Relief sought for small businesses

ATP chief says budget should aim to reduce poverty, unemployment

PESHAWAR: Amun Taraqqi Party (ATP) Chairperson Muhammad Faiq Shah has urged the provincial government to give relief to the common man and small businesses in the upcoming fiscal budget of 2020-21 to reduce poverty and unemployment in the country.

Talking to a delegation of traders and small manufacturers at the party secretariat on Friday, Shah backed the decision of National Coordination Committee (NCC) regarding phase-wise resumption of businesses and public transport service which were suspended due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown across the country.

The party leader called upon the business community to fully abide by the government guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support the poor families and fight against the economic crisis.

Shah urged politicians to remove the stigma of corruption, shun politics on important issues and take measures to support the poor people by setting up small industries as it would help them earn livelihood for their families. “Privileged class, rulers and opportunists should change behavior to promote diligence and work in society,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 9^th, 2020.