Questions for Oral Answers and Their Replies”

(35th 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

Wednesday, the 11th August, 2021

@38. *Ms. Shahida Rehmani: (Deferred during 33rd Session)

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state:

(a) how many tonnes of cigarette butts/filters wind up as toxic trash in Pakistan every year;

(b) how much wood is used annually for tobacco every year; and

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed Fakhar Imam): (a) Around 16,000 tons of waste in shape of cigarette butts/ filters is generated in Pakistan every year.

(b) Average annual consumption of firewood used for curing of Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco is 215 million kg.

(c) Filters/ butts are integral part of cigarettes. They cannot be eliminated from the cigarettes. However, the international cigarette industry is working on reducing size of the filter in cigarettes to minimize non-renewable trash.

______@ Transferred from Climate Change Division. 2

30. *Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali: (Deferred on 19-07-2021)

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Housing Foundation awarded contracts for Infrastructure and development of the land to the firms registered with Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC);

(b) if so, the details of the works, names of the firms, alongwith registration with the PEC; and

(c) the category of registration, field of specialization of the projects during the last ten years of Green Enclave Bhara Kahu etc.?

Deferred for answer on Next Rota Day.

42. *Mrs. Shahida Akhtar Ali: (Deferred on 19-07-2021)

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state:

(a) the number of G-13 Tower Apartments which were allotted to Federal Government employees and have been cancelled due to non-payment of the dues alongwith the details of each;

(b) the time by which transfer of allotment will be opened for those members who had deposited the dues in time; and

(c) whether is there any proposal under consideration of the Government to provide concession to the allottees by selling the commercial area alongwith category-wise details?

Deferred for answer on Next Rota Day.

43. *Syed Agha Rafiullah: (Deferred on 19-07-2021)

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Prime Minister has approved a summary for special financial package for front line health workforce of Federal Government during the last financial year based on lists compiled by each of Federal Administrative hospital; if so, the hospital-wise list of such persons;

(b) whether it is also a fact that such lists approved by the Prime Minister and in particular in case of Federal Government Polyclinic, Islamabad were allegedly altered neither they were re-approved from the Prime Minister;

(c) if so, is there any discrepancy found between the lists approved by the Prime Minister and “the final lists of beneficiaries” among them, funds were distributed and in particular in case of Federal Government Polyclinic, Islamabad; if so, the details thereof; and

(d) what steps have been taken or being taken by the Government against the persons responsible for such alterations in the lists approved by the Prime Minister?

Reply not received.

48. *Mr. Sikandar Ali Rahoupoto: (Deferred on 19-07-2021)

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to control the spread of the HIV/AIDs disease in the country, particularly in district Jamshoro and Dadu?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: 1. The National AIDS Control Program has established 50 HIV, Treatment Centers in which 46,912 HIV patients are registered. Out of these patients 26,093 on treatment who are taking HIV medicine. 7,264 People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) are also on Treatment. A total number 4 of 7,538 deaths of HIV patients are recorded. Each HIV center consists of Physician, Nurse/Paramedic, Counselor, Case Manager and Data Entry Operator. which are providing the following services:

• Registration of People Living with HIV. • HIV Testing of People Living with HIV. • Treatment of People Living with HIV. • Counselling of People Living with HIV. • Lost to follow up tracking. • Viral load testing.

2. The National AIDS Control Program has also established 17 Community Based Organizations (CBOs) dealing with key population. 94,978 Men having Sex with Men (MSMs) are registered with these organizations whereas 36,553 Transgenders (TGs) and 22,754 Female Sex Workers (FSWs)are registered. Each CBO consists of Site Manager, LHVs/Paramedic, Counselor, Data Entry Operator, Out Reach Workers, Logistics/Admin/Finance Officer and support staff, which are providing the following services in office and field for key populations (Men having Sex with Men, Transgenders and Female Sex Workers):

• Registration • Testing • Diagnosing and treatment of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). • Counseling • Distribution of condoms & lubricants • Linkage of HIV positive patients to treatment centers

3. The National AIDS Control Program has established 16 HIV treatment centers in Sindh province. HIV treatment center at Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Hyderabad treats the patients of Jamshoro. The HIV patients of Dadu are treated at HIV Treatment center established at Syed Abdullah Shah Institute of Medical Sciences Sehwan Shareef.

4. NACP provides number of HIV interventions at Primary Health Care for Universal Health Coverage in Pakistan. 5

i. The community level interventions include the following:

 HIV testing, counselling and referral.

 Provision of syringes and condoms for high-risk groups.

