Out-of-the-box solutions required for economic growth: PM

(Karachi) Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that out-of-the-box solutions are required for economic growth during the coronavirus pandemic.

Chairing a meeting of a Think-Tank on Finance and Economy in Islamabad, he said that Covid-19 has adversely impacted the world economy including Pakistan. He emphasised on providing relief to the poor segments of society through targeted subsidies.

He said, "From day one, the government adopted a strategy to maintain a balance between sustaining economic activity and protecting the masses from infectious disease of Covid-19."

The PM highlighted, "A substantive package has been announced for the construction and housing sector aimed at increasing much needed employment opportunities and economic stimulus as well as adding to the inventory of affordable housing for the poor."

Earlier, the prime minister ordered reopening of more sectors of the economy as part of easing the lockdown in order save people’s livelihood, particularly the downtrodden segments, including the daily-wage workers. However, since then there is a spurt in new cases.

“On the one hand we have the masses who are not taking the Covid-19 pandemic seriously and on the other hand, understandably, we have our frontline doctors and health professionals, who are at great risk,” the prime minister said.

Imran once again ruled out the return to a strict lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, stressing that the “elitist” idea would cause the economy to collapse and increase poverty. Instead, he insisted on a “smart lockdown” with strict adherence to the SOPs.