Govt to provide Rs12,000 cash grant to deserving families from next month: Nishtar

• The cash programme is part of the relief package announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
• Special assistant says people should act in a responsible manner and adopt precautionary measures to steer the country out of this challenge.

(Karachi) Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar has said that the government will provide cash assistance of Rs12,000 each to the deserving families affected by the negative impact of coronavirus next month.

Speaking on Thursday, she said the cash programme is part of the relief package announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

She maintained that it is the need of the hour to stand united as a nation and battle the spread of the disease.

She said the people should act in a responsible manner and adopt precautionary measures to steer the country out of this challenge.

Nishtar pointed out the people should avoid large gatherings and adopt social distancing including those in the rural areas.

She highlighted that the government is ensuring that adequate supplies of essential food items, including wheat, flour and other items reach the markets. She said the people should not worry about the availability of the essential items.

Meanwhile, the total number of cases in Pakistan surged to 1,102 while 21 people have recovered from the deadly virus so far.

At least eight people died of coronavirus while new cases continue to report from across the country.