Pakistan still ranks amongst world’s cheapest countries: PM 

Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday stated that Pakistan is still ranked amongst one of the cheapest countries in the world affirming that price hike is an international phenomenon. 

While speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Ehsaas Riayat Rashan Program today, Imran Khan stated that the scheme is aimed at providing a monthly subsidy of 30% on essential commodities to 20 million households.

The Premier said that under the targeted subsidy for the poor and middle class, the prices of flour, cooking oil, ghee and pulses will be considerably reduced. 

 “Helping the poor was the best aspect of humanity and was in line with the commandments of Almighty and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him),” said Imran Khan.

Khan expressed satisfaction that the socio-welfare programme of Ehsaas provided financial assistance to deserving people in pandemic, which was acknowledged internationally.

The Prime Minister also appreciated the progress of Ehsaas programme with a target to alleviate poverty in Pakistan.  

“98% of the financial assistance under the Ehsaas programme was disbursed among needy women,” mentioned Imran, adding that the country could not prosper unless the resources were invested for the uplift of women, particularly their education and health.  

The cricketer-turned politician urged the public to pay taxes and vowed that all such money would be spent on their welfare and development.

“With the surge in global oil prices, he said the rate of commodities in Pakistan were still less compared with rest of the world,” he added.

He said prices of petrol and diesel in Pakistan are lower when compared with Dubai and other countries of the sub-continent.

“Price hike is an international phenomenon,” said former cricketer. 

Imran Khan mentioned that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government recently announced a big subsidy on petrol and diesel for the relief of consumers.

“The government’s national health insurance programme was a major step in facilitating the common man in getting free medical treatment,” he further added.

Earlier, Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation Sania Nishtar said the first phase of registration for Ehsaas Riayat Rashan Program has been completed and messages are being sent to 9.2 million deserving families in a phased manner to avail the targeted subsidy through four thousand utility stores. 

“The registration of retail stores is also continuing so that the deserving families could avail the targeted subsidy through them,” she added.