1 (18Th Session) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

(18th 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

Monday, the 13th January, 2020

56. *Ch. Aamir Sultan Cheema: (Deferred during 16th Session)

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

(a) the procedure to give administrative approval for new schemes of natural gas supply;

(b) number of schemes of supply of natural Gas approved for NA-91, Sargodha (old NA-67) since 2011;

(d) as to when physical work will start on pending and new schemes of Gas in said Constituency?

Reply not received.

74. *Sheikh Rohale Asghar: (Deferred during 16th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state the increase made in electricity tarrif as well as number of times such increase was made by the present Government till date alongwith the reasons thereof?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): In terms of second proviso to section 31(7) of the Act 1997, the Authority is required to 2 make adjustments in approved tariff on account of fuel price within a period of seven days on monthly basis. Pursuant to the above proviso, monthly FCA are also charged to consumer as approved by the Authority.

64. *Ms. Shagufta Jumani: (Deferred during 17th Session)

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

(a) number of times, the tariff of electricity under any nomenclature thereof, has been increased since August 1, 2018 alongwith justification of each increase;

(b) whether it is a fact that Government has decided to collect billions of rupees over and above from consumers on behalf of distribution companies in contrary to original approval of NEPRA; if so, the details and justification thereof;

(c) whether such increases and collections are tantamount to system inefficiency and failure of the Government to bring due reforms in power sector;

(d) if so, what steps are being taken to fix system inefficiencies of the power sector, and bring due reforms therein, and time by which, benefits of such reform will start paying to consumers?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) 1. The NEPRA determined tariff of XWDISCOs on December 19, 2018. Which was notified by the Federal Government w.e.f. January 01, 2019.

2. Furthermore, quarterly adjustments from July to December 2018 was decided by the NEPRA on June 14, 2019, which was notified by the GoP w.e.f. July 01, 2019. 3

3. Similarly, XWDISCOs afterwards filed their adjustment requests for the 3rd & 4th quarters of the FY 2018-19 i.e. from Jan. to Mar. 2019 and Apr. to Jun. 2019. Ministry of Energy also requested Interim Indexation for Distribution Margin with instant requests of XWDISCOs. Both the decision were issued by the NEPRA on September 27, 2019, which was notified by the Federal Government w.e.f October 01, 2019.

4. It is important to mention here that as the previous Government has not taken any steps for enhancement of rates from 2016 as per tariff structure. Therefore, the present Government was forced to enhance the tariff from 2016, the same is being charged on monthly basis.

5. It is import mention here that present Government is taking steps to protect Domestic Consumers whom consumption is upto 300 Units, and are 75.% of the Domestic consumption, their tariff is not being increased and no increase in their tariff.

(b) 1. National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) is a statutory Regulatory Authority and is responsible for the regulation of the provision of electric power services in Pakistan. The electricity tariff is determined in accordance with the NEPRA Act and Rules made there-under.

2. NEPRA determines different consumer-end for each XWDISCO, owing to their different revenue requirements and allowed level of T&D losses. However, as per the amended NEPRA Act, NEPRA has been mandated to determine a uniform consumer end tariff.

70. *Ms. Asma Qadeer: (Deferred during 17th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state what measures are being taken for producing energy from Waste, Bio resources, Solar, Wind and Static energy?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): Generation of cheap electricity utilizing indigenous renewable energy resources including wind, solar, waste-to-energy, biomass etc, is amongst the top priorities of the Government. Significant measures to promote the development of renewable energy based power projects have been taken by the Government. Some of initiatives/ measures taken are as follows: 4

1. New Alternative & Renewable Energy Policy has been formulated targeting a higher share of ARE technologies in the energy mix of 20% by 2025 and 30% by 2030. The policy has an enhanced scope and includes all types of alternative and renewable energy technologies including hybrid configurations. The policy focuses on project development primarily to competitive bidding and also promoting local manufacturing.

