ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan emphasized the importance of helping financially vulnerable social segments while launching a ration scheme for 20 million households in Pakistan on Monday which will provide 30 percent subsidy on daily use items.
The ration scheme is part of the government larger Ehsaas (empathy) program which was launched in March 2019 to provide economic assistance to poor families and ensure poverty alleviation.
"It is the responsibility of the government to help the underprivileged and those who are [financially] left behind," the prime minister said while addressing a gathering to launch the Ehsaas Riyayat Ration Scheme in the federal capital.
Khan said the government had also provided financial support to economically vulnerable families through cash distribution at a time when the coronavirus pandemic was at its peak.
He noted the effectiveness of the government's Ehsaas program was also recognized by the World Bank.
He also pointed out that much of the financial assistance under the program was disbursed among women, adding it was vital to invest money in their health and education.
The prime minister maintained that despite the surge in global oil prices, commodity rates in Pakistan were still low compared to the rest of the world.
