IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON HOUSEHOLDS AND INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT: A CASE OF PAKISTAN

Abstract

Covid-19 affected the whole world. It not only affected the health of people but due to lockdowns, the economies of countries also gone into recession. Pakistan was also badly hit by covid-19. The severity of covid-19 in Pakistan is comparatively low as compared to its neighboring countries. Due to covid-19, Pakistan’s GDP growth became negative in 2020. Other sectors of society are also affected. Not only economy as a whole are affected but the households in economy are badly hit by pandemic as well. People have lost their jobs; small businesses have been shut down to immense loses occurred by lockdowns. To provide relief to the affected households, the government have Pakistan have introduced different programs. These programs include a special stimulus package to provide relief to low income households under Ehsaas program. Government has taken steps through state bank of Pakistan to reduce inflation in pandemic period. Government also provided relief by allowing installment payments of Gas and electricity bills for low income households. Private sector and Non-governmental organizations also provide relief to covid-19 affected households.