1 (48Th Session) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

(48th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

—————

“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”

to be asked at a sitting of the National Assembly to be held on

Friday, the 14th December, 2012

(Originally Starred Question No. 19 was set down for answer during the 47th Session)

19. *Dr. Muhammad Ayub Sheikh:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that some Pakistanis are imprisoned in the jails of Bosnia at present;

(b) if so, the nature of allegations levelled against them?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): (a) & (b) As per information provided by our Mission in Sarajevo; no Pakistani national is imprisoned in the jails of Bosnian at present.

68. *Ms. Shireen Arshad Khan:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state whether the government has registered any protest on diplomatic level against the Israeli attack made on empty handed and innocent Muslims of Palestine during the November, 2012; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): Pakistan has registered protest at the UN Security Council and had issued a Press Release that strongly condemned the Israeli air attacks on. Gaza and that inter-alia, called upon the international community to come together to stop the Israeli aggression forthwith and to work in unison for a peaceful resolution of this festering issue. A copy of the Press Release is enclosed. 2 Annexure Pakistan condemns Israeli air strikes in Gaza

Pakistan has consistently extended unequivocal and unreserved support to the Palestinian cause. Pakistan believes that unless the Palestinian problem is resolved, peace in the Middle East will remain elusive. We support the quest of the state of Palestine for membership of the United Nations and we believe that Palestine cannot be denied this right anymore.

Pakistan strongly condemns Israeli air attacks in Gaza that have targeted not only the Hamas leadership but also innocent civilians. Israeli threats of a ground offensive against Gaza are even more disturbing. We are also deeply concerned that an escalation in the violence could lead to a spreading of the conflict to engulf the region. Pakistan considers the Israeli action as a grave violation of international law and all humanitarian norms. We call upon the international community to come together to stop the Israeli aggression forthwith and to work in unison for a peaceful resolution of this festering issue.

Islamabad, 16 November 2012.

69. *Ms. Shireen Arshad Khan:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the country-wise total number of Pakistanis are imprisoned abroad except Bosnia at present; and

(b) the steps taken by the Government for their release during the last four years till date?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): (a) The country-wise total number of Pakistanis imprisoned abroad, except Bosnia, at present is as under:— —————————————————————————————— Name of Country No. of Pakistani Prisoners —————————————————————————————— Afghanistan 315 Afghanistan (Bagram) 35 —————————————————————————————— 3 —————————————————————————————— Name of Country No. of Pakistani Prisoners —————————————————————————————— Algeria 0 Argentina 0 Australia 12 Austria 10 Azerbaijan 8 Bahrain 53 Bangladesh 26 Belgium 6 Bosnia 0 Brazil 0 Brunei 0 Bulgari a 1 Cambodia 1 Canada 26 Chile 0 China 264 Hong Kong 150 Cuba 0 Czech Republic 16 Denmark 24 Egypt 1 Ethiopia 1 France 75 Germany 38 Greece 319 Hungry 83 India 403 Indonesia 5 Iran 79 Ireland 2 Italy 134 Japan 19 Jordan 2 Kazakhstan 2 Kenya 2 Uganda 1 —————————————————————————————— 4 —————————————————————————————— Name of Country No. of Pakistani Prisoners —————————————————————————————— Korea Democratic 0 Korea Republic 7 Kuwait 314 Kyrgyzstan 1 Lebanon 1 Cyprus 3 Libya 26 Malaysia 202 Maldives 8 Mauritius 0 Mexico 0 Morocco 0 Myanmar 0 Nepal 23 Netherland 16 New Zealand 0 Niger 0 Norway 14 Oman 347 Philippines 0 Poland 2 Portugal 7 Qatar 25 Romania 2 Russia 7 Saudi Arabia 2373 Senegal 0 Serbia 4 Singapore 2 South Africa 17 Spain 169 Sri Lanka 51 Sudan 0 Sweden 0 Switzerland 4 Syria 0 —————————————————————————————— 5 —————————————————————————————— Name of Country No. of Pakistani Prisoners —————————————————————————————— Tanzania 0 Tajikistan 3 Thailand 90 Tunisia 0 Turkey 12 Turkmenistan 0 UAE 1334 UK 1416 USA 99 Ukraine 2 Uzbekistan 0 Vietnam / (Lao PDR) 1 Yemen 16 Zimbabwe 4 —————————————————————————————— Total: 8715 —————————————————————————————— (b) The following steps were taken by the Government for their release during the last four years till date:—

(i) Establishment of a Special Cell for Overseas Pakistanis.—A Special Cell on Overseas Pakistanis (SCOP), headed by Director General (Overseas Pakistanis) was constituted in May, 2010 and Director General (OP) was deputed as Liaison Officer. The complaints received through relatives of our expatriates are processed in coordination with our Missions abroad.

(ii) Release of Pakistani prisoners through payment of fines/legal aid.—During the year 2010-11, the release of 92 Pakistani detainees/ prisoners (90 in the Gulf Arab countries and 2 in Malaysia) was secured through payment of fines and legal aid. During the year 2011- 12, our Missions in Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia were authorized to pay fines of 30 prisoners, who had completed their sentences, had not committed heinous crimes, but were still in jails due to non-payment of fines. 6 (iii) Transfer of Prisoners under bilateral agreement on transfer of offenders.—Pakistan has signed bilateral Agreements on Transfer of Offenders with four countries i.e. UAE, UK, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

75 Pakistani prisoners have so far been transferred to Pakistan from Sri Lanka and Thailand under the Agreement. In addition, 6 prisoners from Seychelles and China were also transferred to Pakistan as a good will gesture.

(iv) Evacuation from Libya.—About 18000 Pakistanis residing/ working in various parts of Libya during the anti-Gaddafi protests, were evacuated and repatriated to Pakistan on Government expenses.

(v) Provision of one way air tickets for repatriation of destitute Pakistanis as well as dead bodies.—On the requests of our Missions abroad, the Ministry authorizes Missions to pay one way air tickets for repatriation of destitute Pakistanis as well as transportation of dead bodies from Pakistan Community Welfare & Education Fund (PCW & EF).

(vi) Coordination for repatriation of victims of boat capsizing incidents.—In coordination with our Missions in Australia and Indonesia, assistance was extended to the families of the victims of boat capsizing incidents occurred in December, 2011 and June, 2012. An amount of Rs. 10,488,000/- was provided to our Mission in Canberra for the repatriation of dead bodies to Pakistan.

70. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to purchase the residential building of the Quaid- e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in London (UK) to set up a National Monument/Museum therein;

(b) if so, the steps taken by the Ministry in this regard so far?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): (a) No proposal is under consideration of the Government to purchase the residential building of the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in London. 7 71. *Ms. Tasneem Siddiqui:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state the total number of Railway Coaches purchased from China recently alongwith the utilization thereof?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): Project of Purchase/Manufacturing of 202 Coaches has been approved by ECNEC on 03.09.2009 with the cost of Rs.15889.9 M). Total 202 coaches of various types have been purchased from China out of which 56 coaches have been received in CBU (Completely Built Unit) condition and these are being utilized in the train of 41-UP/42-DN Korakoram Express between Lahore and Karachi Cantt.

Whereas 76 Coaches are received in CKD (Completely knocked Down) condition and are under assembling process in Carriage Factory Islamabad.

The remaining 70 coaches will be shipped soon in CKD (Completely knocked Down) condition.

72. *Mrs. Nisar Tanveer:

Will the Minister for Privatization be pleased to state:

(a) the performance made by the Ministry in the field of privatization during the last four years till date;

(b) the prescribed criteria to place government entities for privatization; and

(c) whether financial position and stake holders of such Government entities are taken into consideration prior to placing such entities for privatization; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Privatization (Jam Mohammad Yousaf): (a) Privatisation Commission (PC) a body corporate under the Ministry of Privatisation, is responsible for executing privatisation of State Owned Entities (SOEs). Privatisation Commission has made the following contributions, in the field of privatisation in the last four years i.e. from 2009:— 8 (a) Revamped and implemented the Privatisation Policy from traditional strategic mode to Public Private Partnership mode.

(b) Implementation of Capital Market Transactions Policy

(d) Successfully recovered pending proceeds from four (04) privatised SOEs i.e. Wah Cement, Bengal Vegetable, Metropolitan Steel and A&B Oil Mills.

(e) Implementing Benazir Employees Stock Option Scheme (BESOS) by offering 12% stock options from the 80 SOEs to the employees of their respective organization.

(b) There is no prescribed criteria for placing government units for privatisation. However, the units to be privatised are approved by the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

CCI has approved lists of such SOEs in 1997, 2006 and 2011. Moreover, upon initiation of privatisation of an entity from the approved list, Privatisation Commission consults the respective administrative Ministry and other stakeholders for provision of information i.e. financial and operational position of the unit Later on, the proposal on case to case basis is taken-up with the Board of Commission, Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP) and the Cabinet, at various stages of privatisation process of an entity.

