Smart lockdown protects daily wagers from Covid19 impacts: Minister

Smart lockdown protects daily wagers and labourers from the negative impacts of Coronavirus, according to Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shibli Faraz.

While addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Friday, he said the country cannot afford a complete lockdown due to our economic situation.

Smart lockdown protects daily wagers

He said there is now greater realization including in Sindh of striking a balance in the lockdown and the economic activity.

Shibli Faraz said the government will take along all the federating units to address the situation arising out of coronavirus.

He said the nation faced with an unprecedented challenge of Covid-19 and a collective response is required to meet it.

The minister said the government has given the concept of smart lockdown to protect the daily wagers and labourers from the impacts of Coronavirus.

Moreover, he said the country cannot afford a complete lockdown due to our economic situation.

He said there is now greater realization including in Sindh of striking a balance in the lockdown and the economic activity.

Meanwhile, he said this is the first government which has taken practical steps including that of Panahgahs and Sehat cards for the well-being and protection of the workers.

Shibli Faraz 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.

He pointed out that industries such as construction have also been reopened to provide livelihood opportunities to the workers.

Responding to a question, the Information Minister said a mechanism is being evolved to ensure the salary protection of media workers.

IOJK situation

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.

The minister 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.

GTV