PM Imran to announce massive package for construction industry today

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan will announce a massive package for the construction industry today to maintain the economic activity affected due to coronavirus.

Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, Imran Khan said amid efforts of containing the coronavirus disease, the government would have to create a balance allowing the industries which were essential to provide employment to the poor people.

He said the government would open up the construction industry as it did not involve any gathering. However, the government would specify the parameters of working, particularly at the site of mega projects to ensure the observance of social distancing.

He stressed that the people should avoid going to the gatherings and adopt precautionary measures to stem the pandemic.

The prime minister expressed the hope that the country would overcome the coronavirus outbreak using its available resources.

Finance Adviser Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said the government has allocated Rs 200 billion for the people whose earning is affected by the closure of industries or other workplaces. He said the pending bills of gas and electricity would be payable during the next three months and the government would bear the impact.