Govt striking balance between citizens’ health , economic activities: Hafeez Shaikh

ISLAMABAD, May 13 (APP):Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said Wednesday that the government was carefully trying to strike a balance between protecting the health of its citizens and the economy by opening only essential services and sectors.
Wherever safely possible, it was opening sectors such as logistics, retail of essential items and construction, he said while talking to Ms Anne Marie Trevelyan, MP and Secretary of State DFID, during a video conversation here Wednesday.
“We are also trying to get in the hands of the citizens and businesses as much liquidity as possible through direct cash transfers payment of tax refunds, subsidized credits and payroll loans to ensure that the recovery path once the pandemic is over, is not affected,” he added.
The Adviser lauded the support of DFID in various social sectors, particularly healthcare and education sectors in Pakistan and asked the DFID leadership to extend technical support to Pakistan to combat the threat
of swarm locust to standing crops and vegetation in Pakistan.
He also appreciated the role and support of the British government in the G-20 initiative for loan deferment to poor countries in the wake of COVID-19 crisis and hoped the British government would use its influence at other similar forums for debt relief and debt deferment to the countries trying to fight the effects and devastation caused by the coronavirus.
Ms Anne Marie Trevelyan shared with Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh the important updates on various aspects of the British government strategy to deal with the threat and aftermath of the COVID-19.
She said the British government valued its relationship with Pakistan and considered the DFID support to uplift of social sector in Pakistan as a sign of its long-term commitment to the country and its people.