ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan announced the Ehsaas Rashan programme worth Rs.120 billion to provide relief to the nation amidst high inflation. He was addressing the nation in a televised speech here on Wednesday.
The prime minister talked about how the economy was in doldrums when the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) got hold of the reins of the country from its arch-nemesis Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N). PM Khan said that the government was compelled to turn to International Monetary Funds (IMF) for a bailout.
He thanked the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and China and said that these countries “helped us in tough times”.
He also talked about how the deadly coronavirus has not only affected Pakistan but the entire world.
“We were under pressure to impose lockdown when India underwent a curfew. The curfew resulted in an unprecedented increase in poverty in India,” said the prime minister.
“Pakistan, on the other hand, handled the coronavirus situation in a much better manner,” he added.
He also told that there was a 13.4 per cent increase in the production of rice, with an increase recorded in the production of wheat and corn as well. “There has been an 80pc increase in the production of Cotton as well,” said the prime minister.
Prime minister also pointed out that amidst high inflation globally, prices of the basic necessities have increased by 9pc only in Pakistan compared to a recorded increase of 50pc in other parts of the world.
On the other hand, as many as 20 million families have been identified through the recently completed Ehsaas survey will benefit from the programme.
The Ehsaas Rashan will provide a subsidy of Rs. 1,000 a month to each of the 20 million families on the purchase of basic necessities. A 30pc subsidy will be given on flour, pulses, Ghee/Cooking oil, per unit purchase.