1 (31St Session) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

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1 (31st Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

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“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”

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

Monday, the 29th March, 2021

96. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb: (Deferred during 19th Session)

Will the Minister for Law and Justice be pleased to state:

(a) the name of cities of the country in which Model Courts are working at present; and

(b) alongwith total number thereof?

Deferred for answer on Next Rota Day.

99. *Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja: (Deferred during 19th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the increase in overall collection of power sector due to addition of electricity in the national grid during last five years; and

(b) whether such addition of electricity to national grid is sufficient to overcome load shedding in the country?

Reply not received.

48. *Jam Abdul Karim Bijar: (Deferred during 27th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state: 2 (a) how long more, Neelum-Jhelum (NJ) surcharges will be collected or remain enforced alongwith date of collection;

(b) whether it is a fact that over and above collection is being made under the head of NJ surcharge from consumers; if so, the justification thereof;

(d) the estimated over and above collection in recent years; and

(e) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to refund over and above collection of NJ surcharge; if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof?

Reply not received.

7. *Agha Hassan Baloch: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the district-wise ratio of area of each district of Balochistan which has facility of electricity;

(b) whether it is a fact that most of areas of Balochistan does not have facility of electricity;

(d) what steps are being taken by the Government to provide electricity in such areas at earliest?

Reply not received.

15. *Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khokhar: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state: 3

(a) whether it is a fact that irregularities of trillions of rupees, both administrative and financial, which have been pointed out in power sector by the Government’s auditors in the year 2019-20 are confirmed proof of poor administration and Governance of incumbent Government in the power sector;

(b) whether it is also a fact that public at large had to pay the price of such institutional negligence in terms of increasing electricity tariff;

(c) if the answers to part (a) and (b) above are in affirmative, whether the responsible held accountable by departments concerned; if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof; and

(d) what corrective measures are being taken particular with reference to not transfer or shift the burden of such institutional negligence to general public?

Reply not received.

17. *Ms. Shahida Rehmani: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) what is the amount of circular debt at present alongwith the amount of circular debt for the last ten years on annual basis;

(b) whether it is a fact that the circular debt is growing 60% annually and would be doubled by 2025 as estimated by an independent study; if so, reasons thereof; and

Reply not received. 4 24. *Ms. Nusrat Wahid: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to resolve power related issues, modalities for its reforms?

Reply not received.

86. *Syed Javed Husnain: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the funds approved by the Prime Minister during the year 2013 to 2018 for provision of Gas to NA-68 (currently NA-92) alongwith the amount spent so far; and

(b) the time by which the remaining amount will be made available?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has informed that a total of 04 projects have been approved by competent authorities from 2013 to 2018. The funds against 03 projects amounting to Rs. 254.582 million have lapsed and these projects would be completed after receipt of the lapsed amount. However, work on 01 project is in progress.

(b) Detail is as above.

145. *Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the details of improvements, which were required to make in transmission system by Karachi Electricity (KE), as per agreement of privatization;

(b) whether or not such improvements were made by KE; if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof; and 5 (c) whether or not KE held accountable; if it could not make due improvements in their system?

Reply not received.

146. *Ms. Naureen Farooq Ibrahim: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Science and Technology be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of scientists of international repute in Pakistan and the name of the fields being looked after by them;

(b) the practical steps being taken by the Government to improve the standard of technology in Pakistan; and

(c) the policy options available with Pakistan in the field of technology which can be helpful for the progress of Pakistan?

Minister for Science and Technology (Mr. Fawad Ahmed): (a) 3639 (Productive Scientists of Pakistan). Discipline wise list at Annex-I.

A plan to register scientists in the analogy of registration of medical doctors and engineers is under consideration. This would also help to update database of scientists annually.

(b) (i) 04 centres of disruptive technologies have been established @ Rs. 5.00 billion namely (National Center for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), National Center in Robotics & Automation (NCRA), National Center for Cyber Security (NCCS), National Center in Big Data and Cloud Computing (NCBD&CC). 45 labs are affiliated with these centres. (Brief at Annex-II).

(ii) Currently, 32 mainly technology driven projects with portfolio of Rs. 57.00 Billion are ongoing in Ministry of Science and Technology PSDP (details at Annex-III).

 Import Substitution Industrialization. 6

 Civil- Military interaction for Technology Development.

 Establishment of linkages among academia, R&D organizations and industry for technology development.

 Encouragement of FDI in technology products manufacturing.

 Establishment of S&T Parks in SEZ.

