Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz has said the country could not afford a complete lockdown due to the economic condition.

While holding the first press conference after assuming the charge, the minister said the purpose of smart lockdown was to protect the daily wagers and labourers from the impacts of the coronavirus.

He assured that the government would take along all the federating units to address the situation arising out of the coronavirus.

The minister said that the nation was faced with an unprecedented challenge of the Covid-19 and a collective response was required to meet it.

He said that there was now a greater realisation including in Sindh of striking a balance between a lockdown and economic activity.

The information minister said that that was the first government, which had taken practical steps including that of setting up Panagahs (shelter homes) and issuing Sehat (health) cards for the well-being and protection of the workers.

Shibli Faraz said that it was the empathy of Prime Minister Imran Khan for the workers and labourers that a mega Ehsaas Emergency Cash Programme was launched in the wake of the coronavirus under, which 12,000 rupees were being disbursed among them.

He pointed out that industries such as construction had also been reopened to provide livelihood opportunities to the workers. Responding to a question, the information minister said a mechanism was being evolved to ensure salary protection of media workers.

When asked about the situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the information minister said the government had effectively highlighted the lingering dispute at the world forums including at the United Nations.

Shibli Faraz expressed his commitment to transform the Information Ministry as per modern requirements. He said, "Our plan is to enhance its outreach for the protection of national interest and image of the country."