Imran Khan directs team to follow China on poverty alleviation

Gwadar Pro

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed his team to follow China to eradicate poverty in the country.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar briefed PM Khan on provision of targeted subsidies to the eligible families under the umbrella of Ehsaas (care) program.

The Prime Minister on the occasion said that the government was cognizant of the problems faced by the poor due to inflation.

“It is for this purpose that targeted subsidies should be provided to the under-privileged segments of the society,” he added.

The Prime Minister maintained that Kamyab (successful) Pakistan, Sehat Sahulat (health facility) Cards and Ehsaas (care) are the flagship programs of the government aimed at poverty alleviation and social uplift of the lower segments of the society.

He cited the example of China who dragged millions of people out of poverty to become useful citizens. “China is a leader in this regard. We need to follow them to alleviate poverty,” he remarked.

The Prime Minister directed that a comprehensive awareness program be launched to inform the masses about how targeted subsidies can be availed.

The meeting was apprised that Ehsaas program has developed a mobile app in collaboration with National Bank of Pakistan. This application would be used by vendors to provide subsidized items to eligible Ehsaas beneficiaries throughout the country.

It was informed that due care has been taken to eliminate chances of misuse of targeted subsidies under the Ehsaas program. The briefing was also attended by Finance Minister Shukat Fayaz Tarin, Defense Minister Pervaiz Khattak, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, SAPM Dr Shehbaz Gill, Governor State Bank Dr Raza Baqir and other senior officers.