 Draft Pakistan National Quality Policy (PNQP) 2021 has been prepared for the establishment of standards/quality and accreditation regime in the country.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

58. *Shazia Marri: (Deferred during 29th Session)

Will the Minister for Science and Technology be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the plan, as announced by the Prime Minister, to convert the Prime Minister’s Office into a University, but yet has been abandoned; if so, reasons thereof;

(b) whether an assessment is made with regard to determine the feasibility of converting the Prime Minister’s Office into a University, before the announcement made by the incumbent Prime Minister;

Minister for Science and Technology (Mr. Fawad Ahmed): (a) The Honorable Prime Minister announced to transform the Prime Minister House into a University. The Ministry of Science & Technology has been entrusted with the responsibility to execute the project of Pak University of Engineering & Emerging Technologies (PUEET).

After securing approval of the Federal Cabinet, the Master Plan of Islamabad was amended by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for change in land use for establishment of the University. 7 The project stands reflected in PSDP 2020-2021 and the Project Director has been appointed. A Bill/ Charter in respect of the university has also been moved for consideration of the National Assembly.

The plan is intact and, under process, with following distinct dimensions to establish the university.

1. Preparation of PC-I. 2. Master Plan and Engineering Design Study. 3. Establishment of Project Management Unit/ Quality Core Team. 4. Land approvals, land transfer, and layout. 5. University Bill / Charter.

(b) The vision of political leadership leads to secondary decisions of execution. The political will to have a high end university in proximity of PM office was clearly based on the availability of land, the need for centers of excellence in the domain of technology innovation and the availability of sources to execute the plan. The pragmatic announcement by PM was duly facilitated by subsequent allocation of resources, change of land use by competent authority and other allied activities which have been mentioned earlier.

(c) The rationale of Prime Minister’s message was to signify the drive for higher education, the focus on R&D and innovation, and the overall promotion of technology learning in the country. The core philosophy is to secure the future of Pakistan linked with the knowledge based economy; and the bearing that the political office is even prepared to sacrifice their own comforts for such greater cause.

83. Admissibility is being re-considered.

1. *Shazia Marri:

Will the Minister for Law and Justice be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan is one of lowest performer in the field of providing justice to common man according to World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2020; 8 (b) if so, whether the Government has either conducted or intends to conduct a study to identify reasons behind such performance and fix them to improve by taking all stakeholders on board; (c) if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof; (d) whether the country’s rating in such index has been improved or went further down for the year 2020 as compare to preceding years; and (e) what corrective measures are being taken by the Government in this regard? Deferred for answer on Next Rota Day.

2. *Ms. Shagufta Jumani: Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that prices of electricity for the life line consumers has been increased in the tenure of incumbent Government; (b) if so, the details of consumers who come under the category of life line; (c) the reasons for making such increase; (d) since when such increase has been made for the consumers of life line; and (e) what steps are being taken by the Government to lessen the prices of electricity? Reply not received.

3. *Mr. Saad Waseem: Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government intends to undertake modernization/ up-gradation of the Oil refineries across the country and to equip them with latest advance technology, being used at international levels; if so, the details thereof; and (b) details of targets set out for expansion of refiner capacity? 9 Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Yes. In this regard, a committee has been formed including representatives from the stakeholders / refineries for drafting an oil refining policy for modernization / upgradation of existing oil refineries as well as new state of the art refineries.

(b) Upgradation / expansion is targeted to be implemented by local / existing refineries within 3-4 years. After upgradation refineries will be able to produce Euro-V fuels as well as convert furnace oil into more valuable products by ensuring efficient refinery configuration.

4. *Jam Abdul Karim Bijar:

Will the Minister for Science and Technology be pleased to state: (a) the details of medical related scientific inventions which have been made in lieu of outbreak of Covid-19 in the country; (b) how are such inventions contributing the society in general during the days of Covid-19; (c) what steps are being taken by the Government to promote medical related scientific inventions in the country alongwith budget reserved, released and utilized in such sectors during the last five years; and

(d) whether such budget is enough to deal with the situation?

Reply not received.

