Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced that the government will announce a massive package for the construction industry as the authorities try to spur economic activity in the country amid the coronavirus lockdown.
He was addressing a ceremony in connection with the distribution of Rs. 100 billion tax refunds for businessmen in Islamabad.
We have decided to open up the construction industry and give it the necessary incentives in order to provide job opportunities to the people. This will also uplift the industries allied with the construction. The construction of road infrastructure does not entail the danger of the spread of coronavirus. To ensure the safety of the workers at the workplace, necessary SOPs will also be developed at the place of work.
Imran Khan stated that the commerce ministry has also framed a list of industries that can be opened in the current situation.
He stated that promoting industries and giving incentives to businesses is important to move the country forward. The refund of Rs. 100 billion to the business community today is part of that process. It is government’s utmost effort to ensure timely refunds to the business community so that they do not face any liquidity issue.
The Prime Minister said the ministry of commerce and industries is in constant touch with the business community on how to overcome the challenge posed by the coronavirus.
Speaking about the virus trajectory in the country, the prime minister said that Pakistan had not seen the virus blow up like other countries.
I am confident that Pakistan will overcome this problem.
He added that weaker segments of the society were at greater risk due to the pandemic, which is why the government is trying to reach out to them under the Ehsaas program.
A cash grant of twelve thousand rupees each will be given to 12 million poor families to protect them from the negative impacts of the crisis.
Speaking on the occasion, Adviser on Finance Hafeez Sheikh said the tax refunds will be paid in a week’s time. He said that it is a historic step of the present government that it is clearing the outstanding sales tax refunds.
“Apart from the packages for business community, we have earmarked Rs. 200 billion for the procurement of wheat in order to support the agriculture sector and the farmers,” said the adviser, adding that the government fully stands by the business community and is preparing a Rs. 200 billion package which will be announced soon.