(c) No, the financial position and stakeholders of government entities are not taken into consideration prior to placing such entities for privatisation. However, the same are considered/ consulted during privatisation process of such entities.

73. *Mrs. Nisar Tanveer:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the steps being taken to increase the trade volume with other countries except European Union to save the country from current account deficit? 9 Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): The Ministry of Commerce has been mandated, inter-alia, to promote Pakistan’s trade with other countries and to ensure optimum market access opportunities for our core export products in global markets. In this regards. the Ministry of Commerce provides trade policy recommendations to the Government and works with other government agencies to ensure that Pakistan’s pursuit of its global, regional and bilateral interests are coordinated effectively at international level. Furthermore, the Commerce Ministry also works in liaison with Commercial Sections abroad for bilateral and multilateral trade agreements including. Preferential Trade Agreements, Free Trade Agreements and Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation between Pakistan and different countries in the areas of trade and investment.

Product Development to meet the international demand remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s export promotion strategy. The following market development and diversification initiatives have been included in the Trade Policy Framework:—

• Support on Compliance Certification

• Subsidy for Bio-Equivalence/Bio-Availability Studies to labs in/or pharmaceutical companies for locally manufactured pharmaceutical products.

• Support for Pharmaceutical companies for Acquisition of Accreditation.

• Support for Surgical Sector in product registration.

• Sharing of cost of setting up of design centers and labs in the individual tanneries.

• Freight subsidy for Irri Par-boiled rice for Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia Djibouti and Eritrea.

With a view to explore new markets for Pakistani products, Ministry of Commerce has been pursuing a policy of enhanced trade with Asian and African regions. As a result, considerable increase in trade with these regions has been recorded in last three years. Our exports to Asian region in 2009-10 which stood at US$ 8.9 billion have increased to US$ 11.5 billion in 2011-12. Similarly, 10 Pakistan’s exports to Africa have maintained a growing trend by increasing from US$ 1.4 billion in 2009-10 to US$ 1.7 billion in 2011-12.

In order to provide level playing field to our products of export interest, following market access initiative have been taken by the Ministry of Commerce during the last three years:—

• The Investment Chapter of the Pak- China FTA was re-negotiated and the Protocol was signed on 15th October 2008. As a result, China specific industrial zones will be established in the country and the products manufactured in the zones will get duty free access in China.

• The Agreement on Trade in Services between Pakistan and China was signed on 21st February 2009. The Agreement is operational from 10th October 2009.

• As part of the preparations for the Second Phase of Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement (PCFTA), consultative process with stakeholders has been initiated.

• Pakistan FTA with Malaysia was signed on November 8, 2007 and is operational from January I, 2008. The FTA is the 1st bilateral Agreement between two Muslim Countries – Members of OIC. This agreement is Pakistan’s first comprehensive FTA incorporating Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Investment and Economic Cooperation and Malaysia’s first bilateral FTA with any South Asian country.

• The Second Meeting of the Pak- Malaysia Joint Review Committee on implementation of the Agreement would be held in 2013 on mutually convenient dates.

• Pakistan and Indonesia have concluded a Preferential Trade Agreement in September, 2011. The Agreement was signed in February 2012. The Agreement is likely to be implemented from January 1, 2013.

• In order to expand the ambit of the existing Pakistan – Sri Lanka FTA, the first -round of negotiations between the two countries on 11 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was held in November, 2008 in Sri Lanka. The objective of the meeting was to review the implementation of the FTA and to address the concerns of the auto sector of Pakistan.

• Pakistan and Argentina have a Joint Trade Committee Meeting and second meeting of JTC was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 4-5 August, 2009.

• The Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Pakistan and Ukraine was ratified by the Cabinet on 30th June, 2010.

• The SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services was signed by all the member states during the 16th SAARC Summit held in Bhutan on 28-29 April, 2010.

• The negotiations for the Second Phase of Pak-China FTA have been commenced. The first Meeting was held on 10-11 March 2011 in Islamabad.

• An MoU was signed between Pakistan and Gulf Cooperation Council in March 2011 to formally launch the Strategic Dialogue.

• The 5th round of Commerce Secretary Level Talks on Commercial and Economic Cooperation between Pakistan and India were held on 27-28 April, 2011 in Islamabad. The Joint Statement contains significant decisions regarding addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade between the two countries.

• The Second Meeting of the Pak-Vietnam JTC held in Islamabad on August 28-29, 2012, achieved further progress by way of identifying measures and areas for promotion of bilateral trade.

• Pakistan and United States signed Trade & Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) on 25th June 2003. The 5th TIFA Council meeting was held at Islamabad on September 20, 2011. Issues related to investment, market access, the U.S Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), trade promotion efforts and sector-specific investment challenges were discussed in the meeting. 12 • An MoU was signed between the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Commerce Government of Pakistan in November, 2011.

• Pakistan being a member of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) signed the Agreement of Rules of Origin in September, 2008 and the same was ratified by the Cabinet on 2nd December, 2011. The other agreements signed and ratified by OIC member countries are Protocol on the Preferential Tariff Scheme for TPS-OIC (PRETAS) and Framework Agreement.

• Pakistan is also a Contracting Party of the Preferential Trade Agreement among the D-8 Muslim countries comprising Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Turkey. The Cabinet in its meeting held on 8th December, 2011 approved the ratification of the Agreement.

• A Joint Study on Trade Agreement with Thailand, completed in January, 2007 recommended entering into bilateral Comprehensive Agreement on Trade in Goods; Services; and Investment. Both sides agreed in principle to establish a Joint Trade Committee (JTC). The MOU on JTC is likely to be signed during the visit of Thai Commerce Minister to Pakistan in February, 2013.

• The Inaugural session of Pakistan and New Zealand JTC was held in March 2012 in Wellington. Various issues of market access were discussed in the Meeting.

• The 3rd Pakistan-Australia JTC Meeting was held in Canberra on 19-20 March 2012. The issues including technical trainings, trade promotion and market access for our core products were discussed.

• Pakistan and Mauritius has signed a PTA which is operational since 2007. Three rounds were held during 2008, 2009 and 2011 for converting this PTA to FTA. Both sides are also negotiating Agreement on Services.

• Pakistan and Tunisia has started negotiations on ‘a PTA. First round of such negotiation took place during 2012 in Islamabad. 13 • Pakistan and Chile is also working on negotiating an FTA. For this purpose a Joint Working Group has been established during 2012.

• Pakistan is also negotiating FTA with GCC countries. So far two rounds of negotiations have been held.

• Pakistan and Jordan are negotiating an FTA. A preliminary meeting has been held so far.

74. *Dr. Imtiaz Sultan Bukhari:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the trade volume of Pakistan with each member country of D-8, as on March, 2008 and at present;

(b) the volume of trade fixed for the year 2012 from D-8 forum;

(d) whether non-tariff barrier are obstacle to take full advantage therefrom; if so, the steps being taken to remove those barriers at an earliest?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) The trade volume of Pakistan with each country of D-8 as on March, 2008 and at present is as follows:— Value in US $ million —————————————————————————————— Countries Exp Imp Exp Imp 2007-08 2007-08 2011-12 2011-12 —————————————————————————————— Iran 213.8 555.6 153.1 153.5 Turkey 436.0 155.7 455.8 174.6 Banglades 342.0 69.5 633.7 65 Indonesia 61.1 1170.3 217.1 1161.4 Malaysia 94.4 1539.8 226.1 2344.6 Egypt 87.9 225.4 220 163.2 Nigeria 25.3 28.3 27.2 3.4 —————————————————————————————— Total 1260.5 3744.6 1933 4065.7 —————————————————————————————— 14 (b) No specific target for the year 2012 is fixed so far.

(d) Yes non tariff barriers are obstacles to take full advantage of available opportunities. Pakistan has proposed establishment of a sub-committee of experts to identify para tariffs and non-tariffs barriers employed by the Contracting Parties and to explore the posibility of mutual recognition agreement among them. This will be helpful in addressing the issue of non tariff barriers.

75. *Mr. Abdul Rashid Godil:

Will the Minister for Narcotics Control be pleased to state:

(a) the steps being taken to control narcotics in the country; and

(b) whether it is a fact that drug traffickers are doing their business under the supervision of Government employees in Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur; if so, the reasons of not taking steps in this regard?