 Health education on sexually transmitted infections and HIV.

ii. The Primary Health Care Centre level intervention primarily at rural health centres include the following:

 HIV testing, counselling and referral for antiretroviral (ARV) therapy

 Partner notification and expected treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and referral for HIV also available at Community health centres

 Screening of HIV in all individual unit of TB

 Screening for TB in all newly diagnose People Living with HIV and close contacts

5. Pakistan provided uninterrupted service delivery during COVID-19 pandemic. Our HIV control efforts were modified to ensure the uninterrupted supply of services, these include the following:

• Multi month dispensing to facilitate the People Living with HIV in getting sufficient stocks of antiretrovirals at the geographically nearest centre.

• Development of revised protocols for services delivery with a minimum basic staffing & smart outreach and local specific delivery protocols.

• Provision of personal protective equipment to all frontlines service providers in both ART centres and CBOs.

• Issuance of Regular Advisories go the CBOs & field staff regarding field work and service delivery protocols in “special COVID-19 circumstances”. 6

• Establishment of Emergency Response Cell with 24/7 helpline was established for assisting key populations in need of services & providing treatment access to PLHIV (People Living with HIV).

• Provision of Living/ social support to PLHIV utilising community groups and networks.

6. Establishment of National MIS for HIV/AIDS in Pakistan for Treatment Centres and Community Based Organisations:

• Electronic registration of People Living with HIV & Clients.

• Recording of testing & treatment.

• Day to day monitoring of patients on treatment.

• Integration with logistics for stock management.

• Dashboards for national & provincial monitoring of disease on key indicators.

51. *Mr. Muhammad Aslam Khan: (Deferred on 19-07-2021)

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) the number of diplomas holder or courses registered by Pakistan Nursing Council during the last three years alongwith the nature of the said diplomas;

(b) the procedure for registration of diplomas alongwith the registration fee thereof;

(c) whether there is any proposal under consideration to establish branches of Pakistan Nursing Council in the four provinces in order to facilitate the public; and

(d) whether it is a fact that the staff of Pakistan Nursing Council does not have such behaviors with the people who are facing trouble?

Reply not Received. 7

53. *Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali: (Deferred on 19-07-2021)

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) has not purchased the land for the Green Enclave and Thallian Inter-change under the Land Acquisition Act; if so, then the details of the procedure adopted for acquiring the land other than the prescribed rules;

(b) names of the owners of the land, names of the Mozas and numbers of khasras, cost of the land per kanal of malkiati, shamlat etc.; and

(c) details of the agreement signed with other irrelevant persons instead of the actual owners alongwith reasons and under whom authority had allowed please?

Deferred for answer on Next Rota Day.

166. *Mr. Murtaza Javed Abbasi:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the rates of plots of Green Enclave Phase-I, Bhara Kahu, Islamabad has been increased up to 50% by Federal Government Employees Housing Authority, Islamabad recently;

(b) how many time the percentage increased in the said plots since the date of commencement of the scheme alongwith the detail thereof;

(c) whether it is also a fact that said increase in the prices made by the concerned authority contrary to the decision of Supreme Court of Pakistan;

(d) whether the same concerned authority intends to withdraw its decision in the light of the decision of Supreme Court; if so, 8

the time by which such decision will be withdrawn by the Government; and

(e) whether it is further a fact that said increase will reopen the case before the courts and the authority will not enable to complete its work timely?

Deferred for answer on Next Rota Day.

167. *Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state:

(a) the names, designations, NIC number, qualifications/degrees alongwith year/name of the University, assets declaration, the size of plot allotted alongwith the respective number to the employees of the Ministry and attached departments;

(b) if the plots are allotted by the Pakistan Housing Authority, then details of each group of service, nature of appointment, induction and the deputationists of the existing grade 18 and above officers of the Ministry, Housing Authority/Foundation, PHA, Estate Office, Pak PWD; and

(c) the details of the testing firms which were engaged or hired for appointments in the Ministry or attached department/ organization since 2013?

Deferred for answer on Next Rota Day.

168. *Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to conduct any new nutrition survey in the country in order to assess the existing number of stunted, anemic, underweight and obese; if so, the details thereof; and

(b) whether any nutrition survey has been conducted in the past five years; if so, details thereof? 9

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) There is no proposal under consideration or suggestion under discussion to conduct a large scale National Nutrition Survey to access the nutritional status of children stunting, anemia, underweight and obesity.

(b) A National Nutrition Survey has recently been conducted in 2018-19 which was launched in September 2019. This was the largest NNS ever conducted in Pakistan with more than 130,000 house hold in the sample size.

