely on merit.