Minister for Narcotics Control (Haji Khuda Bux Rajar): (a) (1) Steps taken by ANF to control narcotics from the country are as under:—

a. ANF Police Stations have been established in the country.

b. Port Control Units have been established at Sea Ports.

c. Precursor Control Teams in all the Regional Directorates have been established.

d. Creation of Itner-Agency Task Force (IATF) to strengthen Inter- agency cooperation and coordination efforts against the menace of narcotics.

e. Capacity building of other Law Enforcement Agencies through imparting training and provision of equipment for counter narcotics activities.

f. Formulation of new National Anti Narcotics Policy. 15 g. Canine Units at each Regional Directorate (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Sindh and Balochistan) have been established.

h. Reward money has a direct bearing on ANF operation, as majority of informer’s work only for money. Moreover, in order to give an incentive to informers, reward money was enhanced.

i. ANF personnel are deployed at all international airports, seaports and dry ports to counter narcotics trafficking through passengers and goods.

j. Campaign against drug peddlers involving Police under IATF forum.

k. Extension of ANF’s jurisdiction to FATA in December 2010, which resulted into seizure of 46919 Kgs Hashish in two different joint operations with active participation of Frontier Corps (FC) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

2. Destruction of Poppy is the responsibility of Provincial Govt/ FATA Administration. However, MoNC and ANF led complete support even to the extent of making forces available, ‘ whenever possible, for the task. Ground and aerial surveys are conducted in the poppy cultivation prone areas. After verification, the opium crop is destroyed by Provincial Govt and local administration supported by MoNC/ ANF, Province-wise summary of Poppy cultivation/ destruction is as under:—

—————————————————————————————— Year Cultivation Destruction Balance (in Hectares) (in Hectares) (in Hectares) —————————————————————————————— 2008 1906 56 1850 2009 1779 105 1674 2010 1789 68 1721 2011 1415 1053 362 2012 974 592 382 —————————————————————————————— 16

Pakistan has internationally been acknowledged as Poppy Free State for the year 2011.

3. In order to monitor the trafficking and use of synthetic drugs, Regional Directorates of ANF have been directed to take stringent measures. With regard to diversion of precursors for manufacturing of narcotics drugs, an elaborate SOP has been formulated and being implemented in letter and spirit. Moreover, Pre- Export Notice (PEN) online system is also in practice to have check on misuse/ diversion of pressures.

4. Capacity building courses at National and international level are being imparted to enhance the capacity of ANF personnel for effective Narcotics checking. Presently ANF has a very modest training institute which runs courses on drug law enforcement not only for all the law enforcement agencies of the country but also hosts training courses for officials of regional countries,

5. ANF is striving hard to control drugs trafficking through Pakistan. Unprecedented and record seizures affected by ANF are indication of ANF’s resolve to combat the menace of drugs. Its achievements in seizures of narcotics are appreciated by the world community. Pakistan is reported to be one of the top three countries which have affected the largest drug seizures. Details of ANF seizures during last five years are enclosed as Annex-A.

(b) No involvement of any Government department as a whole has ever surfaced, however, possibility of involvement of officials in individual capacity cannot be ruled out. AIL Government functionaries may be directed to take necessary steps to counter this aspect at departmental level. Requirement of effective and stringent measures by all LEAs to counter the menace of drugs from our society is the need of the time and every one has to play their role in every capacity. 17 18 76. *Mr. Abdul Rashid Godil:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the year and country wise agreements signed with Pakistan for value added products during the year 2011-2012 till date; and

(b) the facilities being extended/provided to the businessmen by Pakistan Embassies abroad therefor?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) It is submitted that all Preferential Trade Agreements/Free Trade Agreements have provisions for gaining market access for value added products. In the year 2011-12, Pakistan and Indonesia signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) on 3rd February, 2012, which besides agricultural products would also secure market access for the following value added products.

a. Readymade garments

b. Fans ( Ceiling, table, pedestal),

c. Sports goods ( Badminton and lawn tennis rackets)

d. Leather goods

e. Industrial products

In addition, EU has granted a package of Autonomous Trade Preferences (ATPs) to Pakistan under which 75 products from Pakistan will have duty free access in EU from 15th November, 2012 to 31st December, 2013. EU announced this concession in 2010 subject to WTO waiver to help Pakistan economy recovers from loses it sustained due to floods.

EU has announced GSP+ scheme from 2014 onwards under revised criteria for GSP+ scheme, Pakistan would be eligible for applying for duty free access. GSP+ provides duty free access on a broad range of products. 19

(b) Trade Offices as part of the Pakistan Embassies abroad are required to extend all possible facilitation to businessmen including:—

i. Access to market / product information.

ii. Assistance in firming up meetings with importers / buyers.

iii. Facilitation in participation in trade fairs / exhibitions.

77. *Mr. Muhammad Rehan Hashmi:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is working in the foreign countries with the collaboration of Pakistani Embassies;

(b) if so, the performance made by the said authority during the year 2011-12 till date?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) Yes, it is a fact that the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan plans and organizes the delegations and holds Trade Fairs and Exhibitions abroad with the active support and assistance of the Commercial Secretariat /Commercial Counsellors serving in the Pakistan Missions /Embassies in the foreign countries.

(b) The performance of TDAP during the year 2011-12 is as under:—

• The trade delegation and Trade Fairs /Exhibitions are effective tools to market Pakistani products abroad and boost our exports. As a consequence of TDAP’s trade promotional activities including the activities of receiving and sending the trade delegations and holding of trade fairs/exhibitions abroad, the exports from Pakistan have increased in the past few years. The detail of trade delegations/trade fairs/exhibitions organized by TDAP during the year 2011-12 is at Annex-A. 20 • To achieve market access and help in removing restrictions on exports from Pakistan such as non tariff barriers, Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary measures, TDAP invites various inspection missions of concerned authorities from international market for inspection purposes. Such activities /measures have helped in removing restrictions of exports of Kinno & Mango in China & Iran; Meat in UAE and Saudi Arabia; and Rice in China etc.

• Successful implementation of Information Technology enabled Cotton Yarn Exports monitoring system.

• Completion of data base and cataloguing process of handicrafts manufacturers and Artisans in collaboration with Aik Hunar Aik Nagar (AHAN).

• Initiation of establishing IT Training institutes for Women in collaboration with the Software Export Board.

• Initiation of an Electronic Reporting System for Pakistan’s Commercial Officers abroad.

• Video conferencing facilities installed at TDAP’s head quarters and regional offices.

• Initiation of work on TDAP’s new interactive web portal.

• Completion of Expo Centre Lahore Project.

• Mango export to China & Japan

• Expo Pakistan is the biggest trade fair in Pakistan, showcasing the largest collection of Pakistan’s export merchandise and services. Foreign exhibitors, from neighboring countries, also use this platform to launch their products. TDAP has organized the 7th Edition of Expo Pakistan in Expo Center from October 4th to 7th 2012. 21 22 23 78. *Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Ministry to compensate the bereaved families of Pakistani Workers who lost their lives abroad;

(b) if so, when it will be implemented alongwith the details thereof?

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis (Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar): (a) Yes.

(b) OPF an autonomous body under the administrative control of Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis had introduced a financial aid scheme in 1980-81 to provide financial assistance to the destitute families of Overseas Pakistanis in the event of sudden death or disability of Overseas Pakistanis. This is a one time grant and present limit of this grant is Rs. 150,000/- per family. The cases of Overseas Pakistanis who expire while working abroad are taken up with host countries for recovery of their dues / compensation.

Number of beneficiaries and total amount disbursed so far are as under:— —————————————————————————————— Total No. of Total Amount Beneficiaries Disbursed (upto30-06-2012) —————————————————————————————— 5513 Rs.237.17 Million ——————————————————————————————

79. *Mrs. Munira Shakir:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the value and quantity-wise betel leaf, betel-nut, Gutka, Cigarettes and liquor imported during the last five years alongwith the names of countries thereof?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): The information regarding value and quantity-wise betel leaf, betel nuts, cigarettes and liquor imported during the last five years along with the names of the countries is at Annex-I. (Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library) 24 80. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of workshops/factories owned by the Pakistan Railways in the country at present;

(b) the year-wise income earned by those workshops/factories during the last five years separately; and

Reply not received.

81. *Mr. Muhammad Riaz Malik:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the steps taken by the Government to increase Pakistani exports to Saudi Arabia during the last four years till date?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): Trade Promotion and Market Access in different regions is one of the major objectives of Ministry of Commerce. In pursuance of the same, Foreign Trade Wings of the Ministry work towards promoting exports of goods and services in foreign markets under the International Trade Laws governed by the WTO. Basic aim is to market our products and increase our share of exports to realize the objectives of our trade policy.

2. Pakistan’s export to Saudi Arabia has increased from US$ 393 million during 2009-2010 to US$ 418 million during the year 2011-2012.