According to National Nutrition Survey (NNS) 2018, an estimated 40.2% children under the age of five years are stunted (Chronic Malnutrition) and nearly 17.7% are wasted (Acute Malnutrition). Both these figures exceed WHO emergency threshold levels. NNS 2011 also revealed continued high rates of micronutrient deficiencies in children and women. A total of 54% children are anemic, 52% are vitamin A and 63 % are Vitamin D deficient. Similarly, 43% mothers are anemic 27% suffer from Vitamin A and 80% from Vitamin D deficiency.

169. *Ms. Shahida Rehmani:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state the details of the subsidies given/discontinued by the Government to agriculture sector since 2018?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed Fakhar Imam): 1. The M/o National Food Security & Research has not given any subsidy on Agriculture sector during 2018-19. However, subsidies were being given in the agriculture sector by the provinces especially in Punjab like cotton seed subsidy, fertilizer subsidy and subsidies on oilseed crops.

2. In the year 2020, PM announced Fiscal Package of over Rs. 1200 billion in the wake of Covid-19 Pandemic out of that Rs. 50 billion were allocated to Agriculture Sector. Finance Division has released Rs. 15.6 billon to MNFSR out of that Rs. 15.3 billion have been transferred to the provinces during 2020-21.

3. Overall total province wise detail in Fiscal and Rabi packages is as under; 10

S. No. Components Punjab Sindh KPK Balochistan Pakistan 1. Rabi Package 0.9750 --- 0.0485 ---- 1.0235 (wheat) 2. Whitefly 0.300 ------0.300 3. Kharif Package 4.9822 3.9082 0.1271 0.5418 9.5593 (Fertlizer & cotton seed) 4. ZTBL (Markup ------4.000 Subsidy) 5. Grant in Aid to 0.419 PCCC Total 6.2572 3.9082 0.1756 0.5418 15.3018 Source: Economic Wing, M/o NFSR

170. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that a local train used to run between Islamabad and Rawalpindi during the office hours in the tenure of the previous Governments;

(b) if so, whether the present Government intends to restart the said service?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a) There was no local train running between Islamabad and Rawalpindi during the office hours in the tenure of the previous government, However Shuttle Train used to ply between Rawalpindi and Islamabad from 05-05-1996 to 30-04-1997 on the request of CDA Islamabad.

(b) After the introduction of Metro Bus Service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, no such request has ever been received by ICT/ Rawalpindi Administration.

171. *Mr. Naveed Aamir Jeeva:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state the quantum of electricity and water will be generated with the completion of Diamir Bhasha Dam? 11

Minister for Water Resources (Mr. Moonis Elahi): The installed capacity of Diamer Basha Dam will be 4,500 MW, which will generate electricity of 18,100 GWh annually.

The gross storage capacity of the project will be 8.1 MAF with live storage capacity of 6.4 MAF.

172. *Dr. Nafisa Shah

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state:

(a) the amount spent over import of sugar, wheat and cotton yarn; and

(b) reasons of failure of the Government to make our country self-sufficient in these commodities?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed Fakhar Imam): (a) During the period from July, 2020 to June, 2021, Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has imported Wheat, Sugar on the instructions of Federal Government (Cabinet). The amount used on import of wheat and Sugar through TCP is as under:—

S. No. Description Amount in Rs. a Wheat (1.7 MMT) 77,545,789,048/- b Sugar (0.13 MMT) 9,608,326,756/- Total:- 87,154,115,804/-

(b) Pakistan is a self-sufficient country in the production of cotton yarn, rather it has exported 39,000-tons worth $121 million. However, cotton production, the basic raw material to manufacture yarn, is lowering for the past few years. The decline in the cotton area is mainly witnessed in Punjab province. The area under competing crops like sugarcane, rice, and maize is increasing at the cost of the cotton area. Other reasons, which may vary from area to area or farmer to farmer are as under:

1. Lack of latest seed technology, many countries achieved their high production by using the biotech cottonseed, whereas 12

growers in Pakistan are using first-generation GMO cotton, which is no longer effective against insect pests specifically for Pink Bollworm.

2. Intensive use of pesticides against insect pests resulted in the development of manifold resistance in whitefly and pink bollworms. Grower keeps overwhelming application of insecticides to control WF or PBW instead of resistance management because of his limited knowledge about pesticide resistance. This results in a high cost of production and environmental and health associated issues.

