By Asim Hussain
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shibli Faraz has said that to tackle the situation arising due to coronavirus epidemic, the government will take all federating units along. While addressing a news conference here on Friday, Shibli Faraz said a collective response is required to meet the unprecedented challenge of Covid-19 faced by the nation.
To protect the daily wagers and labourers from the impacts of coronavirus, he said the government has given the concept of smart lockdown. He said the country cannot afford a complete lockdown due to our economic situation. There is now greater realization including in Sindh of striking a balance in the lockdown and the economic activity, he added. The Information Minister said this is the first government which has taken practical steps including that of Panagahs and Sehat cards for the well-being and protection of the workers.
He said it is the empathy of Prime Minister Imran Khan for the workers and labourers that a mega Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program was launched in the wake of coronavirus under which twelve thousand rupees are being disbursed amongst them. Shibli Faraz pointed out that industries such as construction have also been reopened to provide livelihood opportunities to the workers.
Responding to a question, he said a mechanism is being evolved to ensure the salary protection of media workers. When asked about the situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Information Minister said the government has effectively highlighted the lingering dispute at the world forums including the United Nations. Shibli Faraz expressed the commitment to transform the Information Ministry as per the modern requirements. He said our plan is to enhance its outreach to the protection of the national interests and image of the country.
