Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said ensuring uninterrupted economic activities and protection of jobs is the topmost priority of the government and it is taking all measures to protect the economy from negative impact of coronavirus.
The prime minister chaired a high-level meeting about taking advance preventive steps to protect the national economy from possible effects of coronavirus. The meeting was attended by Minister for Economic Affairs Hamad Azhar, Minister for National Food Security Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Finance Advisor Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Commerce Advisor Abdul Razak Dawood, Special Assistant on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, federal secretaries and senior officials.
The meeting deliberated upon impact of coronavirus on global economy and the state of Pakistan’s economy in this situation. It was decided to set up an inter-ministerial committee headed by finance advisor to keep a vigil on the country’s economy on a daily basis and advise advance steps in this regard.
The prime minister directed the meeting to prepare a comprehensive policy for providing relief to the common man keeping in view the emergence of any emergency situation. He also directed to ensure availability of essential items in abundance. He emphasised that any complaint about hoarding and profiteering will not be tolerated, and in case of such a complaint, strict action will be taken against the hoarders.
The prime minister directed Minister for Economic Affairs Hamad Azhar to engage World Bank and other international institutions so that any possible situation can be tackled.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the spread of coronavirus can be contained effectively if people voluntarily take precautionary measures without getting panicked.
Chairing a meeting of National Coordination Committee on coronavirus, the prime minister said the government realises the severity of the problem and all-out steps will be taken to control the situation.
Minister for Religious Affairs Pir Nurul Haq Qadri, Interior Minister Brigadier (r) Ijaz Shah, Finance Advisor Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, special assistants to prime minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Dr Moeed Yousuf, Dr Zafar Mirza, Zulfi Bukhari and other committee members attended the meeting. The provincial chief ministers participated in the meeting through video link.
The meeting discussed the progress on the implementation of decisions taken by the National Security Committee, the challenges and the future strategy. The chief ministers apprised the meeting about the measures taken by their respective governments. The prime minister stressed the need to sensitize masses on seriousness of the issue and create public awareness about precautionary measures. The prime minister said he will also address the nation on the issue. He said the Pakistani nation has bravely faced every ordeal in the past and God willing, the coronavirus will also be tackled through national efforts. The prime minister reiterated his call for the people not to get panicked rather brave the issue with national spirit.