3. Abnormally extended moon soon rains of recent years had affected badly to cotton, being xerophyte plant, it requires less water. In 2020-21 high rains in Sindh damaged significant crop size.

4. Cotton Leaf Cur Virus (CLCV) disease, peculiar to Pakistan, is also a limiting factor for lowering cotton production, as it is negatively impacting variety-life in the field and forcing growers to plant early.

5. In case of wheat the country harvested a bumper crop of 27.50 MMT. However, for price stabilization, Government is taking appropriate measures to increase crop productivity through MSP, availability of agriculture inputs and timely sowing. In case of sugar as per information of Ministry of Industry and Production, sugar stocks of 1.992 MMT are available in the country as on 15-07-2021. The stock is sufficient till 18th November, 2021, however, for price stability, a sufficient stock as strategic reserves is also required which is being imported though TCP.

173. *Mr. Sikandar Ali Rahoupoto:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state the time by which circular railway will be restored completely in Karachi and the reasons of delay so far?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): It is apprised that out of a total of 30 km length of KCR loop section, 14 Km 13 of track has been rehabilitated. However, KCR is presently operationalized from Marshalling Yard Pipri-Karachi City-Orangi stations (64 Kms) w.e.f 10-02-2021.

Further work from Orangi to Depot Hill Stations (16 Kms) is held up for want of construction of flyovers & underpasses by GoS for elimination of level-crossing as per the directives of Hon'able Supreme Court of Pakistan.

b. Entire Circular Railways will be restored in Karachi in its original form as it was closed in December, 1999 within 06 months on the completion of flyovers & underpasses by the Government of Sindh.

Pakistan Railways has completed the feasibility study for modern KCR which is in process of approval.

174. *Ms. Mussarat Rafiq Mahesar:

Will the Minister for Industries and Production be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that items in Utility Stores especially pulses and rice are substandard in throughout the country;

(b) if so, what steps are being taken by the Government to improve quality of the same items?

Minister for Industries and Production (Makhdoom Khusro Bukhtiar): (a) No. The Utility Stores Corporation is purchasing stocks of good quality commodities (including pulses and rice) through open competitive bidding by floating the tenders in the press in accordance with rules framed by PPRA. The stock of pulses (good quality/ bold grain/ cleaned/ dry (kori) / without polish) and rice (as per required specification) are being procured in a transparent manner. The Committee responsible for procurement examines the samples thoroughly so as to ensure selection of good quality product.

The approved samples are delivered to USC Regional Managers / warehouse in-charges who unload the stock after proper examination by the Regional Committee in accordance with the approved standards.

In case of difference in quality, the stock is rejected and returned to vendor at his risk & cost. The freight of both sides is borne by the vendor.

(b) The quality of the commodities procured is strictly monitored and the same is checked randomly at different stages. For example, checking is done at the stage of supply of the commodities to the warehouses and from shelves of USC outlets random samples are picked and sent to Head Office quality assurance department. Due to strict compliance of the quality of products to be supplied, the quality of commodities has improved and the USC has regained the trust of the customers along with availability of the products on lower prices as compared to open market prices.

175. *Mr. Muhammad Aslam Khan:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that a campaign was launched before the commencement of present Government, to collect billions of rupees from the masses in the name of construction of Bhasha and Mohmand Dams;

(b) the details of the persons, who have deposited a huge amount approximately thirteen billion rupees;

Minister for Water Resources (Mr. Moonis Elahi): (a) Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Pakistan established “Supreme Court of Pakistan Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dams Fund” on 10-07-2018 to raise funds for the construction of Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dams.

Later on, Prime Minister of Pakistan in his public address on 07-09-2018 commended the initiative of Chief Justice of Pakistan for establishing the Fund and decided to join this effort. Accordingly, title of Fund account was changed to “Prime Minister and Chief Justice of Pakistan Fund for Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dam” since 07-09-2018.

(b) & (c) Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan is custodian of the Dam Fund. 15

Information has been obtained from Supreme Court’s official website on 27-7-2021, according to which total amount of Rs. 12,934,008,868 has been collected so far.

WAPDA has not taken any amount from this fund to-date. However, as per information obtained from Supreme Court’s official website, the amount has been reinvested. Detail at Annex-A.

176. *Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the prices of various medicines including life saving and essential ones have repeatedly been increased being not affordable by the peoples of country; and

(b) the time by which Government will withdraw the same increase, made in the medicines prices?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) it is not a fact that prices of medicines have been increased repeatedly. Since July 01, 2016 annual increase in Maximum Retail Prices of drugs has been linked with Consumer Price Index (CPI) under Drug Pricing Policy-2015/2018 notified after approval of Federal Government.

