Federal cabinet takes stock of grim situation

The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved a Rs1.2 trillion economic relief package announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan last week.
In the wake of coronavirus outbreak, number of confirmed cases in the country has crossed 1,800, while 25 people have lost their lives.
Briefing the media following the cabinet meeting, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the cabinet discussed a six-point agenda.
The federal cabinet also approved the prime minister's financial stimulus package to deal with the adverse impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the country's economy, she said.
Awan said PM Imran took notice of the reports claiming that goods of the country's exporters were being stopped.
In the meeting, the cabinet also decided to restore transport of food goods in all four provinces.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked Rangers to remove all hurdles in the smooth flow of food goods transportation across the country.
The special assistant said the Labour Ministry had been directed to prepare a strategy of complete registration of labour class in consultation with all the provinces to ensure their social, health, and job security.
Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar briefed the cabinet about mechanism of cash transfer worth 150 billion rupees to 12 million poor families across the country under Government's Ehsaas Programme.
Special Assistant on National Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza informed the federal cabinet about the government's measures to contain coronavirus and the decisions taken by the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on coronavirus.
Awan said the prime minister also directed to introduce reforms in the PIA, the FBR, and the Pakistan Railways, and to promote e-governance.
Terming Sukuk bonds vital for promotion of Islamic banking, Awan said the government had decided to issue the bonds for duration of three years.
She said, "the NCC will meet again in Islamabad tomorrow to address the situation of availability of flour in the country."
The special assistant urged the opposition to avoid politicizing the current situation and join hands with the government in its endeavour to contain the coronavirus.
She said the government would welcome suggestions and proposals by the opposition in that regard.