Premier tells PTI MPs: It’s opportunity, secure your constituencies

Ag Agencies

LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan told his party’s parliamentarians on Saturday it was a good opportunity for them to establish themselves in their constituencies as all coronavirus related relief activities would be carried out through them.

During his interaction with the volunteers of Corona Relief Tiger Force here during his daylong visit, he said it was an opportunity for the party parliamentarians to secure their constituencies. He said they were lucky being in power at this crucial time. The credit for all relief work would go to them and they would be able to establish themselves in their constituencies on permanent basis, he added.

The premier said: “We are about to face a very tough time ahead.

“In every difficult time, some people emerge (as successful) while some vanish… The same is going to happen to you.

The one who will stand by his people at this time, I assure you, people will attach with him,” the PM said.

He advised the parliamentarians and party workers to stand by their people in this tough time if they desired to enjoy their support in future.

He said as no one knew what would happen in future, it was a must to prepare for the worst.

“We don’t know when it (coronavirus outbreak) will end. Whether it will resurface as it is possible too in case of flu viruses. This is unknown.

“We are heading into an unchartered territory,” he remarked.

The prime minister said the PTI’s opponents had to face bad time as they had no tendency and experience of doing social work for having been indulged into making properties and money.

He said the opposition would always criticise whatsoever they would do but “this is a good opportunity for you.

“There is no holiday (in this cause); neither Saturday, nor Sunday. This is a constant struggle. Some will emerge in this struggle. If people felt, you had not stood by them in this difficult time, they will never support you,” he said. He said the PTI had a vast experience of charity works for having good footprints in the relief efforts after 2005 earthquake and 2010 flash floods.

PM Imran Khan expressed the confidence that despite many challenges to the country from the coronavirus outbreak, it can emerge as a stronger nation and become the truly welfare state it was envisioned to be.

“When we emerge from this challenge, we will be a totally different nation. We will be the nation which was envisioned.

“It was a big vision which we have forgotten,” said the premier, during a ceremony organised for the Corona Relief Fund in Lahore.

He said the “primary reason why our respect in the world has diminished and we face so many difficulties is because we left the vision far behind, the promise that was Pakistan”.

He said businessmen, in his experience, face greater losses not when there are hard times, but when in those times they try to take “shortcuts“ or commit fraud.

“Those who take such times as a test and face it head on as a challenge, come out stronger.”

Urging patience on the part of all Pakistanis, the premier said the greatest quality one can possess is to exercise patience during tough times. “Those who are patient go far in life. Those who throw their hands in the air and give up, they rank among the many who fail.”

He said one has to admit these are difficult times without having any pretence of the situation being otherwise. “It is difficult because no one has the experience to deal with such a crisis.”

Citing the example of giant economies which have far greater resources and institutions, with health systems which have more funding that what Pakistan spends on its entire population.

“The US has prepared a $2,000bn relief package whereas we can barely manage a $8bn one.” He said that despite their resources, there is “a breakdown of their systems”.

“If this is what can happen to them, our situation was dire to begin with.”

He said that around 50-60 million people are already below the poverty line and cannot afford to have two meals a day. “Above these people are 50-60 million others, who are right at the border. If one misfortune befalls them they are pushed below the poverty line.”

He said those with means must contribute and the government’s “historic” package will continue to be expanded alongside.

The prime minister said the nation’s entire efforts right now are geared towards protecting the most vulnerable sector right now — the daily wage workers.

“The small shop owner, the rickshaw driver [...] those in construction, the painter, the welder, they are all sitting at home right now. “ He said there is a fine balance to strike between stemming the spread of the virus and taking care of the poor.

“One the one hand we closed all places were people could gather but on the other we have to run our affairs in a manner that we do not let these vulnerable segments feel the financial crunch that comes from such measures. “We have opened the construction industry,” said the prime minister which will provide “most jobs” in cities.

He said in villages the agriculture sector had been allowed to function as usual as it is one upon which rural residents depend on for income.

“Everyday we sit down and think about which other such industries we can open to strike this balance.”

He said so far 600,000 volunteers have applied to the Corona Relief Tigers force who will lead the fight against the pandemic.

“No one should be under the false impression that Pakistanis will remain safe,” said the premier, while warning the nation the fight against the coronavirus will be “a long war”.

He urged everyone to remain self-disciplined and exercise precaution.

The premier said a lockdown will certainly be implemented wherever a surge in cases is witnessed but for a lockdown to be successful the Force will have to be fully operational so food supplies are able to reach every household.

He said that it makes him happy to see so many foundations and charitable organisations have opened, recalling how when he started the Shaukat Khanum, only Edhi’s name would be prominent in doing large-scale charity work.

PM Imran said Pakistan ranks as the fifth or sixth most charitable nation. He said people only donate when they have trust it will be utilised as intended.

He said with the assistance of Dr Sania, who is in-charge of the Ehsaas Programme, a large database had been made and will constantly be updated with a list of families who are most deserving.

The prime minister said that distribution of funds will be done “purely on merit” without any “political interference”. “It will not matter who belongs to which party”.

He said the crisis will be a true test of how MPAs serve their constituencies in this difficult time. “The field of politics has been stained with this belief that politicians say they will serve the people’s interests but only serve their own.”

The prime minister said a Facebook page will be launched next week which will identify which areas are the most in need of donations.

He said all charities wishing to donate will all be registered under one platform and will be informed of which areas need funds, so there is no duplication, like in the times when earthquakes and floods struck Pakistan.

“We must ensure the funds are utilised properly and for that we must be organised.”

Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar, speaking on the occasion, explained the mechanism of the functioning of the tiger force that would have an expansive relief network up to union council level.

He suggested that the workers of the Rescue-1122 could also be engaged for ration distribution beside the police and district administration.