3. It may be noted that there is no single factor or action which determines the size and direction of trade. It is a combination of factors and depends on a continuous and sustained strategy which determines trade volumes. Although we have seen a gradual increase in our exports to Saudi Arabia during the last few years yet it is not enough and with help of the Private sector we can enhance over trade. 25 4. Following Steps have been taken by the Government to increase Pakistani exports to Saudi Arabia during the last four years till date:—

Exhibitions

Participation in exhibitions is an important promotional tool for boosting trade. TDAP in collaboration with our Commercial Section in Saudi Arabia has organized / participated in the following fairs/exhibitions to showcase Pakistani products:—

—————————————————————————————— Sr. # Name of Event Event date Product Sector ———————————————————————————————————————————

1. Catalogue Show, Jeddah- 3-7 Nov 2008 Printed Material, Saudi Arabia Products brochures

2. Gitex Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Apr 2010 Services

3. Saudi Agro-Food - The 17th 04-07 Oct 2010 Food items Int’l Trade Show for Food Products, Riyadh

4. Saudi Stone Fair, Riyadh 18-21 Oct 2010 Marble & Granite

5. Gitex Saudi Arabia, Riyadh 16-19 May 2011 Services

6. Saudi Agro-Food - The 18th 19-22 Sep 2011 Food items Int’l Trade Show for Food Products, Riyadh

7. Saudi Stone Fair, Riyadh 16-19 Oct 2011 Marble & Granite

8. Gitex Saudi Arabia, Riyadh 16-19 May2012 Services

9. MedExpo, Jeddah 17-20 Jun 2012 Surgical & Medical Equipment

10 Saudi Agro-Food - The 19th 24-27 Sep 2012 Food items Int’l Trade Show for Food Products, Riyadh

11 Gitex Saudi Arabia, Riyadh May 2013 Services (to be organized) ———————————————————————————————————————————

The Commercial Section in Saudi Arabia has also organized/ undertaken the following events:—

• Held Catalogue shows in local Chamber premises at Jeddah, Makkah, Taif and Madinah to introduce our products in this region. 26 • Organized a high profile Investment conference at Jeddah in cooperation with BOI to attract Saudi investment in Pakistan, which was highly successful.

• Sent several business delegations to Expo-Pakistan at Karachi on regular basis since 2009.

• A lot of information was disseminated to private sector trade bodies, govt. agencies and individuals bout the business opportunists there.

• Tender documents and bid offers were circulated among Pakistani companies to participate in mega construction projects in this region.

• Hundred of local businessmen and Pakistani entrepreneurs were received by this section to help them to have interaction leading to greater business opportunities there.

Delegations

Visits of trade delegations both incoming and outgoing from Saudi Arabia and to Saudi Arabia are essential to create awareness among the business community of two countries about the custom system / tariffs. Following delegations visited during the period:—

- The Commercial Section in Saudi Arabia, FPCCI and TDAP motivated and organized visits of various trade delegations from Pakistan including Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Punjab Industrial Board, Auto part Association (PAPAM), Marble and Granite Exporters Association.

- TDAP’s invited businessmen from Saudi Arabia participated in Expo Pakistan 2008. The members of Saudi delegation not only experienced Pakistan’s potential in Goods and Services but also attended full day(s) high profile conferences / seminars on topics like Pakistan Economic Profile, Investment Opportunities in Pakistan and Laws Regulating Pakistan’s Customs System.

- A nineteen (19) member REAP delegation visited Saudi Arabia in 2010. 27 - A six (6) member delegation visited Pakistan to inspect the slaughter houses in Karachi and Lahore and also to have B2B meetings regarding poultry sector in February 2012.

Establishment of Special Economic Partnership

Secretary Commerce visited Saudi Arabia and had meeting with Mr. Abdullah Bin Abdul Rahman Al Hamoudi, Deputy Minister for Foreign Trade, Saudi Arabia on the proposal of Establishment of special economic partnership between the two countries. During the meeting, Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade proposed that Pak-Saudi Business Council is the appropriate forum to conduct study for drawing up road map for the implementation of a proposal regarding establishment of special economic partnership. Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development is also conducting the said study.

Other Initiatives

FTA with GCC Countries

Pakistan proposed FTA with Gulf Cooperation Council. Member states of Gulf Cooperation Council include Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman. Two rounds of the negotiations have been held so far. The third round of negotiations is expected to be held shortly.

Trade Preferential System of Organization of Islamic Conference (TPS-OIC)

The organization of Islamic Conference is an organization of Fifty Seven member countries. The Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of Organization of Islamic Conference (COMCEC) is one of the Standing Committees established during the Third Islamic Summit Conference held in Mecca and Taif, in 1981. TPS/OIC is negotiated under COMCEC. There are three agreements which are signed and ratified by OIC member countries: (a) Framework Agreement, (b) Protocol on the Preferential Tariff Scheme for TPS- OIC (PRETAS) (c) Rules of Origin. Pakistan has signed and ratified all the three Agreements. As Saudi Arabia is also participant Member of TPS-OIC its operationalization will help in the enhancement of bilateral trade between Pakistan and Saudi, Arabia. 28 82. *Mr. Muhammad Riaz Malik:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of exporters and importers in the country at present; and

(b) the facilities/incentives being provided by the Government to those exporters/importers?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) Ministry of Commerce does not maintain such data.

(b) Government of Pakistan has given following facilities/initiative to facilitate the traders:—

• Concessionary financing, duty free import of raw material under temporary importation scheme/Duty Tax Remission on Exports (DTRE), duty drawback scheme, concessions in duty/taxes on import of machinery and raw material of priority export sectors, development of export clusters.

• Through active trade diplomacy, Government is trying to get better market access for the local businesses in international markets by concluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs) with different countries.

• Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is undertaking various export promotional activities through trade exhibitions and delegations in new markets viz China, Hong Kong, Russia, Malaysia, African region, America and Eastern Europe etc.

83. *Mrs. Seema Mohiuddin Jameeli:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the quality and standard of Pakistani goods/products is checked by the Government before exporting;

(b) if so, the names of departments alongwith the prescribed criteria thereof? 29 Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) Yes, the quality and standard of Pakistani goods/products is checked by the Government Departments before exporting.

(b) The names of the departments and criteria for the certification is as under:—

1. Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA):

PSQCA checks through registered inspection agencies the quality of goods to be exported.

2. Animal Quarantine Department (AQD): The department performs laboratory tests/examination and quarantine of animals and its products meant for export from Pakistan to meet international standards and issues health certificates for import/export thereof.

3. Department of Plant Protection (DPP): DPP regulates the country’s international trade of agro-commodities through its plant quarantine outposts established at all seaports, international air terminals, dry ports and international borders. The exports are regulated by issuance of Phyto-sanitary Certificates (PCs) according to the requirements and trade agreements signed with the importing, countries.

4. Quality Review Committee (QRC): All the consignments of rice are checked by QRC’s Rice Inspection Cell in accordance with Pakistan Standard Specification of rice.

5. Sialkot Material Testing Laboratories: It regulates the export of surgical instruments through issuing certificates in accordance with the International Standards.

6. Pakistan Council of Scientific & Research (PCSIR): PCSIR checks the quality of the goods/products on the instructions of the Government or Private Sector. Customs also gets examined / tested various products from PCSIR to ascertain their shelf life and fitness for human consumption before allowing their clearance for exports. 30 7. Federal Seed Certification Registration Department: The Federal Seed Certification Act 1976 mandates the department to control and certify the quality of seeds.

8. Marine Fisheries Department (MFD): MFD issues Certificate of Quality and Origin for the export of fish and fishery products.

9. Drug Controller: The drugs are exported under Chapter III of the Drugs (Import and Export) Rules 1976, which are framed to regulate the import and export of drugs including the finished drugs, active pharmaceuticals ingredients, inactive pharmaceutical raw materials, packing material etc. The Federal Government appoints a Licensing Authority to issue licenses to import and export drugs. None of drugs can be imported or exported without the authorization of Licensing Authority.

84. *Mrs. Seema Mohiuddin Jameeli:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the steps taken so far on diplomatic level to prevent India from constructing dams on Pakistani rivers?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): Following steps were taken on diplomatic level to ensure that both the countries respect the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in letter and spirit:

Under the resumed Dialogue process between India and Pakistan, two rounds of Water Secretary Level Talks have been held so far. In the first round, delegations of the two countries met from 12 to 13 May, 2011 in Islamabad. Pakistani delegation reiterated its commitment to bilateral engagement in a spirit of constructive cooperation and emphatically urged India to resolve all outstanding Water issues with Pakistan under the provisions of the Indus Basin Treaty.

In the second round of resumed Water Secretary Level Talks held from 27 to 28th of March, 2012, delegations from India and Pakistan met in New Delhi to discuss the Wullar Barrage. The delegations were led by the Water Secretaries of the two countries. The Pakistani delegation expressed dissatisfaction over the data already shared by the Indians. It was agreed that the Indian side will provide 31 additional technical data to the Pakistani side Pakistani side will examine all the data and furnish its views before the next round of dialogue. It was also agreed that the decision of the referral of the case for arbitration if required, would be made through the Foreign Ministries of the two countries.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar and the then Minister of External Affairs of India Mr. S.M. Krishna met in Islamabad on September 8, 2012, to review progress in the Dialogue process. The Ministerial level talks were preceded by a meeting between the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries on September 7, 2012. During the Ministerial level Review Meeting, the Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of Indus Waters Treaty and called upon the Indian side to ensure complete respect and implementation of the provisions of the treaty. The Foreign Minister also highlighted the following issues:-

• Failure to notify Pakistan of engineering works at the planning stage that will cause interference with the waters of the rivers and materially affect Pakistan as required under Article VII (2) of the Treaty and failure to provide information and data on Pakistan’s request for such information;

• Designing and constructing run of river hydro electric plants in contravention of the design criteria given in Paragraph 8 of Annexure D to the Treaty for such plants;

• Continuing with the construction of engineering works despite objections by Pakistan and delaying resolution of disputes while such works continue in order to take the project to a stage of a fait accompli;

• Unauthorized Construction of Bunds and River Training Works along the River Ravi.

