Maha Rais
Latest posts by Maha Rais (see all)
- PM Imran directs cabinet to formulate strong COVID-19 strategy for Ramadan - April 29, 2020
- Govt to waive off six-months utility bills of small businesses - April 29, 2020
- PM Imran to undergo test for COVID-19 upon personal physician’s advice - April 22, 2020
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar said on Monday that the government has decided to waive off six-months electricity and gas bills of small businesses to provide them with some economic relief during the current coronavirus crisis.
While briefing the 4th meeting of the parliamentary committee on coronavirus, chaired by Senator Syed Shibli Faraz at the Parliament House, Azhar said, “The government is trying to address economic woes of the business community, especially small traders and their electricity bills will be waived for next 6 months.”
This statement was made immediately after the government approved a Rs. 81 billion financial support package for small businesses during a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet.
This financial support package is part of the Economic Relief Package that Prime Minister Imran Khan had announced last month to help businesses and individuals cope with the crisis that came along with coronavirus pandemic.
Addressing the meeting, Azhar said, “Almost 95% small businesses use commercial meters and their electricity and gas bills will be paid by the government during the lockdown.”
“A special package of Rs. 70 billion will be announced soon for laid-off workers associated with industrial sector,” he added.
Talking about the issues faced by large businesses, Azhar said that such businesses can seek help through different financing facilities provided by the State Bank of Pakistan.
“A single package cannot address the issues of all industrial sectors. Sector-specific packages will be devised by the government,” he said.
