KP govt makes big, tough decisions to fight Corona outbreak

Wadood Jan

PESHAWAR: Amid Corona Virus outbreak, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa made big and tough decisions to protect and support general masses.

The Advisor to Chief Minister on Information, Ajmal Khan Wazir briefed media on the decisions made during KP Provincial Cabinet meeting.

Ajmal Khan Wazir said that the government of KP did not want to delay in making decision amid corona virus outbreak.

He said that cabinet approved relief package to 1/3 of the province’s population adding that 1.9 million families will be benefited from the package.

He maintained that cabinet also approved a total exemption of Rs5 billion in provincial taxes.

“Cabinet also approved extension of closure of educational institutions and public places,” Ajmal said and added that all educational institutions will remain closed till May, 31.

He stated that no government event will be held till April 30 adding public holiday have been extended till April, 5.

He maintained that banning of weddings and private events have been extended to April, 30.

“Mandis and events of urs will remain closed till April, 30,” he said adding that tests for recruitment and interviews will remain suspended till May, 31.

Ajmal Wazir said that markets will remain closed till April, 10 adding that courier services and money transfers are exempted from this decision.

He said that inter-districts transport will remain suspended till April, 5.

Ajmal said that cabinet also gave approval of closure of OPDS and dental services of all teaching and district hospitals till April, 5.

He stated that private sector hospitals will also be engaged for the test process.

Ajmal said that the provincial cabinet approved an 8 billion supplementary grant to the Health Department for the supply of devices to district hospitals in each district adding that Rs500 million have approved for immediate release.

“Cabinet approved formation of 500 rapid response teams to tackle any emergency situation and access to the homes of people,” he said.

Advisor said that cabinet also gave approval to recruit and hire retirees, students and other professionals on daily wages for the backup of health workers adding that if needed people from all over country will be hired.

He told that cabinet approved Rs17.5 billion for wheat purchase.

“The cabinet has expressed satisfaction over the on going awareness campaigns and efforts,” he said adding that there is a need of more efforts in this regard.

He said that it was remarked at the cabinet meeting that the benefits of lockdown were immense adding if continued it further the ratio deaths can be reduced.

“The example of Italy is in our case where the lockdown was delayed and the disease spread rapidly,” Ajmal said and added that This is also the case in Spain.

Advisor said that results could be horrible if the United States did not take it seriously.

“Additional precautions will be required for the next one month to be successful in controlling this outbreak,” Ajmal Wazir said.

Ajmal Wazir said that the Chief Minister took timely steps in consultation with the cabinet, though no case was known at that time.

He added that the efforts of the machinery of government Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and political leadership are commendable.