ATTOCK: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that to control inflation and reduce the financial burden on the poor, the government was bearing a deficit of Rs450 billion.
Talking to the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Attock, he said the government had taken unprecedented relief measures for underprivileged segments through several socio-welfare initiatives.
Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar, Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid, Member National Assembly Major (retd) Tahir Sadiq, members of Punjab Assembly Syed Yawar Bukhari, Malik Muhammad Anwar, Jamshed Altaf and the PTI leadership of Attock chapter attended the meeting.
The prime minister recalled that when his government assumed power, the country’s total financial deficit was $20 billion, which was significantly brought down with utmost efforts.
The country’s economy heavily depended on imports, but international inflation impacted the local price hike, he added.
PM said his government successfully ensured economic stability during the pandemic when the world faced a financial crisis. The government was fully cognizant of the problems faced by the poor and was committed to extending them relief at every level, he added.
“Health card would soon be launched in the entire Punjab which will help the poor families benefit from the quality medical facilities,” said PM.
Through the Ehsaas subsidy programme, the prime minister said that 30 per cent relief would be provided on the purchase of flour and ghee.
He mentioned that Kamyab Pakistan Programme would provide interest-free loans to two million households for house building, start-ups and skills training. The programme was already providing loans to youth across the country, he added.
PM Imran also urged the local leadership of PTI to work towards the welfare of the poor and needy.