• Accordingly, In July 2020 pharmaceutical companies availed increase in prices on the basis of CPI @ 11.12% for financial year 2020-21 as under:

Essential Drugs 7% Other than essential 10% and lower priced drugs

• In July 2021, pharmaceutical companies are submitting the revised calculation of MRPs of drugs prices on the basis of CPI @ 8.90% for financial year 2021-22 as under:

Essential Drugs 6.23% Other than essential and 8.90% lower priced drugs

Moreover, complaints of shortage/ non-availability of many essential medicines were received, therefore, Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) of 94 drugs has been increased vide SRO.1096(1)/2020 dated 21st October, 2020 under hardship category as per Drug Pricing Policy-2018. Federal Government and Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan are cognizant of the impact of increase in prices of drugs and some has been kept at minimum level to ensure the availability of drugs. 17

(b) Prices of medicines have not been increased repeatedly, hence, there is no consideration of withdrawal of increase. Moreover, increase in prices of drugs has been allowed after due process and to ensure availability of drugs in the market.

177. *Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state:

(a) total area of cultivation for water guzzling crops like sugarcane and rice in Pakistan alongwith province-wise details;

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to replace the water guzzling crops with less water consuming coarse cereals cotton, jowar, bajra, ragi, small millets and maize; if so its details?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed Fakhar Imam): (a) The province wise area of cultivation of Rice and Sugarcane during 2020-21 as Crop Reporting Service Centres is given in the following tables:

(a) Rice Cultivation Area

S# Province Cultivation Area (“000” Hectares) 1 Punjab 2394.5 2 Sindh 709 3 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 64.8 4 Balochistan 167.21 PAKISTAN 3335.8

(b) Sugarcane Cultivation Area

Cultivation Area S# Province (“000” Hectares) 1 Punjab 777.0 2 Sindh 280.0 3 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 108.3 4 Balochistan 0.9 PAKISTAN 1166.2 18

(b) As reported by Federal Water Management Cell, the National Water Policy 2018, accounts for the water-guzzling crops, furthermore, in every new project/scheme the component of replacing the high delta crops with low delta crops is being incorporated.

178. *Mr. Ahmad Hussain Deharr:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the prices of life saving medicines are determined through Drug Regularity Authority;

(b) the reasons for including promotional and marketing expence by 45% to 70% in the price of medicines;

(d) the reasons for not controlling the increase in the prices so far?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) & (b) Under section 12 of the Drugs Act, 1976 (XXXI of 1976), Federal Government is empowered to fix Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) of Drugs. Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan notified a Drug Pricing Policy-2018 with approval of Federal Government which provides a transparent mechanism for fixation, decrease & increase in MRPs of drugs. Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan with the approval of the Federal Government, under section 12(3) of the Drugs Act, 2012 has constituted a Drugs Pricing Committee, having representation of provincial health departments, M/o National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, Ministry of Finance and stakeholders as observers, to fix prices of medicines subject to its approval vide S.R.O.707 (I)/2013 dated 5th August, 2013.The recommendations of DPC become effective after approval of the Federal Cabinet. There is no provision in the Drug Pricing Policy-2018 to include promotional and marketing expense 45% to 70% in the prices of medicines and presumption is unfounded. However, during revision of prices of any drug under hardship category, the Drug Pricing Policy-2018 provides a markup of 40% for anti-cancer, biologicals, immunosuppressants, and anti-retroviral drugs and 45% for other drugs. Components/breakup of 45% markup is as under:— 19

(d) Under section 12 of the Drugs Act, 1976 (XXXI of 1976). Federal Government is empowered to fix Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) of Drugs. Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan notified a Drug Pricing Policy-2018 with approval of Federal Government which provides a mechanism for regulation of MRPs of drugs.

179. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) the locations in the country at which Federal Government Hospitals presently exists; and (b) as to when the said hospitals were established?

Reply Not Received.

180. *Syed Agha Rafiullah:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken notice that many leading multinational firms of pharmaceutical industry have left Pakistan in recent years;

(b) if so, the details of such pharmaceutical companies;

(d) what steps are being taken by the Government to persuade multinational firms of pharmaceutical companies to either come back to Pakistan or start its operations afresh?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) The perception of leaving Multinational Companies from Pakistan is not correct. The companies because of international merger change their title and continue the business with new name.

(b) As stated above response (a)

(d) The business activities environment for Pharma Industries conducive, therefore, Companies are operating since establishment. Therefore starting of operation afresh dose not arises.