2. Several RE projects that had achieved significant project milestones but could not get completed due to certain decisions of the Cabinet Committee of Energy (CCoE) made in December, 2017, have been allowed by the CCoE to complete their projects subject to fulfillment of certain pre-conditions. Accordingly, AEDB is facilitating the projects for their development. Twelve (12) wind power projects with a cumulative capacity of 610 MW have recently achieved financial close of their respective projects.

3. Several studies have been initiated with the support of donor agency with the objective of increasing the share of wind and solar energy in the energy mix of the country and making associated grid augmentations.

4. A study on identifying and developing renewable energy zones has been initiated with the support of World Bank.

5. Development of RPF documents for carrying out competitive bidding for projects falling under category-III of the CCoE decision dated 27th February, 2019 are near completion.

73. *Mr. Murtaza Javed Abbasi: (Deferred during 17th Session)

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

(a) what was the total MW production of electricity in May, 2018; and

(b) how many MW have been increased by the Government since August, 2018?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Total MW generated during the month of May, 2018 was 16409 MW (Monthly Average).

(b) The details of MW added in the system (including Wind, Hydel and Thermal) having commercial operation date (COD) since August 2018 is attached as Annex-I.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

75. *Ms. Mussarat Rafiq Mahesar: (Deferred during 17th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state the year-wise detail of increase in per unit price of electricity since 2016 till date?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): The tariff has been modified in steps as determined by NEPRA but the present Government has protected the interest of domestic consumer’s upto 300 units.

It is important to mention here that as the previous Government had not taken any steps for enhancement of rates from 2016 as per tariff structure. Therefore, the present Government was forced to increase the tariff to reduce the buildup of Circular Debt increasing at the rate of Rs. 39 Billion/Month. It has now come reduce to 21 Billion/ Month till June 30, 2019. A subsidy of 226 billion has also been budgeted to insulate vurnable category of consumers from the tariff change/adjustment.

76. *Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel: (Deferred during 17th Session)

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

(a) whether the concerned authorities of Power Division and NEPRA have taken notice of electrocution of dozens of innocent citizens recently; if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the concerned electricity provider or Federal Government has financially compensated the killed and injured 6

citizens in such incidents of electrocution; if so, the details thereof; and if not, the reasons thereof;

(d) what steps are being taken to improve infrastructure particularly with reference to ensure safety of people?

Reply not received.

77. *Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto: (Deferred during 17th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that as per report of Ministry of Finance deficit of LESCO, HESCO, QESCO and MEPCO was in billions of Rupees for year 2018-19; if so;

(b) what was deficit in year 2017-18 as compare to year 2018-19 in detail?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) As per Annual Financial statements of the following DISCOs (LESCO, HESCO, QESCO and MEPCO) for the FY 2017-18 & 2018-19, their profit/ (loss) figures are given below: —————————————————————————————— DISCOs FY 2017-18 FY 2018-19 Improvement (Mln. Rs.) (Mln. Rs.) (Mln.Rs.) —————————————————————————————— LESCO (55,176) 8.750 63,926 HESCO (31,160) (7055) 24,105 QESCO (25,166) (5188) 19,978 MEPCO (33,825) (22,782) 11,043 —————————————————————————————— (b) This Government assumed office in August, 2018 and the efforts started in November, 2018. So the result achieved in 2018-2019 are due to untiring efforts by whole of the team in only seven months. 7

81. *Mr. Mohsin Nawaz Ranjha: (Deferred during 17th Session)

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

(a) the number of villages electrified in the country during the last 14th months with province wise break-up; and

(b) the number of villages in the country proposed to be electrified during 2019-2020 with province-wise break-up?

Reply not received.

