Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday has said that the incentives announced by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for businesses are part of the government balancing policy in wake of lockdowns propelled by the coronavirus. In a series of tweets, he said the Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program is underway and we are seeking to offer business incentives with tax refunds and opening up the construction sector while keeping the agricultural sector open. “Today SBP has announced incentives for businesses as part of our policy of balancing between protecting people through a targeted lockdown and ensuring the vulnerable and needy are provided for. The Ehsaas emergency cash program is underway and we are seeking to offer business incentives,” he said. Prime Minister Khan was of the view that the SBP's initiatives for businesses during the COVID19 will help keep businesses afloat and prevent massive unemployment. “With tax refunds & opening up the construction sector while keeping the agriculture sector open. SBP's initiatives for businesses during the COVID19 will help keep businesses afloat & prevent massive unemployment,” he added. Today SBP has announced incentives for businesses as part of our policy of balancing between protecting people through a targeted lockdown & ensuring the vulnerable & needy are provided for. The Ehsaas emergency cash prog is underway & we are seeking to offer business incentives — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 11, 2020 The central bank on Friday, announced the Refinance Scheme for Payment of Wages and Salaries to the Workers and Employees of Business Concerns to support the employment of workers in the face of economic challenges posed by the spread of COVID-19. The core objective of this temporary refinance scheme is to incentivize businesses to not lay off their workers during COVID-19 Pandemic.