Punjab governor announces free ration for 100,000 poor families

LAHORE: While announcing provision of masks, sanitizer and soap to prisoners and staff of all the jails as well as free ration to 100,000 poor families in Punjab, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar said that war against corona cannot be won in streets but staying at homes.

Tough decisions will be taken if people did not restrict their unnecessary mobility. “For God sake, stay at home to avoid Italy and France-like situation,” he said. He also asked the opposition to set aside its reservations and support the government in fighting coronavirus.

He stated this while addressing a press conference along with Gohar Ejaz from Lahore Institute of Health Sciences (LIHS), Akhuwat Foundation Chairman Dr Amjad Saqib, Khawaja Shahzeb Akram from pharmaceutical sector, Qazi Azmat from PEEF, Sarwar Foundation’s Vice-Chairperson Begum Perveen Sarwar and representatives of 12 welfare organizations at Governor’s House on Saturday.

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar said, “We have decided jointly with the representatives of 12 welfare organisations of Punjab Development Network to take comprehensive measures to the protect staff and prisoners of all jails in Punjab from coronavirus. For this purpose, we have compiled all the record regarding the number of prisoners and their problems as well. In the first phase, we have handed over first consignment of anti-corona wares to IG Punjab for Lahore jails to prevent the jail staff and prisoners from corona.”

In Sha Allah, masks, sanitizer, soap, gloves and anti-germ shampoo will be provided for 46,000 prisoners and jails staff to save them from the virus, the Punjab governor said. “According to the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, we have also decided to provide free ration to all the families who become jobless due to corona crisis, and in the first phase, provision of free ration to 100,000 poor families is being started for which an application (app) is also being developed.

“We will also try to incorporate other welfare organisations in the app so that no one can get ration from two organisations at a time. The state will fulfil its responsibility of protection and help of the helpless and needy people at all costs,” he added.

He said philanthropists must come forward to play their role in supporting the people affected by corona crisis. Prime Minister Imran Khan is formulating people-friendly policies.

Responding to a question, the Punjab governor said, “Unfortunately, people are not taking corona situation as serious but I make it clear that if people continued with such response, they will be confined to their homes through strict measures.”

Gohar Ejaz said, “According to the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, we are standing with the Punjab governor for provision of free ration to the poor and saving the prisoners and jails staff from coronavirus. We assure that anyone who is jobless will not be left without having meal during the crisis in the wake of coronavirus pandemic and we will deliver ration at their homes.”

Akhuwat Foundation Chairman Dr Amjad Saqib and Khawaja Shahzeb Akram said, “We are happy to play our part in this sacred cause and the way we are working together, In Sha Allah, we will succeed in our mission."