181. *Mr. Sikandar Ali Rahoupoto:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the number of Covid-19 patients are decreasing gradually;

(b) whether it is also a fact that unfortunately second wave of Covid-19 has surfaced; and

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Since the start of the pandemic, the number of COVID-19 cases have been fluctuating. Presently the country is passing through 4th wave and number of daily cases are on the rise. 21

(b) As stated above, an oscillatory pattern is being observed and currently we are standing at the threshold of the 4th wave of COVID-19.

(c) Whereas all, possible measures are being undertaken by the Government to control the COVID-19 due to the ongoing change in the virus characteristics, it is difficult to predict the exact timeline for complete control of the COVID-19.

182. *Mr. Ahmad Hussain Deharr:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that there is a red type of mango named Japanese Miyaza which has been grown by Bangladesh in its mountain areas and each mango weigh around half kilogram which is sold at ten dollars per kilogram; and

(b) the time by which Government will take steps to grow this type of mango in mountainous our areas like as Murree in order to earn sufficient foreign exchange?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed Fakhar Imam): (a) Yes, it is fact. The correct name of that red type Japanese mango is Miyazaki and it is a most expensive mango in the world. Miyakazai’s grown in coastal areas where temperature is 31 C° Bangladesh is growing it in hilly district of Khagrachari, where temperature is 34.6 with annual rainfall range 3031 mm. The price of Miyakazai branded variety is abnormally high in high value markets.

(b) Keeping in view the above mentioned geographical and climate parameters, Miyazaki mango cannot be cultivated in Murree, where seasonal temperature ranges from 20-25 C° and annual rainfall is upto 1700 – 2000 mm , which is less than required.

183. *Mr. James Iqbal:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the district wise number of persons died due to Covid-19 since 1st March, 2020 so far?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: According to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) data, the number of district wise deaths due to COVID19 from 1st March ,2020 till 25th June,2021 are as follows:

Name of District No. of Deaths Rawaipindi 1233 Attack 71 Chakwal 38 Jhelum 60 Gujranwala 379 Hafizabad 37 Gujrat 300 MB Din 42 Sialkot 352 Narowal 17 Lahore 3617 Kasur 78 Sheikhupura 154 Okara 87 Nankanasahib 73 Sargodha 377 Khushab 56 Mianwali 132 Bhakkar 46 Faisalabad 1078 TT Singh 140 Jhang 102 Chiniot 77 Multan 498 Khanewal 119 Vehari 69 Lodhran 60 Sahiwal 191 Pakpatten 46 23

Bahawalpur 241 RY Khan 201 Bahawalnagar 75 DG Khan 163 Rajanpur 40 Muzaffargarh 205 Layyah 31 Hyderabad 311 Thatta 13 Badin 24 Dadu 25 Jamshoro 35 TM khan 5 T. Allahyar 18 Matiari 13 Mirpurkhas 30 Sanghar 29 Musakhel 1 Saifullah 6 Sharani 0 Sibi 2 Ziarat 0 Harnai 1 Kohlu 0 D.Bugti 0 Nasirabad 0 Bolan 0 Jafarabad 0 Jhal Magsi 1 Kachi 0 Mastung 0 Kharan 0 Kalat 2 Khuzdar 2 24

Lasbela 3 Awaran 0 Washuk 0 Kech 0 Gwadar 0 Panjgur 2 Sikandrabad 0 Dukki 0 Sohbatpur 0 Afghan refugees 0 Muzaffarabad 65 Jehlum valley 7 Mirpur 116 Kotli 55 Poonch 86 Bagh 59 Haveli 7 Sudnuti 8 Bhimber 41 Neelum 4 Gilgit 30 Skardu 27 Kharmang 4 Shigar 5 Diamer 4 Ghizer 4 Ghanche 6 Astore 5 Hunzanagar 0 Hunza 5 Nagar 4 Islamabad 520 Bajour 86 Khyber 60 25

Mohmand 35 Kurram 36 Orakzai 9 Wazir-n 28 Wazir-s 6 Karachi 3927 Tharparkar 7 Umerkot 9 Sukkur 33 Ghotki 14 Khairpur 34 Benazirabad 23 N.Feroz 18 Larkana 43 Shikarpur 17 Jacobabad 4 Kashmore 10 Kambar 11 Nawabshah 0 Sujawal 18 Abbottabad 121 Battagram 30 Haripur 85 Kohistan 0 Mansehra 90 Torghar 0 Malakand 111 Chitral 31 Buner 48 Dir Lower 115 Swat 219 Dirupper 74 Shangla 25 Dir 0 26