84. *Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur: (Deferred during 17th Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the Government is considering to construct waste to energy plants in the country;

(b) whether it is also a fact that National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved the grant of power generation license to Lahore Xingzhong Renewable Energy Company Limited;

(c) if the answer to part (a) and (b) above are in affirmative, the details thereof and what type of waste which will be allowed for energy power plants?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) had been pursuing the development of alternative and renewable energy based power generation projects through private investors under the RE Policy 2006 on IPP mode. Significant progress has been made in exploiting the wind, solar and biomass / bagasse potential available in the country and several power generation projects based on these resources are operational and many are in the pipeline. The agricultural / crop waste is already being utilized for power generation by sugar mills Eight (8) such bagasse based power projects are operational at the moment Punjab Power Development Board (PPDB), Government of Punjab issued a Letter 8 of Intent (LOI) to Lahore Xingzhong Renewable Energy Company Ltd. for development of 40 MW, power generation project based on municipal solid waste from Lakhoder landfill site.

A new ARE Policy 2019 has been formulated by the Government that has already been approved by the Federal Cabinet and submitted for approval from CCI. The policy targets increasing the share of ARE in the energy mix upto a level of 20% by 2025 end 30% by 2030. The scope of the policy also includes development of waste-to-energy projects in the country utilizing municipal solid waste.

(b) Yes, NEPRA has granted Generation Licence (No. IGSPL/103/ 2018, Dated August 9, 2018) to Lahore Xingzhong Renewable Energy Company Limited.

(c) As per information, Punjab Power Development Board (PPDB), Government of Punjab has issued a Letter of Intent (LOI) to Lahore Xingzhong Renewable Energy Company Ltd. for development of 40 MW power generation project based on municipal solid waste from Lakhoder landfill site. The project is based on waste disposal of 2000 tons per day and will utilize solid municipal waste to be supplied by Lahore Waste Management Company.

26. *Mr. Ahmad Hussain Deharr: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) whether the Government intends to restore 50 MW Peeran Ghaib Gas Power Station, Multan; and

(b) funds allocated in PSDP for restoration of the said project from 2013 to 2018 alongwith the reasons for not utilizing the said funds?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) 260 MW Natural / Gas Power Station Piran Ghaib Multan consists of four units of 65 MW each. First two units were commissioned in 1960 while remaining two units were commissioned in 1963. Unit No.3 of NGPS Multan was cannibalized in 1995. 9

As per Generation License of NPGCL, the plants of NGPS Multan had a useful life till 2007. NEPRA, being the regulator de-licensed all plants of NGPS, Piranghaib Multan vide order dated 18-4-2014 on account of expiry of useful life and very low efficiency in the range of 22%.

Moreover, there are modern advanced and high efficiency plants of 64% available currently in market due to which restoration of existing obsolete out dated plants of NGPS Piran Gahib Multan is not technically and economically viable and not allowed by regulator.

(b) There have been no allocations under PSDP for said plant during 2013-2018.

29. *Mr. Raza Rabani Khar: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) details of staff of MEPCO, which have been posted in each sub- division of NA-183, Muzaffargarh alongwith time since each of above staff is posted;

(b) the mechanism which is adopted to monitor the performance of aforesaid staff;

(c) is there any data available of exact number of complaints which have been filed by the consumers of said area against each official; if so, the details thereof and the action, which have been taken on such complaints;

(d) whether authorities concerned have taken notice of rampant corruption in the aforesaid sub-divisions, while addressing the problems of the people of the area;

(e) if so, what remedial steps are being taken to ensure accountability?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) There are a total of three Sub-Divisions of MEPCO in NA-183 Muzaffargarh namely: 10

(i) Karam Daad Qureshi Sub-Division (ii) Gujrat Sub-Division (iii) Sinawan Sub-Division

The requisite detail of staff posted in the above listed Sub-Divisions of MEPCO i.e. within the geographical boundaries of constituency NA-183 is at Annex-A.

