43pc in KP to benefit from corona relief package: CM

PESHAWAR: While announcing a relief package for the vulnerable segments of society including daily wagers and labourers  in view of the prevailing corona pandemic, Chief Minister Mahmood Khan said almost 43pc population of the province will benefit from the package.

He said under the package 1.9 million households will get a monthly financial relief of Rs5,000 each, adding that the package was initially for a period of three months which can be extended depending on the situation.

He said in order to give relief to the business community the provincial government had also approved a waiver in provincial taxes amounting to Rs5.00 billion in all.

Similarly, extension has been given in the reimbursements of loans issued by Bank of Khyber. The chief minister added that over all the provincial government had approved a relief package of Rs32 billion for the public.

He was addressing a press conference after chairing a special meeting of the provincial cabinet held here on Friday.

“A special food package has also been approved for the people of the locked down area of Maanga in district Mardan which will further be increased,” the chief minister remarked.

Later, briefing the media regarding the cabinet decisions Adviser to Chief Minister on Information Ajmal Wazir said the cabinet approved to raise 500 rapid response teams to deal with current corona pandemic. These teams would reach door to door to help every family across the province.