Pakistan has been diligently voicing its concerns on the violations of Indus Waters Treaty committed by India. All possible efforts have been made at all diplomatic levels to impress upon India that it is in the interest of both the nations that the IWT be respected and all outstanding issues be solved in the light of the provisions of the treaty. 32 85. *Malik Shakeel Awan:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise ratio of domestic trade deficit registered during the last five year alongwith reasons thereof; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to reduce the said deficit?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) Domestic trade means exchange of goods and services within the markets of a country. It is not possible to measure deficit or surplus of trading activities within the country. However, Pakistan’s trade deficit with the rest of world is given below:—

Trade Deficit during the last five years. —————————————————————————————— Trade deficit % change over the (Billion US$) previous year —————————————————————————————— 2007-2008 -20.914 54.2 2008-2009 -17.134 -18.1 2009-2010 -15.420 -10.0 2010-2011 -15.604 1.2 2011-2012 -21.288 36.4 2012-2013 -6.440 -6.8 (July October) —————————————————————————————— The major reasons for unfavorable trade balance of Pakistan:

(i) Energy crisis.

(ii) Deteriorating law and order situation.

(iii) Capital flight.

(iv) Persistent depreciation of Rupees against Dollar (and other hard currencies). 33 (v) Inelasticity of our imports, 34% of which consists of petroleum products.

(b) To reduce the trade deficit it is necessary to increase exports and reduce imports. Pakistan’s imports are greater than export because Pakistan’s imports mainly pertain to food group, machinery group, petroleum products and raw material for industrial consumption. Hence, they are inelastic in nature.

These imports are essential for sustaining economic activities and stabilization of prices by augmenting supply position.

Pakistan is following a liberal trade regime in line with the WTO system. Restricting imports is neither feasible nor beneficial for the economic health of the country.

As such, the viable option to reduce trade deficit is by increasing exports. Measure adopted by Ministry of Commerce for enhancing exports are given below:—

• Pakistan FTA with Malaysia was signed on November 8, 2007 and is operational from January 1, 2008. The FTA is the 1st bilateral Agreement between two Muslim Countries –Members of OIC. This agreement is Pakistan’s first comprehensive FTA incorporating Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Investment and Economic Cooperation and Malaysia’s first bilateral FTA with any South Asian country.

• In order to expand the ambit of the existing Pakistan – Sri Lanka FTA, the first round of negotiations between the two countries on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was held in November, 2008 in Sri Lanka. The objective of the meeting was to review the implementation of the FTA and to address the concerns of the auto sector of Pakistan. 34

• The Agreement on Trade in Services between Pakistan and China was signed on 21St February 2009. The Agreement is operational from 10th October 2009.

• Pakistan and Argentina have a Joint Trade Committee Meeting and second meeting of JTC was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 4-5 August, 2009.

• The Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Pakistan and Ukraine was ratified by the Cabinet on 30th June, 2010.

• The second Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting between Pakistan and Australia was held in February 2010 in Islamabad. One of the major achievements after the JTC meeting was the import Risk Analysis of our mangoes by Australia.

• The SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services was signed by all the member states during the 16th SAARC Summit held in Bhutan on 28-29 April, 2010.

• The negotiations for the Second Phase of Pak-China FTA have been commenced. The first Meeting was held on 10-11 March 2011 in Islamabad.

• An MoU was signed between Pakistan and Gulf Cooperation Council in March 2011 to formally launch the Strategic Dialogue.

• The Inaugural Session of the Pakistan – Vietnam Joint Trade Commission (JTC) was held on July 28-29 2011 in Hanoi, Vietnam. During the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen business to business cooperation and improve trade logistics between the two countries. 35

• Pakistan and Indonesia have concluded a Preferential Trade Agreement in September, 2011. The Agreement was signed in February 2012. The Agreement is likely to be implemented from January 1, 2013.

• An MoU was signed between the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Commerce Government of Pakistan in November, 2011.

• The Inaugural session of Pakistan and New Zealand JTC was held in March 2012 in Wellington. Various issues of market access were discussed in the Meeting.

• The 3rd Pakistan-Australia JTC Meeting was held in Canberra on 19-20 March 2012. The issues including technical trainings, trade promotion and market access for our core products were discussed. 36

86. *Ms. Parveen Masood Bhatti:

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:

(a) the projects launched/development works initiated in FATA under FATA Development Authority since 15-3-2008 till date;

(b) the number of projects out of those completed so far alongwith the time by which remaining projects will be completed; and

Minister for States and Frontier Regions (Engr. Shaukat Ullah): (a) Details of the projects launched/ development work initiated in FATA under FATA Development Authority since 15-03-2008 till date at Annex-B.

(b) Details of projects completed so far is at Annex-C. The remained projects which will be completed is at Annex-D.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

87. *Ms. Parveen Masood Bhatti:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that any country has offered to co-operate for the revival of Pakistan Railways during the last four years till date;

(b) if so, the name of country alongwith the details thereof?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) & (b) No country has offered for revival of Pakistan Railways during last four years. 37 88. *Ms. Qudsia Arshad:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that bilateral relations between Pakistan and Russia are not satisfactory;

(b) if the answer to part (a) above is in the affirmative, the reasons thereof alongwith the steps taken to improve the relations with the said country?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): (a) It is correct that for the major part of the past six and a half decades diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Russia were complicated to the Cold War dynamics. Notwithstanding that, there has been a marked improvement in bilateral ties over the recent years, which is a clear manifestation of the vision of the leadership of the two countries.

Pakistan-Russia bilateral relations are now characterized by intensification of high level visits, mutual trust, commonality of interest, better understanding and convergence of views on important political and security issues including regional stability, combating terrorism and drug trafficking. Commencement of cooperation, both at the bilateral and the regional levels, in various fields including energy, steel industry, science and technology, trade, investment, education, culture and infrastructure development has given new impetus to the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

(b) Though the answer to part (a) is not in the affirmative, yet it would not be out of place to briefly mention the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan to further enhance bilateral relations with the Russian Federation.

Highest political level exchanges between the two countries have been strengthened. The Presidents of the two countries have met as many as seven times over the last three years. During the same time period, the two Prime Ministers met four times. Recently, the two Prime Ministers met on the sidelines of the 9th Asia Europe Meeting Summit (ASEM-9) on 05 November 2012 in Vientiane, Laos. The two Foreign Ministers paid visits to each other’s country earlier during the year. In addition, three ministerial visits (two from the Russian side and one from Pakistan) took place during the current year. 38 Pakistan hosted the second session of the Pakistan-Russia Inter- Governmental Commission (IGC) on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation on 10 September 2012. During the session, following MoUs were finalized:

(i) Cooperation in the Project of Modernization, Reconstruction and Expansion of the Production Capacity of the Pakistan Steel Mills, Karachi

(ii) Cooperation in Science & Technology

(iii) Cooperation between Ministry of Water & Power of the Government of Pakistan and the Russian Ministry of Energy.

Pakistan also hosted the second session of Pakistan-Russia Joint Working Group (JWG) on Energy Cooperation on 26-27 June 2012. During the meeting, bilateral cooperation on several projects (including coal based power generation in Sindh and hydro-power projects at Munda, Kuramtagni, Muzaffargarh etc.) was discussed. Also Russia has expressed interest to participate in regional and trans-regional energy projects including CASA-1000 and TAPI. Furthermore, the two sides are engaged in the development of a 20 Year Roadmap for cooperation in the energy sector.

The 7th meeting of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Consultative Group on Strategic Stability was held in Moscow on 11 January 2012, during which candid views were exchanged on a broad range of issues covering global and regional security, arms control and disarmament, and strategic stability in South Asia.

Pakistan-Russia cooperation on Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) goes back to early1970s when the PSM was set up with the technical and financial assistance of Russia in 1972 during the government of Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. During President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to Russia in May 2011, the Russian Federation agreed to assist Pakistan to expand PSM’s production capacity from 1.1mtpy (million tons per year) to 1.5mtpy. An MoU on the Expansion and Modernization of the PSM was initialled between the two sides on 01 October 2012 while the Inter-Governmental Agreement is under process.

