ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Dr. Sania Nishtar on Thursday said 69 billion rupees had so far been disbursed to 5.75 million families under Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program.

She said this while addressing at a news conference in Islamabad. She said a cash assistance of 12,000 each was being given to the deserving families under the program. She said the families had been selected in the most transparent manner after scrutinizing the data.

Sania Nishter said an alternative mechanism would shortly be introduced for those who were facing thumb impression problem.

Also Read: Sania Nishtar tells how to receive Rs12,000 cash assistance

She said that safety measures had been ensured at the cash disbursement points in order to avoid the spread of coronavirus.

The special assistant said a ration distribution portal had been activated to connect the philanthropists with the deserving families.

Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) leader Shahbaz Gill asked the opposition parties to avoid politics in the current situation. He stressed, “We need to get together to meet the challenge posed by coronavirus.”

Earlier in a statement, Dr Sania Nishtar had asked all deserving people who were sending SMS on 8171 for cash grant not to rush for payment before the final response of payment date.

In a video message, she had said, after scrutiny and confirmation of eligibility, the deserving person received the message with date of payment from 8171.

The special assistant had said payment of 12,000 rupees could be received from ATM, designated centers and points by the deserving people under Ehsaas Emergency Cash Relief Program.