Battle against coronavirus will be long and hard fought, PM warns.

ISLAMABAD -- Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday expressed the confidence that despite the many challenges to Pakistan from the coronavirus outbreak, it can emerge as a stronger nation and become the truly welfare state it was envisioned to be.

"When we emerge from this challenge, we will be a totally different nation. We will be the nation which was envisioned.

"It was a big vision which we have forgotten," said the premier.

He said that the "primary reason why our respect in the world has diminished and we face so many difficulties is because we left the vision far behind, the promise that was Pakistan".

He said businessmen, in his experience, face greater losses not when there are hard times, but when in those times they try to take "shortcuts" or commit fraud.

"Those who take such times as a test and face it head on as a challenge, come out stronger."

Urging patience on the part of all Pakistanis, the premier said the greatest quality one can possess is to exercise patience during tough times. "Those who are patient go far in life. Those who throw their hands in the air and give up, they rank among the many who fail."

He said one has to admit these are difficult times without having any pretense of the situation being otherwise. "It is difficult because no one has the experience to deal with such a crisis."

Citing the example of giant economies which have far greater resources and institutions, with health systems which have more funding that what Pakistan spends on its entire population.

"The US has prepared a $2,000bn relief package whereas we can barely manage a $8bn one."

He said that despite their resources, there is "a breakdown of their systems".

"If this is what can happen to them, our situation was dire to begin with."

He said that around 50-60 million people are already below the poverty line and cannot afford to have two meals a day. "Above these people are 50-60 million others, who are right at the border. If one misfortune befalls them they are pushed below the poverty line."

He said those with means must contribute and the government's "historic" package will continue to be expanded alongside.

The prime minister said the nation's entire efforts right now are geared towards protecting the most vulnerable sector right now - the daily wage workers.

The small shop owner, the rickshaw driver [...]those in construction, the painter, the welder, they are all sitting at home right now.

He said there is a fine balance to...