Russia is an important trade partner of Pakistan. In the year 2011-12, bilateral trade volume exceeded US$ 390million. Pakistan’s exports to Russia have constantly been rising since last five years (from US$. 98.63million in 2007-08 to US$ 189.61million in 2011- 12) . 39 The Russian Business Council for Cooperation with Pakistan (RBCCP) was formed in coordination with the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Russian Federation on 04 May 2011.

To further deepen and widen the bilateral relations, Pakistan is also working on several important agreements between the two countries including Defence Collaboration, Cooperation in Oil & Gas Sectors, Cooperation between the two Ministries of Justice and Mutual Legal Assistance in Civil and Criminal Matters.

A sister-city agreement between Karachi and St. Petersburg is under negotiation. A Protocol in this regard was signed during the visit of Chief Minister Sindh to Moscow and St Petersburg (23-25 October 2011).

Pakistan and Russia have been cooperating at bilateral as well as multilateral level to combat production and trafficking of narcotic drugs. On the invitation of the Director of Russian Federal Service for Narcotics Traffic Control (FSKN), Minister of Narcotics Control, Haji Khuda Bux Rajar, paid a visit to Moscow on 05 March 2012. A Joint Statement and a Joint Action Plan (for the period of 2012-2014) were issued on the occasion. The Director of the FSKN paid a return visit to Pakistan on 26-28 March 2012. Pakistan hosted the Regional Ministerial Conference on Counter Narcotics Strategies on 12-13 November 2012, in which Russia participated at the Secretary (Deputy Minister) level.

89. *Sheikh Muhammad Tariq Rasheed:

Will the Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan be pleased to state:

(a) the statutory functions of the Ministry;

(b) the year-wise budget allocated for development works/schemes during the last five fiscal years alongwith the utilization thereof; and

Reply not received. 40 90. *Rana Mahmood -ul- Hassan:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that forensic audit of Pakistan Railways was planned to conduct; if so, the present status thereof;

(b) the time by which such forensic audit will be completed;

(c) whether audit firm for such audit has been hired; if so, the detail thereof alongwith the criteria adopted for hiring of such firm; and

(d) the expenditure to be incurred on the said audit?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) The Hon’able Supreme Court of Pakistan, during hearing on 10.11.2011 in a suo moto a case, directed to conduct Forensic Audit to ascertain the reasons as to why Railways is not functioning smoothly. In compliance of these directives, M/s. Deloitte has been engaged to conduct Forensic Audit of Pakistan Railways for which contract agreement amounting to Rs.33.920 million has been signed on 16.08.2012. 20% mobilization advance of the contract amount has been paid to the firm on 02.11.2012. The contract has become effective from 21.11.2012.

M/s. Deloitte has reported to Headquarters office, Lahore on 26.11.2012 and the firm is being provided all possible assistance by Pakistan Railways.

(b) The Forensic Audit is scheduled to be completed by the firm within four months from the effectiveness date of contract i.e. 21-11-2012 upto 20-03-2013.

(c) M/s. Deloitte has been engaged to conduct Forensic Audit of Pakistan Railways for which contract agreement amounting to Rs.33.920 million has been signed on 16.08.2012. For this purpose the following procedure has been observed for prequalification/short listing of the consultants/audit firms in line with PPRA. regulations 2010 for procurement of consultancy services:

i. Application for Expression of Interest (EOI) for, pre-qualification of audit firms were invited on 26-01-2012 through national newspapers. In response 14 firms submitted their applications by due date i.e. 10-02-2012. 41 ii. A committee comprising FA&CAO/PR, Chief Project & Planning Officer and Director Procurement, nominated by General Manager/ Operations and General Manager/M&S, evaluated the offers. As per evaluation report, out of fourteen, five firms obtaining more than 70 marks, were pre-qualified.

iii. Thereafter request for proposal (RFP) were issued to the five pre- qualified firms on 09-03-2012 in response the following four firms submitted their technical and financial proposal by due date i.e. 28-03-2012. —————————————————————————————— S# Name of the Firm —————————————————————————————— i. Horwath Hussain Chaudhury & Co,. ii. M/s Deloitte & Co iii. Baker Tilly Mehmood Idreees Qamar & Co iv. Avais Hyder Li aquat Nauman ——————————————————————————————

iv According to evaluation criteria, the 1St lowest evaluated offer amounting to Rs. 33.920 million is from M/s Deloitte & Co who were assigned the work.

(d) Contract agreement amounting to Rs.33.920 million has been awarded and 20% mobilization advance of the contract amount has been paid to the firm on 02-11-2012.

91. *Ms. Imrana Saeed Jamil:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of electric locomotives trains plied during the recent past alongwith the routes thereof; and

(b) whether it is a fact that electric locomotive trains are not being plied at present; if so, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) a) No train was hauled over any route by electric locomotives during the recent past. 42 (b) Yes it is a fact that no electric locomotive trains are being plied at present due to following reasons:—

(i) Execution of work on doubling of track on Khanewal – Raiwind section.

(ii) Non-availbility of Electric Locomotives.

92. *Ms. Imrana Saeed Jamil:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is any proposal under consideration to establish a locomotive manufacturing factory in the country;

(b) if so, when it will be established alongwith the location thereof?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) There is no such proposal at present .to establish new locomotive factory. Pakistan Railways has already a locomotive manufacturing factory at Risalpur which was established in 1992.

(b) Establishment of new locomotive manufacturing factories are not under consideration.

ISLAMABAD: KARAMAT HUSSAIN NIAZI, The 13th December, 2012. Secretary.

PCPPI—1289(12) NA—13-12-2012—700. 1 48th Session

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Friday, the 14th December, 2012

(Originally Unstarred Question Nos. 70, 71, 72, 40, 41, 47 and 52 were set down for answer during the 47th Session)

70. Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is a ban on the import of prohibited and non- prohibited arms; if so, when this ban was imposed; and

(b) whether said ban is being implemented?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) Yes, there is a complete ban on issuance of fresh import authorization / enhancement of the existing authorizations of non-prohibited weapons. A ban is in place for import of prohibited weapons since 1997 and a ban is in place on issuance of authorization for the import of non-prohibited weapons since April 2009.

(b) Yes.

71. Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that changes have been made in the policy for import of old vehicles from Japan during the last four years alongwith the decrease and increase resulted in the prices of local made vehicles thereby; and

(b) the benefits achieved therefrom? 2 Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) The policy position in respect import of second/used cars since 2008 is as under:— i. 2008-09- Second hand/used vehicles not older than three years was allowed only under the personal baggage, gift and transfer of residence schemes.

ii. 2009-10- The same position as in para (i).

iii. 2010-11- Till 7th February, 2011 vehicles not older than three years was allowed. However w.e.f 8th February, 2011, vehicles upto five years was made importable under the personal baggage, gift and transfer residence schemes.

iv. 2011-12. Vehicles upto five years old under the personal baggage, gift and transfer schemes were allowed. The same policy continues till to date in 2012-13.

These schemes are not Japan specific.

The prices of local cars are impacted only indirectly due to changes in these schemes. The prices of locally manufactured cars depend on the cost of production. The prices of locally made cars have been rising continuously during the last four years.

(b) Increase in age for import of vehicles in these schemes provides more flexibility and facility to Pakistanis living abroad. Moreover, it indirectly provides more options to domestic car buyers and the prices of second hand imported cars have gone down recently. The impact of the increased importation of second hand cars on the prices of locally produced car has not yet been studied systematically.

72. Ms. Qudsia Arshad:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) whether it Is a fact that the meeting of Board of Directors of Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) has not been held for the last one and a half year; if so, the reasons thereof; and 3 (b) whether it is also a fact that audit of the said company has not been conducted during the said period; if so, the action taken against responsible thereof?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) The last meeting of the Board of Directors of Pakistan Horticulture Development and Export Company (PHDEC) was held on 8th June, 2012. Next meeting of the BoD is scheduled to be held on 12th November, 2012.

(b) The last audit of the Company was conducted for the financial year 2010-11. The company has called Expressions of Interest from various audit firms to conduct audit for the financial year 2011-12. The selection/appointment of auditors will be made by the company’s BoD in the meeting scheduled to be held in November and thereafter the audit of the company for the financial year 2011- 12 will be conducted.

40. Ms. Qudsia Arshad:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise total number of bullet proof vehicles imported by the Government during the last three years;

(b) the name of persons to whom those vehicles have been allotted during the said period;

(d) if the answer to part (c) above is in the affirmative, the reasons to import such vehicles alongwith the total amount waived off in each case during the said period?

Reply not received.