5. *Mr. Murtaza Javed Abbasi:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) the number of motor vehicles which annually pass through toll plazas on the national highways and motorways in Pakistan; (b) how many of those motor vehicles are for commercial and private purposes; (c) the number of motor vehicles which are for the purposes of public transport and other for the freight, carrying vehicles by axle load; 10 (d) the break up of Motor vehicles passing through too plaza weekly, monthly and quarterly data collected concerning the above- referred;

(e) the annual trend of the passing motor vehicles developed since the year 1990;

(f) how much toll charges are collected on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually basis on all the types of motor vehicles passing through the toll plazas; and

(g) the number of traffic challans and the total amount of traffic challans imposed on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually basis on all the types of motor vehicles for the last five years?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a) The Operations, Management and Maintenance contracts of toll plazas and collection of toll revenue on National Highways and Motorways are procured through PPRA rules and awarded on advance monthly net guaranteed fixed revenue. The bids are procured on revenue basis irrespective of traffic flow. The operator guarantees a certain amount to NHA. However, the record of traffic passing through toll plazas if available with operators will be acquired and shared accordingly.

NHA has installed electronic traffic & toll management system on 11x toll plazas. Accordingly, the category wise traffic data is attached at Annex-A.

(b) National Highway Authority rationalizes toll taxes on the basis of category of vehicles (Cars, Bus, Wagon, Trucks and Articulated Trucks) and not as per the use of vehicles such as Private/public transport etc.

(c) Category wise detail of vehicles including public transport (wagons, coasters & buses) and freight carrying vehicles (trucks 2 & 3 axles and trailers multi axles) is attached at Annex-A.

(d) Category wise traffic count on 11x toll plazas and M-1, M-2 & M-9 is placed at Annex-B. 11 (e) The tolling was started in 1999 on National Highways and 1997 on M-2 therefore, the record prior to 1999 may be acquired/requested from provincial governments. For 1999 onwards NHA will approach the relevant toll operators during 1999 till date for provision of data and will update accordingly.

(f) Toll rates are approved by NHA Executive Board on 3 yearly basis normally. Last time toll rates for Motorways & National Highways were approved in 2018 (excluding M-2, M-9 & Pattoki Bypass N-5 toll rates). Present toll rates (category wise) are placed at Annex-C.

(g) Detail of Traffic Challans is at Annex-D.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

6. *Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that power sector circular debt is set to cross Rs. 206 trillion by the end of the ongoing fiscal year 2020-21;

(b) if the answer to part (a) above is in affirmative the reasons for such a huge increase;

(c) what steps are being taken by the Government against defaulters, power thieves and curtailing technical losses alongwith reasons for not clearing debt from time to time?

Reply not received.

7. *Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto:

Will the Minister for Law and Justice be pleased to state:

(a) whether authorities concerned which include Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan has taken notice that women in particular have been facing great difficulties during their visits for different hearings in courts to get justice in their pending cases; 12 (b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) what steps are being taken by the Government to make places vide and worth capable for women litigants in courts as and when they appear?

Deferred for answer on Next Rota Day.

8. *Chaudhry Iftikhar Nazir:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that natural Gas has not been provided to different streets of Ansar Colony, Mian Channu, Tehsil Mian Channu, District Khanewal including the Street No. 03 whereas some of streets of the same colony has already been provided the same; if so, the reasons of such disparity of providing natural Gas to some of streets and depriving some of them; and

(b) what steps are being taken by the Government to provide natural Gas to aforesaid colony at an earliest?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Yes, it is a fact that natural gas has not been provided to different streets of Ansar Colony Mian Channu, Tehsil Mian Channu District Khanewal including the street No. 3 as the streets are not developed.

(b) Survey for supply of gas to remaining streets of Ansar Colony has been carried out. Cost estimates based on unit construction cost for fiscal year 2020-21 are as follows:—

DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

Distribution Network = 0.762 Kms Cost of Distribution Network = Rs. 1.634 million Total Project Cost = Rs. 1.634 million Government Funding (indirect) = Rs. 1.634 million 13 9. *Syed Agha Rafiullah:

Will the Minister for Law and Justice be pleased to state:

(a) the details of recovery in terms of rupees made by NAB during the tenure of incumbent Chairman in terms of following;

(i) recovery made through orders of any court of law; (ii) recovery made by giving an option of plea bargain; (iii) recovery made by any other means;

(b) the details of persons who opted the option of plea bargain alongwith amount recovered from each of above;

(d) the amount out of above which has been retained by NAB itself during the aforesaid period and how the same was distributed among different functionaries of the bureau?

Deferred for answer on Next Day.

10. *Mr. Raza Rabani Khar:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to refer to the Starred Question No.54, replied on 19-10-2020 and to state:

(a) the present status of inquiry commission which was constituted by Prime Minister to probe the shortage of petrol in June, 2020 in the country;

(b) was there any time fixed for the commission to complete its findings; if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether OMCs deposited the amount of fine imposed on them;

(e) if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof? 14

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) The Inquiry Commission submitted its report to the Lahore High Court on 14th December, 2020. Subsequently, the said report has also been submitted to the Federal Cabinet for approval. Federal Cabinet constituted a committee of the Cabinet to review the findings/recommendations submitted in the report of Inquiry Commission. The outcome of committee is awaited.

