State Minister for SAFRON and Narcotics Control Shahryar Afridi Wednesday said that the government stands with the victims of coronavirus in this hour of need and will continue efforts till the last patient is treated.
Addressing a press conference here, the minister said Prime Minister Imran Khan has established ‘Corona Relief Fund’ and urged philanthropists and well-off people to generously donate in it besides reaching out to the vulnerable segments of the society in their respective areas for assistance. “It is our collective responsibility to help poor and the marginalized in the advent of coronavirus crisis,” he added.
He said people of all walks of life have shown unshakable confidence and trust in the decisions and policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan and are following government instructions. He said the prime minister and KP chief minister have announced gigantic relief packages to help poor people, daily wagers, labourers and others vulnerable segments who have lost jobs due to lockdown imposed to prevent spread of the coronavirus.
The minister said coronavirus has been declared a pandemic worldwide as this viral disease has no regard for religion, race or colour. He said the people in the devoloped, devoloping and underdeveloped countries have become its victims. He said the members of Tableegi Jamaat have also been affected by coronavirus in Pakistan. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed ministers, MNAs and MPAs to reach out to their constituencies to monitor relief efforts and address people’s problems. He said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and his team are keeping an eye on the expatriate Pakistanis and will ensure their dignified repatriation.
The minister said relief to the poor people should be provided in such a way that their self0esteem and dignity is not hurt. “The entire nation is looking towards us. In normal days, wealthy people spend thousands of rupees on foods in hotels and restaurants … if some of that amount saved due to lockdown is spent on poor people, it will be indeed a great service to the humanity,” he said, adding that it is not the time for politicking and point-scoring, rather everyone should rise above party politics and serve the poor people with generosity and dedication.
He appreciated Shahid Afridi Foundation for providing food and ration to around 4,000 poor families in Kohat and adjoining areas. He said Pakistanis are known worldwide for donations to poor people in times of difficulty, and expressed the hope that they will demonstrate the same spirit of giving donations as demonstrated by them during 2010 floods and 2005 earthquakes.
He directed KP chief secretary to quickly finalize mechanism for disbursement of Rs 5,000 per month to each poor household under KP CM relief package.