Federal Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar has said that the government will introduce a scheme for payment of utility bills on installments, adding that it would primarily benefit small businesses and shop owners.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Azhar said the government would bring forth an "economic programme for those who have lost their jobs" amid lockdowns enforced to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The minister added that there were 10 per cent more stocks of food items in utility stores across the country as compared to Ramazan of last year.