ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Shibli Faraz has said that in wake of COVID-19 situation, a relief package is being provided to newspaper hawkers to help them in such difficult times.
The package is being funded by Baitul Mal and charity organisation Penny Appeal Pakistan.
Addressing a ceremony, the information minister said under Ehsaas program, cash assistance is being provided to the deserving families in the most efficient and transparent manner, adding that and a cash assistance program will soon be launched for hawkers.
Shibli Faraz lauded the services of hawkers and said that they delivered newspapers in the early hours of the morning, even in difficult situations.
“You don’t see them, but when you wake up every morning; your newspaper has already arrived. Whether it’s summer or winter, whether it’s raining or snowing, they make sure everyone gets their newspaper in the morning,” he added.
The minister said given the services rendered by newspaper hawkers, he has a special respect for this segment of the society.
He said the newspapers’ role in the ongoing fight against COVID-19 was appreciable and like doctors and paramedical staff, the media persons, hawkers were front line soldiers in the war against the epidemic, he added.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting said that media is working freely in the country and the government is taking steps for the betterment of the journalist community.
The information minister also urged the people to continue to follow the protective steps against COVID-19.
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