Information Minister Shibli Faraz has on Friday announced a relief package for newspaper hawkers, which will be supported by Baitul Mal and charity organisation Penny Appeal Pakistan.

Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad, Shibli Faraz said that though the government has introduced a cash assistance programme for lower-income people, in situations like these, there are some segments that are left out.

The Information Minister said under Ehsaas program, cash assistance is being provided to the deserving families in the most efficient and transparent manner.

Faraz said the services of newspaper hawkers will also be acknowledged and a cash assistance program will soon be launched for them.

He lauded the services of hawkers, saying that they deliver 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.”

Faraz further said he has a special respect for newspaper hawkers, “I feel so rendered with this society.”

The Information Minister also asked the people to continue following the health precautions. He said we will have to not only fight the coronavirus but also move forward.

Earlier, Information Minister Shibli Faraz had criticized Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)’s chief Shehbaz Sharif for not attending National Assembly (NA) recent session which discussed Coronavirus situation.

He said, “His absence shows his elite mindset. He did not show up because he thinks it is only his health and life that matters.”

The minister claimed that other PML-N MNAs came to attend the session despite being sick and COVID-19 fears.