It is also important to mention that the said report has also been challenged in the Peshawar High Court for which the honourable High Court has granted stay order. Further, it has also been challenged in Sindh High Court. Hence, the matter is subjudice in the above mentioned three Honorable High Courts.

(b) The Cabinet Division vide its notification No. 01/05/2020/Lit-III dated 28th July, 2020 had directed the commission to conclude its inquiry within thirty (30) days (copy enclosed at Annex-I). However, subsequently, the inquiry Commission sought extensions for the same through the honourable Lahore Court.

(d) The details have been sought from Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) regarding penalties imposed on Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). OGRA has informed that they have imposed fines of around Rs. 73 million on 19 OMCs. Out of Rs.73 million, Rs. 35.5 million has been recovered from OMCs.

(e) The details are attached at Annex-II.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

11. *Ms. Shaista Pervaiz:

Will the Minister for Human Rights be pleased to state:

(a) whether the National Commission for Human Rights or the National Commission on the Status of Women, has taken notice that women’s rights legislation in Pakistan has neither fulfilled 15

its potential out put despite the passage of several years nor pro-women laws are being implemented in letter and spirit; if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof; and

(b) what protective measures are being taken by the Government to curb and address sexual harassment;

(c) the corrective steps being taken by the Government to stop regressive practices such as depriving women of their inheritance and also forcing them into marriage to settle private disputes, etc?

Minister for Human Rights (Dr. Shireen M. Mazari): (a) The Government of Pakistan is committed to ensure protection and promotion of Human Rights with special focus on the Rights of Women and Children. In this regard, the Ministry of Human Rights is adopting all possible measures to safeguard the rights of citizens as envisaged under the Constitution of Pakistan, as well as international commitments. However, it is a fact that dysfunctionality of National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) and National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) is hindering the process and the matter is pending in the office of the Leader of Opposition.

It has been noticed that women’s rights legislation in Pakistan is gradually fulfilling its potential output; however, there is a greater need to further sensitize the stakeholders and duty bearers through awareness raising activities to ensure effective implementation of women specific laws, across the country.

One of the recent initiatives of the Government i.e. “the Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act, 2020” concerning protection of girls and boys, is being implemented in the country. Moreover, for the first time in the history of Pakistan, child domestic labor has been proscribed under the Employment of Children Act, 1991 through a Gazette Notification, issued in July, 2020. This intervention would be instrumental for protection of children, particularly girls from exploitation.

(b) The Government of Pakistan is committed to create a safer environment for women, free from harassment, abuse and intimidation. In this regard, the following two Acts of Parliament are being implemented to curb and address sexual harassment: 16

i. Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2010

The Law has been enacted by amending clause 509 of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860.

ii. The Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010

This Act is based on the principle of equal opportunity for men and women and their right to earn a livelihood without fear of discrimination as stipulated in the Constitution of Pakistan.

Moreover, in order to provide speedy justice to victims of harassment and to expand the scope through definition of harassment, the Ministry of Human Rights has prepared “the Protection against Harassment at Workplace Bill, 2021”.

The Ministry of Human Rights regularly organizes Seminars/ Conferences/ Workshops on key Human Rights issues including Rights of Women & Girls.

(c) The Government of Pakistan is fully cognizant of its role to combat depriving women of their inheritance and forcing them into marriage to settle private disputes. The following legislative measures have been undertaken so far:

i. “Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act, 2020” and “Letters of administration and Succession Certificates Act, 2020” to address the grievances over inherited assets. Under this law, disputes revolving around property inherited by women and the right of inheritance would be resolved on expedited basis. This is the most recent landmark achievement of the present Government.

ii. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2004 intended to punish the “giving” of girls and women in marriage as part of a compromise to settle a dispute between two families or clans. Anyone convicted of this offence may receive ‘rigorous punishment’ for 3 to 10 years. 17 iii. The Prevention of Anti-Women Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Act, 2011 criminalizes the traditional practices like vanni, swara or budla-i-sulh, wherein women/girls are traded to settle personal, family or tribal disputes. The law provides for a minimum benchmark for penalizing those involved in “anti-women practices”. The Supreme Court of Pakistan and High Courts have been taking notices of cases of honour killing, vani and swara and also against tribal jirgas in which girls are given as compensation.

