There are about 2-3 million families in the country whose bread earners lost their jobs/earnings due to Covid-19 pandemic and the need is to issue Rs10,000 to 30,000 interest free loan to each family so that they can make their both ends meet in this difficult situation.

This was stated by Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib, a prominent social worker, volunteer and development professional and the founder of Akhuwat, first-ever interest free microfinance programme, which operates from mosques and churches, while speaking at AAJ TV programme, Pur Azaam Pakistan, co-hosted by film star Reema Khan and Farhan Ali Waris on Friday.

Writer Khurshid Nadeem, who is member Islamic Ideology Council and Humera Bachaal, chairperson, Roshan Pakistan Foundation also spoke. The topic of discussion was whether it is the sole responsibility of the government to help out the poor and needy affected by lockdown.

Dr Amjad Saqib maintained that Akhuwat has already launched this interest free programme. However, he said, it is necessary to help the marginalised people otherwise more people will fall below the poverty line. He said that the government has already disbursed Rs12,000 each to 12 million needy people.

He was of the view that the current situation is challenging, which provides immense opportunities to rise to the occasion and become a nation in real sense. He said the philanthropists should serve the poor people and crisis-affected people whole-heartedly.

Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib said the crises are challenges to be overcome. "Already the current crisis is uniting us, galvanising us to support daily wagers and others who have lost subsistence incomes, bringing families closer, and making us reflect on our priorities in life," he added.

He said the coronavirus pandemic was a national issue, which could be tackled through collective efforts. "The government alone cannot win this battle; we all have to play our role to come out of this difficult situation," he added.

He said that there could be more people who may plunge into poverty, if such 2-3 million families are not given interest free loans. He quoted an example of a couple whose marriage was cancelled on March 27 due to Covid-19 and the couple decides to donate the whole amount saved for honeymoon into Corona relief fund.

He said there are a number of welfare institutions who are helping out the needy but as a society everyone would have to play role in this difficult time. Khurshid Alam said it is obligatory upon the people to help out their needy brethren. He said Allah Almighty has bestowed resources which must be used for the betterment of the needy people.