Web Desk:
In Balochistan, the novel coronavirus has deprived over 1.6 million labourers of their daily jobs. Continued closure of Pak-Afghan border Chaman and Pak-Iran border Taftan has also impacted the jobs of a large number of people in the bordering towns.
In view of the growing severe impacts of COVID-19, the Balochistan government has also evolved a strategy to lessen the impacts of the pandemic. “In next budget, special priority would be given to agriculture, livestock and mines and minerals departments”, Noor ul Haq Baloch, the Secretary Finance Balochistan said in a video message obtained by the daily Quetta Voice on Sunday evening.
In the video, Mr. Baloch elaborates on the plans and strategy of the Balochistan government to mitigate the impacts of coronavirus in the province. For improvement of the economy, the provincial cabinet under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Balochistan, Jam Kamal Khan approved a three-phased strategy. Exemption in taxes, distribution of foodstuff/ration and cash among the needy and deserving people of Balochistan were approved by the cabinet. Taxes worth billions have been waived off in an attempt to support the people during these difficult times, the Secretary Finance said.
Cash for Work Program, a blessing for Abdul Ghafoor during COVID-19 in Chaghi
Ration/foodstuff worth Rs. 76 crore would be distributed among the needy and poor segment of society under the program to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic. The government has planned to launch micro interest-free loans program and 25,000 to 30,000 youth to be benefited from the program, Mr. Baloch mentions in his video, which was also circulated on social media.
Coronavirus: 1.5 million families to be affected if lockdown continued for 2 months in Balochistan
The cabinet has also proposed a permanent and long term strategy of launching an interest-free loan program, which would ensure the provision of jobs to 1.5 million people in the province, the Secretary Finance elaborated.