Peshawar 938 Charsadda 206 Nowshera 156 Bajour 0 Khyber 0 Mohmand 0 Mardan 363 Swabi 151 Kohat 138 Karak 61 Kurram 0 Orakzai 1 Hangu 60 DI Khan 48 Bannu 78 Lakki Marwat 19 Tank 8 Wazir-n 0 Wazir-s 0 Kolaipalas 2 Kohistanupper 9 Kohistan Tower 0 Quetta 137 Pishin 10 Chaghai 0 Kabhalah 1 Noshki 1 Zhob 2 Loralai 4 Barkhan 0

184. *Dr. Nafisa Shah:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state: 27

(a) how many vaccines for Covid-19 have been approved till now alongwith details of above so far; and

(b) details of labs permitted by the Government to import Covid-19 vaccines?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has approved following COVID-19 vaccines till now.

i. Sinopharm Vaccine ii. Astrazeneca Vaccine iii. Cansino/ Pak-Vac Vaccine iv. Sputnik V Vaccine v. Sinovac Vaccine vi. Pfizer Vaccine

The details are placed at Annex-I.

(b) No lab has been permitted by Government to import Covid-19 vaccines.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library).

185. *Ms. Mussarat Rafiq Mahesar:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) the number of children who have been affected by the Covid-19 corona pandemic; and

(b) the details of areas where it is presently spreading the most alongwith the detail thereof?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) According to the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) data, since Mar, 2020 till June 25, 2021, the number of children affected by COVID-19 is 36,477.

(b) The infection is spreading most rapidly in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. The spread of infection is greater in the urban areas compared to rural areas. 28

186. *Mr. James Iqbal:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the locations in the country at which hospitals and dispensaries of Railways exists at present; and

(b) details of the capacity of beds in each of the said hospitals?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a) There are 8 Railway hospitals and 44 Railway dispensaries all over the Pakistan. The detail is as under.

(b) The detail of beds capacity on railways hospitals is as under:

187. *Mr. Naveed Aamir Jeeva:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony be pleased to state:

(a) whether is there any proposal under consideration of Government to introduce the ships for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims;

(b) if so, the time by which ship service will be provided for performing Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims?

Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony (Mr. Noor-ul Haq Qadri): (a) There is no proposal under consideration for travel of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims through ships from Pakistan to KSA.

(b) As above.

188. *Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) the quantity of free of cost Anti-Corona Vaccine received by the Pakistan so far; and

(b) the quantity of vaccine purchased by the Government?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) The total number of doses of Covid-19 Vaccine received by Pakistan by 27-07-21 are 10,821.930. The details are at Annex-I. 31

(b) The total purchased [doses delivered in Pakistan as of 27-07-21 are 28,606,000.The details are at Annex-II

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library).

189. *Mr. Saad Waseem:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan Medical Commission has fixed the fee Rs.6,000/- for each candidate to appear in MDCAT Test for admissions in Medical Colleges of the country;

(b) whether the facility of residence, accommodation, food and water will be provided to candidates from the huge fee already charged;

(d) whether it is also a fact that all other Universities of Pakistan are charging process fee up to Rs.1,000/-;

(e) the reasons for plundering huge amount from the poor students on the pretext of processing fee (Rs.6,000/-);

(f) whether the same is not against the vision of Prime Minister's initiatives regarding providing inexpensive education; and

(g) the time by which the extra charged fee will be refunded to candidates and what action would be taken against the Pakistan Medical Commission management?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) The fee for the computer based MDCAT 2021 has been fixed as Rs. 6000/- for each candidate to appear in MDCAT Test for admissions in Medical Colleges of the country. 32

(b) The MDCAT fee fixed for 2021 is for conduct of the computer based test, an online tutorial, one practice test and communication of the result directly to colleges to which the candidates will apply for admission.

(c) During the preceding year, fee for the only paper based National MDCAT conducted by PMC was Rs.1500/- and not 500 or 1000.

(d) The fees being charged by the rest of Pakistani- Universities vary and presently may be between 1500 and 5500 for their tests. The universities taking a paper based admission test may be charging the lower fee.

(e) The MDCAT fee of the computer based test will be inclusive of the test itself along with an online tutorial for this test, one practice test and communication of the result directly to colleges to which the candidates will apply for admission.

(f) Shifting from paper based exam to computer based exam is a leap towards achieving those goals of the government of provision of fair system of examination and reducing the chances of paper leaking before the examination date.

