Govt unveils mobile utility stores amid coronavirus lockdown

Service is launched in Islamabad's suburbs and would be expanded to the whole country in two weeks, says Asad Umar

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has launched mobile utility stores aimed at reducing the problems faced by the masses amid coronavirus lockdown as the nationwide tally crossed 4,600 on Friday.

During the inauguration ceremony, Federal Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar said that eight mobile vans have been allocated to facilitate people living in rural areas around the capital city in the first phase of scheme.

Federal Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar addresses the media after inaugurating mobile utility stores in Islamabad. PHOTO: EXPRESS.

"Initially, these mobile vans would provide grocery items to rural areas around Islamabad," said the minister, adding that the scope of the service would then be expanded to the whole country in the next two weeks.

He said Rs50 billion have been allocated to subsidise the rates of everyday items, adding that the government realises the miseries of the people under the lockdown. "As per the prime minister's instructions, edible items such as flour, sugar, pulses and oil would be provided at cheaper rates under this scheme."

The services aims to reduce the problems faced by the people during coronavirus lockdown. PHOTO: EXPRESS.



He said that the government would not let the supply of these items be disrupted and appealed to the people to stay at home and cooperate with the government at a time of crisis.

The minister said that announcements would also be made through local mosques so that as many people could benefit from the service as possible.



Asad Umar said that the decision to ease the coronavirus lockdowns in different parts of the country would be made only after consultation between the federal and provincial governments.

He further said the Pakistanis stranded in Iran would be allowed to cross the border in the remote areas of Balochistan twice a week and all precautionary measures would be taken in this connection.