A campaign regarding family laws and women’s inheritance was launched by MoHR with the support of Council of Islamic Ideology (CII), Messages on the issues of children, forced marriages, women rights, birth registration processes and sexual harassment at workplace have also been telecast on public and private media channels.

12. *Shazia Marri:

Will the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Ministry being a line Ministry to liaison between the Government and the Majlies-e-Shoora Parliament has taken notice that Ministries/Departments for which they are responsible have either failed to present mandatory reports to the Parliament or such reports are presented in the Parliament too late under the Provision of Constitution or the statutes; if so, the reasons thereof;

(b) whether the Government intends to hold responsible accountable such Ministries/Divisions on account of their failure to make such compliance; and

(c) what steps are being taken by the Government to ensure timely submission of such reports to the Parliament in future?

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs (Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan): (a) The reports are laid in the Parliament in accordance with the provisions of Constitution (7 Reports) / Statutes which pertain to various Ministries / Divisions. As received from various Divisions, M/o Parliamentary Affairs has so far laid 41 such reports in the National Assembly (Annex-I). 18 (b) As per relevant laws/rules, it is obligatory upon Ministries/ Divisions to lay their reports in the Parliament.

(c) M/o Parliamentary Affairs has issued a circular to all Ministries/ Divisions to comply with the legal requirements of submission of such reports, as and when due.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

13. *Mr. Muhammad Farooq Azam Malik:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that villagers of Patan Mongoli and surrounding area of District Bahawalpur and Lodhran have been facing great difficulties to cross Sutlej River delta, which links rural area beyond Dera Bakkha of Bahawalpur with District Lodhran due to non-existence of a proper crossing bridge over Sutleg delta at the aforesaid area;

(b) if so, is there any proposal under consideration of Government to construct a bridge at the aforesaid area either itself or send the such proposal to Planning Division for consideration in PSDP;

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a), (b) & (c) The Subject road is provincial and does not fall under jurisdiction of National Highway Authority.

14. *Dr. Nafisa Shah:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state the date, time and the amount of increase in Petroleum prices during the last two years and the total increase made so far?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): Date, time and amount of increase / decrease in prices of petroleum products is attached. While total increase and decrease is as under:— 19 Rs./litre —————————————————————————————— Products Prices as on Prices as on Increase/ 1-3-2019 1-3-2021 (Decrease) —————————————————————————————— Petrol 92.89 111.90 19.01 Diesel 111.43 116.08 4.65 Kerosene 86.31 80.19 -6.12 LDO 77.54 79.23 1.69 —————————————————————————————— 15. *Syed Imran Ahmad Shah:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state the locations of the country where transmission system of electricity has been up-graded during the regime of present Government so far alongwith the details of cost incurred thereon?

Reply not received.

16. *Syed Hussain Tariq:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that companies, who involved themselves in exploring and developing/producing petroleum products in the country are bound to spend specific amount on training of the inhabitants of the areas, where they work either both onshore or offshore zones;

(b) whether it is also a fact that custodians of such amount made unauthorized spending from aforesaid amount against different activities; if so, the details and justification thereof;

(d) whether such unauthorized amount of spending have been recovered from concerned persons who unauthorized made such spending; 20 (e) if so, the detail thereof and if not, the reasons thereof; and

(f) what corrective measures are being taken in this regard?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Yes, according to Petroleum Exploration & Production Policy 2012, the Exploration and Production Companies are obligated to provide Training for the capacity building of their Pakistani employees, GOP and Provincial Government concerned officials including Internship / scholarships and training of the local inhabitants in different institutions, as per Guidelines issued by Petroleum Division from time to time.

(b) Training fund is being utilized in accordance with the Petroleum Exploration & Production Policy 2012 and Training Fund Guidelines.

(d) Not applicable.

(e) Not applicable:

(f) Recently, the Secretary Petroleum Division has constituted a Committee under Special Secretary for developing a plan to utilize the Training Fund. The Ministry is to develop a comprehensive utilization plan so that the intended objective of the Training Fund can be achieved. The revision of existing Training Fund Guidelines including preparation of training plan for employees of Petroleum Division and Provinces and a Youth Development Programme to provide scholarships and internships for local inhabitants is in process.

17. *Ms. Shagufta Jumani:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the amount, which has been collected under the heads of Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, for the Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams Fund at present;

(b) how does reconsolidate the amount, which is actually deposited in an account, which is managed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan; 21 (c) whether it is a fact that different individuals/institutions or functionaries, collected such fund; if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the said fund is used to visit abroad or within the country; if so, the details thereof; and

(e) time by which, utilization of such funds will be started?