(g) The fee of MDCAT has been decided and approved by the Council. The fee of the computer based test will be inclusive of the test itself along with an online tutorial for this test, one practice test and communication of the result directly to colleges to which the candidates will apply for admission. No amount was charged extra and nor will be refunded.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN, The 10th August, 2021. Secretary.

PCPPI—4014(2021) NA—10-8-2021—500. 1

(35th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Wednesday, the 11th August, 2021

13. Syed Mehmood Shah: (Deferred on 19-07-2021)

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) the number of applications pending with the Pakistan Nursing Council for renewal of Nursing licence over six months;

(b) particulars of such applications along-with reason of delay in renewal of each case; and

Reply not received

15. Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel: (Deferred on 19-07-2021)

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) the details of doctors who are working in the Federal Government Polyclinic, Islamabad on deputation basis from other hospitals; and

(b) reasons of appointments on deputation in each case?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Reply is Annexed.

(b) As above.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library) 2

36. Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Federal Ombudsman had issued orders against complaint No. WMS-HQR/0002010/18, dated 10-08-2018 to allot a plot to the family of Manzoor Hussain (late) having ticket No. 1187 who was the employee of COD Rawalpindi, Ministry of Defence;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the said plot has not been allotted to his family till date;

(c) if the answer to parts (a) and (b) above are in affirmative the reason for not allotting a plot to his widow till now; and

(d) the time by which the said plot will be allotted to said widow?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema): (a) Yes, the Federal Ombudsman issued recommendations for allotment of plot to the extent that the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority would allot a plot of the entitled category under Widow quota to the complainant’s Widow on her turn on the basis of length of service of her deceased husband as per approved policy and procedure of the FGE Housing Authority.

(b) Yes.

(c) Mst. Shamim Tahira Widow of Late Manzoor Hussain has applied for allotment of Cat-V plot in Membership Drive, Phase-II (Part-III) in 2018. The allotments of Cat-IV & Cat-V plots are pending due to non-availability of Land. The allotment will be issued to those who got registered in 2015-16 on availability of Land. However, his widow will be considered for allotment on her turn after allotment to members registered earlier in 2015-16 (Part-I) and 2017 (Part-II).

(d) Reply is same as narrated at Para (C) above.

37. Mr. Sher Akbar Khan:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state: 3

(a) the number of houses and flats in “F” Type presently are available with Estate Office, Islamabad alongwith the locations thereof, the number of officers who are in waiting list of the “F” Type;

(b) whether it is a fact that “F” Type waiting list was not upgraded since five years in Estate Office website;

(c) if so, the time by which the updated list will be uploaded on the website after the exclusion of those officer's names who were allotted “F” Type till 28-02-2021; and

(d) the names, designations and action taken against those who showed negligence in this regard alongwith details?

Reply not received.

38. Syed Agha Rafiullah:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Sulemanabad Railway Station, District Attock is a part of CPEC;

(b) if so, the time by which the said project will be started and completed?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a) Under the CPEC arrangement only one project has been approved for Pakistan Railways which is “Up-gradation of Pakistan Railways existing Main Line-I (ML-I)”. ML-I runs from Karachi to Peshawar via Kotri, Hyderabad, Khanpur, Multan, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Attock city and Peshawar.

(b) -do-

39. Syed Agha Rafiullah:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of Railways Stations suspended/closed during the last three years throughout the country alongwith the name, location and reasons thereof; and 4

(b) the detail about Railway Station's building, residential colony and Platform etc.?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a) Four railway stations over the entire system have been closed in last three years. Detail as under:

Name of Location Reason Stations Baruli At Km 323.23 between Kundian- Daud Khel Section. Dherumeed Ali At Km 344.33 between Kundian- Daud Khel Section. Non remunerative Langer At Km.443.73 between Jand- and operationally not Attock City Section required. Hayat SherPao At Km.1633.69 between Attock- City- Nowshera Section. Harbanspura Lahore (LHR)

(b) The detail about closed Railway station's building, residential colony and Platform is as under:—

Name of station Station Residential Colony Platform Building Baruli (Branch Line) 1 01 colony having 03 01 quarters Dherumeed Ali 1 01 colony having 03 01 (Branch Line) quarters Langer (Branch Line) 1 01 colony having 16 01 quarters Hayat SherPao 1 01 colony having 05 01 (Main Line) quarters Harpanspura 1 3 abandoned quarters 01 class III and 21 abandoned Class IV

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN, The 10th August, 2021. Secretary.

PCPPI—4014(2021) NA—10-8-2021—500.