Govt announces relief package for newspaper hawkers

• The package is being funded by Baitul Mal and charity organisation Penny Appeal Pakistan.
• Faraz says despite government's cash assistance programme for lower-income people, there are some segments that are left out and newspaper hawkers are one of them.
• Minister says he has a special respect for newspaper hawker

(Karachi) Information Minister Shibli Faraz said that in wake of coronavirus situation, a relief package is being provided to newspaper hawkers to support them in such testing times. The package is being funded by Baitul Mal and charity organisation Penny Appeal Pakistan.

Addressing a ceremony on Friday, Faraz said that despite government's cash assistance programme for lower-income people, there are some segments that are left out and newspaper hawkers are one of them.

He appreciated the services of hawkers and said that they delivered newspapers in the early hours of the morning, even in difficult situations.

"You don't see them, but when you wake up every morning, your newspaper has already arrived. Whether it's summer or winter, whether it's raining or snowing, they make sure everyone gets their newspaper in the morning."

Shibli Faraz said given the services rendered by newspaper hawkers, he has a special respect for this segment of the society.

The information minister also asked the people to continue to follow the precautionary measures. He said we will have to not only fight the coronavirus but also move forward.