Finance advisor, DFID discuss Covid-19 crisis

Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh says govt trying to maintain balance between health and economy

ISLAMABAD: The government is trying to maintain a balance between protecting the health of its citizens and the economy by opening only essential services and sectors such as logistics, retail and construction where it is possible to do so safely, said Adviser to PM on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh.

Talking to DFID MP and Secretary of State Anne Marie Trevelyan, on Wednesday, Shaikh said, “We are also trying to provide in the hands of citizens and businesses as much liquidity as possible through direct cash transfers, payment of tax refunds, subsidised credit and payroll loans to ensure that the recovery path, once the pandemic is over, is not affected.”

The adviser asked the DFID leadership to extend technical support to Pakistan for combating the threat of locust swarms to standing crops and vegetation. He also appreciated the support of the British government in the G20 initiative for deferring loan repayments in the wake of Covid-19 crisis. He voiced hope that the UK government would use its influence in other similar forums.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2020.

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