(b) The performance of stall is primarily being monitored on the following mechanism:

i. Decrease in Line Losses ii. Recovery of Arrears iii. Continuity of Supply

(c) i. In Gujrat Sub-Division, complaint regarding taking money from consumers during, recovery of electricity bills by Mr. Khalid Chandia, LM-II and disciplinary action initiated against him and penalty was awarded to him. Again receiving another complaint against him, he has been attached in Circle office Muzaffar Garh besides initiating disciplinary action.

ii. In Gujrat Sub Division, a complaint was received regarding charging of detection and FIR on non provision of gratification against Mr. Muhammad Arbi LS-I and his subordinate staff. Matter was investigated and the allegation could not be proved but official was recommended to be posted out of Gujrat Sub Division and was accordingly posted out.

iii. In Sinawan Sub-Division, a complaint received against Mr. Sajjad, LM-I regarding receiving of amount of energy bills from consumers and not paying bills. The official has been issued LOE under relevant E & D rules and will be finalized within due course of time.

iv. In K.D.Qureshi Sub-Division, a consumer complaint was received against SDO and his staff Matter was investigated by and it was recommended to shuffle the staff which was accordingly implemented. 11

v. in K.D.Qureshi Sub-Division, a complaint was received against Mr. Shoukat Saeed. LM-I and matter is under investigation.

(d) Yes. Notice was taken by the concerned authority in the aforesaid Sub-Divisions. resultantly following actions were taken:

i. Services of Mr. Sohail Ahmed Rahi, LS-I and Mr. Muhammad Shehzad, LM-II were terminated on account of mal practices.

ii. 13 No. employees of K.D. Qureshi Sub-Division were posted out of on account of mal practice.

(e) Strict actions have been/ are being initiated on every complaint/ information dully followed by strict monitoring and surveillance being conducted to ensure accountability.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

33. *Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) electricity tariffs for all categories on March 1st, 2018;

(b) electricity tariff for all categories on December 1st, 2019; and

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a), (b) & (c) Detail of applicable consumer end Tariff w.e.f March 22, 2018 and December 01, 2019 along-with revenue contribution of each category is attached as “Annex-IV”.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

34. Admissibility is being re-considered. 12

36. *Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) the names of metals discovered from district Chitral and the quantity thereof; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government for more exploration thereof?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) A number of geological, geophysical and geochemical surveys have been carried out by the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) in Chitral District and surrounding areas. As a result of these preliminary surveys, the following metallic minerals have been discovered: —————————————————————————————— Name of Metallic Areas Quantity Estimate Mineral —————————————————————————————— Antimony/ Krinj, Partson, Awrith, 0.06 million tonnes Stibnite Chitral District

Chromite Heroshah, Badasar and Detailed exploration nearby localities of is required for quantification. Chitral District

Copper Kaldom Gol, Grazen Small deposits. Gol, Chitral Detailed exploration is required for quantification.

Iron Ore Buni Zom, Dammel 6.5 million tonnes Nissar, Chitral District

Lead/Zinc Ore Melph Gol, Pakhturi, Small deposit. Awirth, Chitral District Detailed exploration is required for quantification. —————————————————————————————— (b) The GSP has remained engaged in exploration of metallic and other minerals through geological mapping in District Chitral and surrounding areas under annual field projects. Recently, the GSP has conducted a project titled “Exploratory Studies for Metallic and Non-Metallic Mineralization along Turkho River and its surrounding areas, District Upper Chitral, 13

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa”. Field-work has been completed, samples sent for laboratory analysis and report writing are in progress.

Moreover, as per Constitutional provisions, minerals other than nuclear substances, mineral oil and natural gas are a Provincial subject. The executive authority for detailed exploration and development of these mineral resources rests with the Provincial Government. The Government of Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa, Minerals Development Department has granted several prospecting/ exploration licenses in District Chitral for aluminum, antimony, chromium, copper, gold, iron, lead, manganese, nickel, platinum, silver and zinc etc., and has also launched a scheme for geological mapping of the Province under the provincial Annual Development Program (ADP).

