Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh chaired a meeting here at the Finance Division through video link with the business community. Adviser to PM on Commerce was also present during the meeting.
The business community shared with the Adviser Finance the current situation of their businesses and the issues they had been facing because of a global slump in business activities. It was briefed to the meeting that the daily wagers and SME sector is the worst hit during the crisis. The participants deliberated upon a feasible plan to distribute the amount earmarked in the Prime Minister's relief package for the daily wagers and laborers (Rs. 200 billion) to support them in the scenario of lesser business activities in the country. The participants from the business community committed to take care of their daily wagers with the help of the government and promised to fulfill their social responsibilities in the hour of need.
The Adviser directed that the mechanism for distribution of monetary assistance should ensure transparency and simplicity of procedures that the poor daily wagers may get relief without any complication.
The business representatives requested for the speedier refunds for providing them enough liquidity to manage their activities. The Adviser directed Chairperson FBR to expedite the process of refunds so that the business community is provided with maximum relief. Chairperson FBR briefed that she is personally engaged with her team and business representatives to speed up the matters.
The Adviser assured the business community of his full support during this difficult period and said that he hopes that the future is more promising for Pakistan's export sector after the crisis is over.
The meeting was also participated by Dr. Waqar Massod Khan, Mr. Ali Jameel, Mian M. Mansha, Mr. Shahid Hussain, Mr. Shahzad Saleem, Mr. Bashir Ali Muhammad, Mr. Ali Habib, Mr. Aurangzeb, Mr.Tariq Saigol, Mr. Almas Hyder, Mr. Shahid Soorty, Mr. Fawad Anwer, Mr.Saqib Sherazi, Mr. Tariq Habib and senior officials of Ministries of Finance, Commerce and FBR.
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