Federal Govt opts for smart lockdown to save daily wagers from coronavirus impact: Shibli.

ISLAMABAD -- Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz Friday said the Federal Government adopted the concept of smart lockdown under the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan to protect the daily wagers and labourers from the impacts of coronavirus.

The country could not afford a complete lockdown due to the economic situation and even the developed states were also opting for the smart lockdown to keep their economic wheels running, he added.

Addressing his maiden news conference after assuming charge of the office, the information minister said now there was a realization on the importance of striking a balance between the lockdown and revival of economic activities to save the vulnerable segments of the society from hunger and starvation.

The strategy was being finalized for reopening of the industrial sector, he said, appealing to the people related to the industries to take precautionary measures.

The prime minister wanted that the lockdown should be eased to some extent so that the country's economy could grow, he added.

Shibli Faraz said the welfare of workers and labourers had always remained the topmost priority of the government. Even before the coronavirus outbreak, their welfare was the main focus of the government's planning under the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan. They were issued health cards.

The Federal Government announced a Rs 200 billion package under the Ehsaas Cash Emergency Programme, under which Rs 12,000 were being distributed among every deserving family, including the labourers, he added.

He said the prime minister took the steps for the betterment of workers and the homeless by opening shelter homes and Langar Khanas.

To a question, the minister said consultations with the opposition for finalizing standard operating procedures to summon the session of Parliament were in advanced stage.

The government wanted holding the sessions of both the National Assembly and the Senate, but it was vital to adopt precautionary measures in the given situation when NA Speaker Asad Qaiser had been...