37. *Mr. Riaz Fatyana: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that ninety million were released by Federal Government in March, 2013 for the then NA-94 (Now NA-113) to FESCO for electrification of development schemes;

(b) whether it is also a fact that those funds were transferred to FESCO but were not utilized;

(c) the detailed statement of utilization of said funds and where those funds were utilized; if not, utilized the status thereof?

Reply not received.

38. *Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) the names of entities under PEPCO whose Board of Directors (BoDs) have completed their tenures and the time by which their BoDs will be re-constituted; 14

(b) whether it is a fact that BoDs of DISCOs, GENCOs, NTDC and PEPCO are bound by the rules of above entities and they are not empowered to amend any fundamental rules;

(c) if so, the details of actions taken which are not in accordance with the basic and fundamental rules by BoDs of above entities during last two years; and

(d) the mechanism to have check over the performance and working of BoDs of above entities?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Presently, HESCO and QESCO are the entities under PEPCO whose Board of Directors (BoDs) have completed their tenures. The process for reconstitution of BoDs of these companies along with others has already been initiated by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division). The advertisement for nomination of private members on the Boards was published on 26-11-2019. The BoDs of these companies are expected to be reconstituted shortly.

(b) The BoDs of all the Public Sector Companies including DISCOs, GENCOs, NTDC and PEPCO are governed by the provisions of the Companies Act, 2017 and the Public Sector Companies (Corporate Governance) Rules, 2013. The Rule 5(7) of the Corporate Governance Rules (CGR) requires the Board to formulate significant policies of the Company, however, certain Rules that were framed by WAPDA/ PEPCO have been adopted by the BoDs of DISCOS, NTDC and GENCOs for the purpose of uniformity across the board.

(c) The BoDs of DISCOs, GENCOs and NTDC have not taken any action against the basic and fundamental rules during the last two years.

(d) The Rule 8(1) of the Public Sector Companies (Corporate Governance) Rules, 2013 empowers the Government (Power Division in case of DISCOs, GENCOs and NTDC) to annually evaluate performance of the members of BoD. Moreover, representatives of Power Division and Finance Division are present on each of the Board as Ex-officio members for ensuring accomplishment of objectives, goals and key performance indicators as set by the Government. 15

39. *Mr. Ali Gohar Khan: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that petrol is being sold openly in rural areas alongwith the procedure adopted to check quantity of such petroleum products; and

(b) which institutions allow sale of petroleum products to such retail outlets for its sale openly without adopting precautionary measures?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Petrol is reportedly being sold openly through dabba stations especially in rural areas which is illegal. Action against such illegal stations falls in the domain of Chief Inspector of Explosive (CIE) alongwith local / District Administration under the Petroleum Rules, 1937 read with Petroleum Act, 1934.

(b) As described above, sale of Petroleum Products (Petrol / Diesel) through dabba stations is illegal; therefore, no institution can give such permission.

40. *Mr. Muhammad Hashim Notezai: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) the district-wise amount spent under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds from Shandak Project so far;

(b) on whose recommendations this amount has been disbursed; and

(c) the number of such projects of the Ministry in district Chagi, Noshki, Kharan under which CSR funds were disbursed so far alongwith details thereof?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Saindak Copper-Gold Project (SCGP), District Chagai contributes five percent (05%) of its net profit towards Social Uplift Support. An amount of US$6.227 16 million has been credited on this account to the Miners’ Welfare Board, Government of Balochistan (GoB) during the years 2013 to 2018. Year-wise break-up of these remittances to GoB is given below:— —————————————————————————————— Year Social Uplift Contribution to GoB (Million US$) —————————————————————————————— 2013 1.876 2014 1.104 2015 0.732 2016 1.148 2017 0.640 2018 0.727 —————————————————————————————— Total 6.227 —————————————————————————————— SCGP is also making significant contribution under the CSR program being executed on different counts, as mentioned hereunder: ———————————————————————————————————————— Sr. Name of Scheme District/Area Execution Amount Recommended No. Year (Million Rs.)By ———————————————————————————————————————— 1. Drinking Water Supply Chagai 2013 2019 453.590 Notables of Area Scheme, Nokundi and SML Board