Reply not received.

18. *Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the ratio of losses of all nature of power sector as on June 30, 2018 and at present alongwith change occurred or found therein since the inception of present Government;

(b) if such losses have increased during the aforesaid period, the reasons thereof;

(d) if such losses have decreased during the aforesaid period, the reasons for not extending such benefit to public at large by reducing the electricity tariff?

Reply not received.

19. *Mr. Muhammad Aslam Khan:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that there are 200 homes exists in Ibrahim Mohallah Kund Rajgan Ibrahimi Masjid Chatta Bakhtawer, Islamabad but the Gas meters are installed at each home and no Gas facility is available in each home;

(b) whether it is also a fact that residents facing great inconvenience, while the Sui Gas bills are being paid every month regularly; and 22 (c) the steps being taken by the Government to provide Sui Gas in this area?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) SNGPL has informed that Ibrahim Mohallah, Kund Rajgan, lbrahimi Masjid, Chatta Bakhtawar, Islamabad is located at the tail end of their gas distribution network. During winters the area faces low pressure due to excessive use of gas.

(b) As above

(c) SNGPL has further informed that necessary modification activities have been undertaken on their gas station, feeding to Chatta Bakhtawar area to facilitate maximum numbers of their valued consumers.

20. *Ms. Shahida Rehmani:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the increase made by K. Electric in electricity prices from March, 2018 to March, 2021 in Karachi; and

(b) the name of the areas of Karachi where loadshedding is being carried out alongwith the duration of said loadshedding?

Reply not received.

21. *Mr. Raza Rabani Khar:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that CDA being a line department to develop Islamabad, has deposited due amount to relevant accounts of SNGPL for provision of natural Gas to remaining part of Sector I-14, Islamabad;

(b) whether it is also a fact that SNGPL has failed to provide the same; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(c) what steps are being taken by the Government to provide natural gas to remaining part of above mentioned sector at an earliest? 23 Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Yes, it is a fact that CDA has deposited requisite amount with SNGPL for provision of natural gas to remaining parts of Sector I-14 Islamabad.

(b) Yes, it is a fact that as yet gas network has not been laid in the remaining areas of above locality. Project has been approved for laying of network in the remaining area. Tendering process has been finalized by SNGPL and work for laying of gas network will be commenced shortly.

22. *Dr. Nafisa Shah:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the details of total electricity/power being produced/generated alongwith details of such sources; and

(b) the break-up of electricity which is being consumed of the total available electricity in Megawatt particularly in Summer and Winter months?

Reply not received.

23. *Syed Abrar Ali Shah:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that 200 percent increase is being made in the rate of delivery of post mails by the Pakistan Post; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) the total additional income gained by the Pakistan Post from it so far?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a) No such increase is being made in the rate of delivery, so far.

(b) As Above. 24 24. *Mrs. Farukh Khan:

Will the Minister for Law and Justice be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that custom Appellate tribunals are non functional during the last eight months;

(b) whether it is also a fact that many tribunals are non functional due to not deputing the judges therein;

(d) the time by which all the tribunals will be made functional?

Deferred for answer on Next Rota Day.

25. *Mr. Murtaza Javed Abbasi:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to refer to the Starred Question No.83 replied on 10-02-2020 and to state:

(a) criteria to hire AF Ferguson and Company Chartered Accountants for conducting a third party audit of excessive billing of natural Gas alongwith amount which had been paid to the company for such audit;

(b) whether bids were called to hire audit companies to award such audit; if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof;

(c) if the bids were called, details of the companies participated in the bidding process and details of companies, which were disqualified alongwith with reasons thereof; and

(d) whether any present or former beneficiary of the aforesaid firm holds any post in any department of Government in recent times; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) SNGPL was directed by the CCoE to conduct audit of the SNGPL through External Auditors with reference to slab wise gas consumption and gas charges during the month of October 2018 and December 2018 and to submit the findings of the audit to Cabinet Committee on Energy within 10 days. M/S A.F. Ferguson 25 & Co. Chartered Accountants were already appointed as statutory (External) auditors of the Company for FY 2017-18 by shareholders of the Company. An amount of Rs. 4,335,902/- was paid to the External Auditors (M/S A. F. Ferguson & Co Chartered Accountants) for conducting third party audit of excessive gas billing.

(b) Company was directed to conduct audit from the External Auditor of SNGPL and to submit the findings of the audit to Cabinet Committee on Energy within 10 days.