41. Ms. Shireen Arshad Khan:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of employees working in State Life Insurance Corporation as on 15-3-2002; and 4

(b) the total number of employees working in the said department as on 15-3-2008 and at present?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) Total Regular Existing Employees (2002) = 3898

(b) Total Regular Existing Employees (2008) = 3444

Total Regular Existing Employees (30-09-2012) = 3672

47. Ms. Imrana Saeed Jamil:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state: -

(a) whether it is a fact that the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan has made investment in different leasing companies in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) & (b) It is a fact that State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan hold the shares of following leasing companies:—

—————————————————————————————— Name of Company No. of Shares Book Value Average Year of (Rs.) Rate (Rs.) Purchase ——————————————————————————————————————————— Capital Assets Leasing 239,465 3,219,204 13.44 2001 Corporation Limited

English Leasing Limited 480,500 11,613,860 24.17 2001

Orix Leasing Pakistan Ltd. 4,310,902 69,256,728 15.07 2003

Pakistan Industrial & Commercial 133,686 1,559,151 13.91 2003 Leasing Ltd

Standard Chartered Leasing Ltd. 217,077 3,054,990 14.07 2003

Security Leasing Corporation Ltd. 455,565 2,994,877 6.57 2003

Saudi Pak Leasing Company Ltd. 1,997,822 38,813,123 19.43 2003

Interasia Leasing 115,600 2,863,362 21.76 2001 ——————————————————————————————————————————— 5

52. Mr. Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the TA/DA allowance has not been paid to the employees of Pakistan Railway Police for several months;

(b) if so, the reasons thereof; and

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) It is a fact that most of Pakistan Railways Police (PRP) employees have not been paid TA/DA allowance for the previous several months due to the financial constraints in Railway department. The financial situation has become even more critical due to the refusal of the Finance Division to provide additional funds to absorb the additional impact of Rs. 3,046 million of increase in salaries and pension announced with the Budget for 2012-13.

(b) Pakistan Railways has to bear the expenses of Pakistan Railways Police from its own budget and resources. PRP Budget 2012-13 total’s Rs.1,640/- million of which Rs.1,536 million has been allocated for pay and allowance of PRP. Rs.104 million has been allocated for all the remaining expenses, including a budget of Rs.60 million for TA/DA. But due to the financial health of Pakistan Railways, 35% projected revenue deficit and limited cash subsidy (pay and pension only) all other expenses are held up for want of ways and means (clear cash balance) to clear liabilities including commutation and GP Fund.

(c) As and when Cash balance of Pakistan / Railways is improved the remaining TA/DA will be paid to the concerned PRP employees accordingly.

41. Ms. Shireen Arshad Khan:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state the location-wise quarters of Pakistan Railways under illegal occupation; if so, since when? 6 Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): Following is the detail of un-authorizedly occupied Railways quarters over the Railways system:

Karachi Division:

469 Nos.(05 Nos. at Karachi, 38 Nos. at Hyderabad, 33 Nos. at Mirpurkhas, 286 Nos. at Kotri & 107 Nos. at Dadu Railways station) (occupied during the last 10 years).

Quetta Division:

46 Nos. unauthorized quarters: since 5 years (Sibi).

Sukkur Division:

1028 Nos. at various Railways stations (occupied during the years 1992 to 2002).

Multan Division:

77 Nos.(06 Nos. at Samasatta; 05 Nos. at Pakpattan, 44 Nos. at Khanewal & 22 Nos. at Bahawal Nagar) (occupied during the years 1990 to 2012).

Lahore Division:

16 Nos. (01 No. at Shahdra Bagh, 02 Nos. at Mugalpura, 01 No at Lahore Cantt, 03 Nos. in Signal shop colony at Lahore, 02 Nos. in Railways stadium colony at Lahore, 02 Nos. in the S&C colony at Lahore, 01 Nos., in Jamilabad colony at Lahore, 01 Nos. in Loco Shed at Lahore & 03 Nos. in the Wireless colony at Lahore)

Workshops. Division/MGPR:

07 Nos. (occupied during the years 2010 to 2012).

Rawalpindi Division:

Nil (all the un-authorized quarters since got vacated during the last six months). 7 Peshawar Division:

01 No. at Kohat (occupied during the year 2010).

42. Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the criteria and procedure adopted to obtain Pakistani citizenship by the foreigners; and

(b) the period during which the order is made on the application in this regard?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

43. Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of trains in which facility of Dinning Car is available in the country at present; and

(b) the procedure prescribed for awarding contract of Dinning Car?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) At present following 9 pairs of trains are provided with dining cars.

1. 7Up-8Dn Tezgam 2. 9Up-10Dn Allama lqbal Express 3. 41Up-42Dn Karakuram Express 4. 1 Up-2Dn Khaiber Mail 5. 13Up-14Dn Awami Express 6. 45Up-46Dn Pakistan Express 7. 17Up-18Dn Millat Express 8. 303Up-304Dn Business Express 9. 27Up-28Dn Shalimar Express

In addition, the following 04 pairs of Railcars plying between Rawalpindi- Lahore also provide dining kitchen facilities. 8 i. 101Up-102Dn Subak Raftar ii. 103Up-104Dn Subak Kharam iii. 105Up-106Dn Rawal Express iv. 109Up-110Dn Margala Express

(b) Auction through sealed bids is invited from the pre-qualified parties/ firms and the highest bidder is awarded the Dining Car contracts.

44. Ms. Tasneem Siddiqui:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the year-wise total amount incurred by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan during the last five years alongwith the head-wise details thereof?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): ——————————————————————————————————————————— Financial Budget Supplementary Budget expenditure years sanctioned grant released 2+3 ——————————————————————————————————————————— 12 34 5 ——————————————————————————————————————————— 2007-08 891,326,000 0 886,326,000 889,326,00 2008-09 941,198,000 0 601,508,700 601,508.700 2009-10 1,000,000,000 226,000,000 1,176,000,000 1,176,000,000 2010-11 1,000,000,000 0 1,000,000,000 1,000,000,000 2011-12 1,000,000,000 0 1,000,000,000 1,000,000,000 ——————————————————————————————————————————— 4,832,524,000 226,000,000 4,666,834,700 4,666,834,700 ———————————————————————————————————————————

Five statements showing head wise budgetary allocation and expenditure of TDAP for the financial year 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011- 12 are also enclosed.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

45. Dr. Darshan:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that there is a shortfall of employees belonging to Sindh and Balochistan in Pakistan Tobacco Board, Peshawar; if so, the reasons thereof; and 9 (b) the steps being taken or proposed to be taken to make up the said deficiency?

Reply not received.

46. Mr. Abdul Rashid Godil:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the total land of Pakistan Railways under the illegal occupants in Hyderabad at present; and

(b) the total land of Pakistan Railways recovered from illegal occupants during the last four years till date?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) The total land of Pakistan Railways under illegal occupants in Hyderabad at present is 140.311 acres.

(b) The total land of Pakistan Railways recovered from illegal occupants during the last four years till date is 2796.948 acres.

47. Mr. Muhammad Rehan Hashmi:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the procedure being adopted by the Ministry to evaluate the performance of Trade Development authority of Pakistan (TDAP) in respect of customers support and frequency of foreign visitors/companies; and

(b) the trade facilities being provided by the TDAP to traders at present?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) Basic framework for the performance evaluation remains the annual PERs which are initiated by concerned Ambassadors and countersigned by the Secretary Commerce. Further, their performance is also evaluated from the past exhibitions or delegations visit reports received from the section, pavillion in charge and the feedback from chambers, delegations and trade associations. 10 (b) TDAP facilitate the traders by:—

 Encouraging and rewarding leading exporters from Pakistan through recognition and rewards, initiatives and incentives etc. including making recommendations to the Federal Government for export awards including civil awards.

 Promoting export of sectors where separate Sectoral boards / bodies currently exist or will be formed in the future.

 Examining supply chains of strategic export sectors and developing plans and initiatives for strengthening supply base including exporters’ capabilities and capacities.

 Sensitizing and coordinating through Ministry of Commerce with concerned Ministries, Divisions and Departments for the development of Sectoral road maps.

 Planning, organizing exhibitions, delegations to and from Pakistan.

 Coordinating through Ministry of Commerce, with the Federal and Provincial Governments and related organizations for a concerted supply chain initiative.

 Providing visa assistance to outgoing or incoming businessmen, whether Pakistani or foreign nationals, in co-ordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Missions in Pakistan.

 Encouraging, establishing and managing where appropriate, export development centers, business support units, display centers and facilities, and information centers, and exporters training institutes etc.

 Promoting exporters and stakeholders’ education and training of intermediaries of export related supply chain

 Liaison with trade bodies abroad.

 Achieving market access and assistance in removing restrictions on exports from Pakistan such as non tariff barriers. 11 In the recent past, TDAP has made following achievements:—

 Developed a detailed directory of Construction (engineering, architecture, contractors, consultants etc.).

 Successful implementation of IT enabled Cotton Yarn Exports monitoring system.

 Completion of database of women entrepreneurs of Pakistan.

 Completion of data base and cataloguing process of handicrafts manufacturers and Artisans in collaboration with NGO AHAN.

 Initiation of establishing IT training institutes for women in collaboration with the Software Export Board.

 Initiation Of an Electronic Reporting System for Pakistan’s Commercial Officers abroad.

 Establishment of TDAP’s new regional and sub-regional offices; Karachi, Sukkur, Gilgit and Bahawalpur.