2. Technical Training Chagai 2011-2016 37.918 SML Board Centre, Dalbandin

3. Basic Health Unit Chagai 2015-2016 10.069 Notables of Area Taftan and SML Board

4. Scholraship Chagai, Nushki, 2010-2019 111.366 SML Board Kharan, Washuk etc.,

5. Balochistan Welfare Chagai 2014-2017 10.00 SML Board Agency

6. Health/Education & Chagai, Nushki, 2010-2019 14.860 SML Board Gift/Donation Kharan, Washuk etc. ———————————————————————————————————————— Total: 637.803 ———————————————————————————————————————— 17

(b) The CSR schemes are being conducted on need basis in the light of demands of local people/notables. For allocation of funds, the schemes are placed before the Board of Directors of SML for approval under the available budget.

41. *Syed Mehmood Shah: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that pressure of gas in Kalat is very low;

(b) if so, the steps being taken to improve the gas pressure?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) SSGC has reported that the Company is ensuring un-interrupted gas supply and adequate pressures to Quetta, Mastung & Kalat but despite their best efforts, illegal underground & overhead gas connections are increasing. The Company repeatedly removes the illegal connections from supply & distribution pipelines but the people again reconnect their illegal connections. From these illegal connections, gas is not only being stolen but due to crude type of puncturing of the Company’s main pipeline gas leakages are occurring. Furthermore, the Company is undertaking pressure profiling on daily basis but the local people are also damaging the Company’s (PRS) Pressure Regulator Stations at Kadkucha and Khaliq Abad.

(b) SSGCL has informed that Quetta Pipeline Capacity Enhancement Project (Phase-I) was completed in FY 2017-18 at a total cost of Rs. 1,980 Million. With the completion of this capacity enhancement project, the overall pipeline capacity has increased from 149 MMCFD to around 200 MMCFD.

Quetta Pipeline Capacity Enhancement Projects (Phase-II) to be completed in FY. 2019-20

Installation of 01 additional Compressor Unit at HQ-Shikarpur. Cost Rs. 1,800 Million. 18

45. Admissibility is being re-considered.

47. *Mr. Ali Gohar Khan: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state the detail of line losses of FESCO along-with the steps taken by the FESCO to control these losses and the steps taken against the employees involved in pilferage of electricity along-with their names and designations?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): FESCO has achieved the target of permissible Losses, as determined by NEPRA. The detail of Units lost during the period July 2019 to November 2019 is tabulated below: (Fig. in Million) —————————————————————————————— Description. Fiscal Year 2019-20 Fiscal Year 2018-19 (07/2019 to 11/2019) (07/2018 to 11/2018) —————————————————————————————— Units Received 7282 7090 Units sold 6690 6494 Units lost 592 596 —————————————————————————————— % age lost 8.1% 8.4 % —————————————————————————————— It may be noted that, FESCO has taken following steps to control the Line Losses.

i. Shifting of meters outside premises / installation of meters on structure/ poles using designed steel strips. ii. Removing joints of incoming cable before meter. iii. Securing of meters at consumer premises and closing terminal strip of meters at the time of installation. iv. Checking of meters through Surveillance Teams constituted at FESCO/ Circle/ Divisions/ Sub Division level. 19

v. Periodic checking of big industrial consumers by M&T .

vi. Weekly checking of AC premises as well as seasonal connection so as to control theft.

vii. Percentage checking / by exercising prescribed checks by S.E Xen, SDO and MRSS.

viii. Combing of High loss feeders.

ix. Bifurcation of lengthy / over loaded feeders.

x. installation of capacitors on lengthy 11 KV feeders.

xi. Strict vigilance on the activities of meter reading staff regarding printing of snaps of picture data of meter on the consumer E/bills.

xii. In case any official of FESCO is involved in such activities, strict disciplinary action under E&D Rules is taken against him.