(d) SNGPL informed that they are not aware of the fact that any beneficiary of M/S A.F. Ferguson was holding any office in the Government at that time.

26. *Mr. Ahmad Hussain Deharr

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) since when the Multan Piran Ghaib Power Plant has been shutdown;

(b) the details of estimated loss sustained in billions rupees to the available machinery of Power Plant;

(d) the time by which said power plant will be made functional; and

(f) the details of action taken against the persons responsible for the said loss?

Reply not received.

27. *Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the fuel-wise per unit price of electricity at present; 26 (b) whether it is a fact that in recent months, electricity was produced by costly means;

(c) if so, whether authorities/regulators concerned intend to conduct an audit of those electricity producers who prefer generation of electricity through costly means if so, the detail thereof; and

(d) what steps are being taken by the Government to encourage electricity producers to use cheaper fuels in order to benefit consumers?

Reply not received.

28. *Syed Hussain Tariq:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the estimated cost of Diamer-Bhasha Dam;

(b) the amount, which has already been spent by previous Governments on the dam;

(d) the funds, which has been earmarked and released for the dam in the current fiscal year;

(e) the increase made in the cost of dam due to depreciation of the value of rupee against dollar during the tenure of present Government; and

(f) the details of plan of the incumbent Government with regard to construction of the dam?

Reply not received.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN, The 28th March, 2021 Secretary.

PCPPI—3344(2021) NA—28-03-2021—500. 1 (31st Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Monday, the 29th March, 2021

4. Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur: (Deferred during 13th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Peshawar High Court through its directions in 2011 and a decisions of the Federal Cabinet asked for dissolution of PEPCO; if so, the reasons for non- implementation of the above said decisions for dissolution of PEPCO;

(b) the legal status of PEPCO at present;

(d) how far PEPCO has been successful in overseeing management of DISCOs;

(e) the specific role of PEPCO in the light of “Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997 and amended Act of 2018 when GENCOs, NTDC, CPPA & DISCOs have their independent BoDs;

(f) the role of Power Division, PEPCO & BoDs of DISCOs in appointment and transfers of CEOs of DISCOs; and

(g) the role of NEPRA as a Regulator in DISCOs?

Reply not received. 2 72. Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur: (Deferred during 18th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state the details of disciplinary cases not yet finalized during last one year in WAPDA, PEPCO, GENCOs NTDC and DISCOs after lapse of prescribed period as per rules, their impact on the promotion and retirement of such officers and the time by which these cases will be finalized?

Reply not received.

29. Mr. Saad Waseem: (Deferred during 19th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) number of applicants of the recently advertised vacancies of Bill Distribution and Assistant Lineman in Islamabad Electric Supply Company with qualification required to apply for;

(b) details of marks obtained in NTS test of each candidate appeared in tests of aforesaid vacancies; and

(c) complete details in all aspects including NTS and SSC marks of shortlisted candidates for interview of aforesaid vacancies with the criteria adopted in short listing?

Reply not received.

4. Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto: (Deferred during 20th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) detail of increase made in the electricity bills during the last one year; and

(b) the detail of domestic and commercial consumers separately?

Reply not received. 3 15. Sheikh Rohale Asghar: (Deferred during 20th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the employees of Power Division and its attached department went abroad at the expense of Government during the last four years; and

(b) the detail of authority sent them abroad and the reasons therefor; and

Reply not received.

13. Mr. Sher Akbar Khan: (Deferred during 27th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the time by which funds will be allocated for provision of 150 yards 4 core cable to provide electricity connections to the remaining part of Qureshi Gali from Shafique Cotton Store to Raja Khuram Shahzad Home, Mohallah Afzalabad, centrail Jail Area, Haripur; and

(b) the time by which work will be started?

Reply not received.

14. Mr. Sher Akbar Khan: (Deferred during 27th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the time by which 100 KV transformer approved by PESCO proposal No.6411171 under work order No.11-64464 will be installed in front of Raja Shamrooz Home, Qureshi Gali, Mohallah Afzalabad, Central Jail Area, Haripur; and 4 (b) the time by which work will be started?

Reply not received.

15. Ms. Mussarat Rafiq Mahesar: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the domestic electricity consumers of Mahera Ali Khan, Tehsil and District Haripur neither receive monthly bills timely nor the said bills are sent on their residential addresses causing inconvenience to the consumers in depositing their bills in time;

(b) if so, the time by which the concerned office staff will be directed by the Government to deliver monthly bills in time to consumers at their already provided residential addresses?

Reply not received.

16. Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state:

(a) details of residents of village Musapur, Tehsil Pasrur, District Sialkot have deposited the amount of demand notices of Rs.6,000/- for installation of meter of natural gas since January, 2018;

(b) the present status of each of above applicant;

(c) whether it is a fact that several residents, who have deposited the aforesaid amount, could not the given connection of natural gas; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(d) time by which, each of above will provide connection of natural gas?

Reply not received. 5 19. Ms. Naureen Farooq Ibrahim: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Science and Technology be pleased to state whether there is any mechanism of periodically water quality monitoring programme; if so, the details thereof; if not, reasons thereof?

Reply not received.

1. Dr. Nafisa Shah:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the international petroleum price in rupee terms; and

(b) the percentage of taxes charged on each litre, as petroleum levy?

Reply not received.

2. Syed Javed Husnain:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that electricity meters could not be installed against several applications by relevant Sub Division of MEPCO in Chak No.515/EB, Burewala including the application Registration No.15334007730 dated 08-09-2020 even after the lapse of many months of submitting the applications;

(b) if so, the details of pending applications for installation of electricity meters at present alongwith reasons of pendency of each application; and

Reply not received. 6 3. Syed Javed Husnain:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that despite depositing the amount of demand notice under the Account ID 07710467347 dated 03-09-2020 by resident of Chak No.81/JB, Pandoori Pansra, Dijkot Road, Faisalabad the authorities concerned have failed to install meter of natural Gas against aforesaid demand notice;

(b) if so, the reasons thereof; and

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) SNGPL has informed thaat no Pplication for gas connection having the Account ID 07710467347 is available as per their computer date base (CC&B).

It is repuested that correct Account ID number or CNIC number of the applicant may be provided for tracing the application.

(b) As above

4. Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that despite depositing the amount of demand notices under the Account IDs 54046395312 dated 20-01-2020, 41773462431 dated 13-01-2021, 83208130498 dated 06-02-2020 by residents of Kh No.321 Gulshan-e-Khudadad Phase-III Bokra NR Naseerabad Pipe Factory Islamabad, P-75 Zafar Colony Chak No.121/JB NR Church Chowk Millat Road, Faisalabad and Chak No.81/JB Pandoori Pansra Dijkot Road Faisalabad, the authorities concerned have failed to install meters of natural Gas against aforesaid demand notices;

(b) if so, the reasons thereof; and 7 (c) what steps are being taken by the Government to install meters against aforesaid demand notices at an earliest?

Reply not received.

5. Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that pressure of natural Gas is low to zero at Wahdat Road Lahore and in particular H. No.4-S/51, Green Street Clifton Colony Wahdat Road Lahore; if so, the reasons thereof;

(b) what action has been taken by authorities concerned to improve, the pressure of gas to aforesaid locality; and

Reply not received.

6. Mr. Naveed Aamir Jeeva:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to refer to the Un-Starred Question No.19 replied on 22-01-2021 and to state:

(a) sub clause/part (b) bearing details of implementation by authorities for the electrification of the Ittefaq Colony through FESCO/PEPCO, particularly electricity meters at Chak No.338/ JB, Nia Lahore, Tehsil Gujra, District Toba Tek Singh against the consumer ID No.13031123697;

(b) the reasons for delay and not installing/providing electric connections;

(d) the time by which such electric connections will be installed; if not, the reasons thereof?

Reply not received. 8 7. Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali: Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that natural Gas has been provided to the residents of Sabir Town (Sudhran) Tarlai Kalan, Islamabad for the last two years; (b) whether it is also a fact that the same has not been provided to residents of 10-15 houses of locality of said Town; if so, the reasons thereof; and (c) what steps are being taken by the Government to provide natural Gas to rest of the houses of aforeamentioned locality at an earliest? Reply not received. 8. Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali: Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state: (a) whether is there any proposal under consideration of the Government to lay Gas pipeline for provision of natural Gas to Dhok Sain Maskeen, Kallar Syedan Road, District Rawalpindi; (b) if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof? Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Currently, no proposal is under consideration for supply of gas to Dhok Sain Maskeen, Kallar Syedan Road, District Rawalpindi. (b) Not application. (c) Presently, the development schemes are processed under the Sustainable Development Goals Achievement Programme (SAP). Under SAP the residents identify a scheme while the Deputy Commissioner of the concerned areas processes approval. The Steering Committee nominated by the Federal Cabinet approves sanction/release of funds for each scheme. So far, SNGPL has not received any proposal to lay gas netword for the said areas.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN, The 28th March, 2021. Secretary.

PCPPI—3344(2021) NA—28-03-2021—500.