 Continuous training sessions at PITAD, NIM and NIPA for Civil Servants by the Research & Analysis Directorate of TDAP.

 Video conferencing facilities installed at TDAP’s head quarters and regional offices.

 Initiation of work on TDAP’s new interactive web portal.

 Completion and Inauguration of Expo Centre Lahore Project.

 Initiated Capacity Building Measures for services export industry. In the context a training program is under the submission relating with IT enabled Healthcare training for accessing USA market. The training is supposed to expand the export-base to rural areas & training would enable a simple graduate to export the service from home thru internet.

 Mango export to China & Japan. 12

 Updated exporters directory published.

 Expo-Pakistan is the largest trade show of Pakistan, organized by the TDAP on annual basis with an objective to promote Pakistan’s exports by providing opportunity to Pakistani exporters/ manufacturers to display their products at Expo Centers, Karachi & Lahore. Last year the 6TH Expo Pakistan was organized from 4-7 October,2012 at Karachi, Expo Center, in which over 650 foreign buyers from 60 different countries around the world participated and over 450 exhibitors from all over Pakistan exhibited their Pakistani products and secured valuable orders for exports from foreign buyers.

48. Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis be pleased to state the prescribed criteria to get death compensation of Pakistani Workers died in Saudi Arabia during the year 2012-13?

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis (Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar):

 The legal heirs nominate CWA or Consulate Welfare as their attorney in absence of their any reliable person, to pursue cases of dues/ death compensation or any other payable dues.

 In this connection legal heirs provide special power of attorney, succession certificate and guardianship certificate as the case may be. OPF processes and sends these documents to Pak Mission in Saudi Arabia for onward submission to concerned employer.

 These documents are prepared both in English and Arabic, attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Government of Pakistan, Islamabad or any camp office of the Ministry (Karachi /Lahore / Peshawar / Quetta) and Royal Saudi Embassy, Islamabad or any Royal Saudi Consulate General of Pakistan.

 All Bank drafts received by OPF from the Pak Mission Saudi Arabia are disbursed through District coordination office, among legal heirs according to their shares.  Detail of dues / death compensation cases received by OPF and the 13 amount was disbursed among the legal heirs from January to November, 2012 is placed at Annexure-I.

Annexure -I

Year - 2012 —————————————————————————————— S. No. Years Fresh Settled Under Payments Case Cases process Received —————————————————————————————— 1. Jan-12 49 29 20 13,040,168 2. Feb-12 64 27 37 11,058,254 3. Mar-12 114 37 77 10,092,000 4. Apr-12 35 8 27 2,287,300 5. May-12 50 29 21 9,744,047 6. Jun-12 68 22 46 18,220,375 7. Jul-12 33 18 15 10,762,858 8. Aug-12 31 23 8 10,981,900 9. Sep-12 24 12 12 9,228,800 10. Oct-12 47 21 26 12,254,600 11. Nov-12 23 6 17 12,389,254 —————————————————————————————— Total 538 232 306 120,059,556 ——————————————————————————————

49. Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the names of Pakistani workers died in Baraiyda, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the year 2011-2012 till date alongwith the, causes of death thereof;

(b) whether any FIR has been registered in KSA in this regard; if so, the details thereof; (c) whether Pakistanis missions at Riyadh or Jeddah are pursuing 14

said cases for death compensation; if so, the time by which said compensation will be provided to their legal heirs; and

(d) whether any inquiry has been conducted thereupon; if so, the details of each case thereof?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): (a) 98 Pakistani nationals died in Buraida in 2011-2012. A list indicating their names along with the causes of death, is at Annex-A.

(b) As per local laws, FIR is registered in cases in which the death of an individual occurs due to involvement of some criminal intent/motive e.g murder, etc. Since, the death of none of our Pakistani national falls in that category, no FIR exists in our record.

(c) Buraida comes under the jurisdiction of our Mission in Riyadh. The Mission is pursuing all such cases with the relevant Saudi authorities/ Shariah Courts in which the legal heirs have empowered our Mission to act on their behalf. During 2011, due to hectic efforts, ten cases of Diyat were finalized and an amount of Saudi Riyals. 792,750/- (equivalent to Pak Rs. 19,818,750/- was received and transmitted to the legal heirs.

During the current year i.e. 2012 till date, eight cases of Diyat were finalized and an amount of Saudi Riyals. 950,000/- (equivalent to Pak Rs. 23,750,000/- was received and transmitted to the legal heirs.

As per Saudi labor law each and every worker has to be insured through GOSI (General Organization of Social Insurance) by the employer. Any worker who dies during work at his work place is entitled to death compensation as per policy in vogue. In such cases, the employer approaches the insurance company and GOSI corresponds directly with the next of kin without involving any foreign embassy located in KSA and transmit the compensation directly to the legal heirs. However, a lot of Pakistani workers are working in the Kingdom on so called “Azad” Visas. As these workers are working independently in places other than their “Kafeels”, they normally do not insure themselves with GOSI. This deprives their heirs from claiming any death compensation in case of accidental deaths during work. 15 (d) As mentioned above, our Mission is in regular contact with the relevant Saudi authorities on death compensation cases.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

50. Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the year-wise total value of fruits and vegetables imported during the last five years till date?

Reply not received.

51. Malik Shakeel Awan:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state whether there is any proposal under consideration to provide railway land to the Government of Punjab for construction of Girls Schools in Railways Colonies and. Cantt. Areas, Rawalpindi; if so, the prescribed criteria alongwith the details of land thereof?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): At present no proposal is under consideration to provide railway land to the Government of Punjab for construction of Government schools in Railways Colonies and Cantt. areas, Rawalpindi.

52. Rana Mahmood -ul- Hassan:

Will the Minister for Narcotics Control be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that a number of narcotics peddlers have been arrested from Sector G-9/2, Islamabad by the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) recently;

(b) if so, the details of punishment awarded to those culprits/ suppliers; and

(c) whether it is also a fact that some persons have been released; if so, the reasons thereof? 16 Minister for Narcotics Control (Haji Ghuda Bux Rajar):

(a) ANF’s Reply

ANF has not arrested any person/supplier, recently from Sector G-9/2, Islamabad.

Islamabad Capital Territory Police’s Reply

As per report of SSP/Islamabad, there is no record available regarding any action taken against the drug dealer in Sector G-9/2, Islamabad by ANF.

(b) Nil.

53. Mrs. Nisar Tanveer:

Will the Minister for Narcotics Control be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that a large number of narcotics addicts including SHEESHA in the various Sectors in Islamabad; if so, the total number of persons arrested by Anti Narcotics Force (ANF) during the year 2011-12 till date alongwith the details thereof; and

(b) the steps taken by the ANF to control the said crime during the said period?

Minister for Narcotics Control (Haji Ghuda Bux Rajar):

(a) ANF’s Reply

ANF focuses on strategic seizures and dismantling of drug trafficking organizations (DT0s) operating at National and International level, therefore, ANF does not arrest drug addicts.

2. Substances used in Sheesha smoking does not fall under the purview of Control of Narcotic Substances Act 1997 having no narcotics drugs in it. 17

3. However, if the material used for a Sheesha smoking is found to have contained therein narcotic drug or psychotropic substances or controlled substances then the ANF would be legally competent , to take action in the matter under the Control of Narcotics Substances Act 1997.

Islamabad Capital Territory Police’s Reply

During the current year 2012, (01.01.2012 to 30.11.2012) action was taken against 117 persons under the above said ordinance for Sheesha Huqqa Smoking. Out of 117 persons, 95 were the Hotel owners whereas, 22 were the smokers.

2. Islamabad Capital Territory Police has taken the following steps to control the use of Sheesha (Huqqa) amongst the Youth in the Federal Capital.

3. All the SDPOs/SHOs have been strictly directed to launch awareness programmes amongst the youth within their areas to invite their attention towards the harm effect of Sheesha (Huqqa) smoking.

4. All the SDPOs/SHOs have been strictly directed to ensure that no person shall sell smoking substance to any minor who is below the age or 18 years as per section 9 of the above said ordinance.

5. All the SDPOs/SHOs have been strictly directed to ensure that no person shall smoke or use tobacco substance in other form in any place of public work or use as per section 6 of above said ordinance.

6. All the SDPOs/SHOs have been strictly directed to ensure that no person shall sell any smoking substance or product near any school, college or educational institutions as per section 9 of the above said ordinance and further directed to take stern action against the violators under the above said ordinance, please. 18 (b) ANF’s Reply

As ANF focuses on strategic seizures, so ANF does not arrest addicts including Sheesha users. However, ANF collaborate with other LEAs like Islamabad Police, Customs & Excise and Taxation Department to control the said crime.

KARAMAT HUSSAIN NIAZI, Secretary. ISLAMABAD: The 13th December, 2012.

PCPPI—1289 (2012) NA—13-12-2012—700.