The list of employees, found involved in pilferage of electricity is attached as Annex-A.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

48. *Mr. James Iqbal: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) the names of countries included in TAPI Gas Project;

(b) the reasons for delay in its completion; and

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) The countries involved in the TAPI Gas Pipeline Project are: Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. 20

(b) There is no delay in the Project and it is progressing in line with the timelines agreed between the parties.

49. *Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the details of those detained Pakistanis abroad to whom Consular access have been provided by our foreign consulates/embassies abroad since 2013 till date with country-wise details of such detained Pakistanis?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi): From 2013 till date, Consular access has been provided by our Embassies / Consulates to 13,966 imprisoned Pakistanis across the world. Country wise details are enclosed as Annex.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

52. *Mr. Nisar Ahmed Cheema: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that Mr. Noor Muhammad have applied for installation of new electric pole in Dhoke Faiz Bux Village Chakri Wakeelan Tehsil Gujar Khan; and

(b) whether it is also a fact that no work has been done so far; if so, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) As per office record, no application for installation of pole of connection has been received so far, in respect of Mr. Noor Muhammad R/o Dhoke Faiz Bux Village Chakri Wakeelan Tehsil Gujar Khan.

(b) As elaborated above. 21

53. *Mr. Murtaza Javed Abbasi: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the names of those countries whose Embassies are not functioning in Pakistan, however, Pakistan has established its Embassies in said countries alongwith the reasons thereof?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi): It is submitted that Pakistan has its diplomatic presence in the following countries that do not have any Mission in Pakistan;

• Ethiopia • Tanzania • Zimbabwe • Niger • Ireland • Serbia • Singapore • New Zealand • Cambodia

The reason Pakistan has Missions in the aforementioned countries is to strengthen political ties, trade links and bilateral cooperation.

@100. *Mst. Shaheen Naz Saifullah:

Will the Minister for Human Rights be pleased to state whether the quota for disabled persons in Government Services has been increased from 2% to 5%; if so, the time by which it will be implemented by the Government along-with the complete detail thereof?

Minister for Human Rights (Dr. Shireen M. Mazari): The Disabled Persons (Employment & Rehabilitation) Ordinance, 1981 was promulgated in 1981 with the vision of employment, rehabilitation and welfare of the disabled persons nationwide. After devolution, this Ordinance is applicable at ICT level. All Ministries/ Divisions are bound to implement the provisions of

______@ Transferred from Establishment Division. 22 this Ordinance regarding implementation of the mandatory disability quota in their employment.

Under Section 10 of Disabled Persons (Employment & Rehabilitation) Ordinance, 1981, one percent quota was fixed for the employment of the disabled persons. The said quota was enhanced from one percent to two percent by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan vide Establishment Division’s O.M. No. F. 34/3/86-R-5 dated 15-10-1998, so at present in government services 2% quota exists for Disabled Persons at federal level. Regarding implementation of quota for Disabled Persons in government services, the Establishment Division and all the federal Ministries/Departments are responsible.

Moreover, the ICT Rights of Persons with Disability Bill 2018, prepared by the Ministry of Human Rights, in line with UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, ratified by the Government of Pakistan was introduced in the Parliament on 21st December, 2018. The subject bill was referred to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights which has been cleared by the Committee on 20th December, 2019. In this regard, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights is required to present the report in the National Assembly. The Bill specifically proposes equity in the employment for PWDs in the public and private sector without discrimination. Under the proposed law, the Government shall reserve quota as prescribed by the Federal Government to be periodically reviewed, at various levels for PWDs in Government Departments, institutions and corporate entities owned and managed by the Government. In case of non- compliance, any establishment which does not employ PWDs, shall pay twice into the fund each month the sum of the money it would have paid as salary or wages to PWDs. It is expected that the law after enactment will ensure protection of rights of PWDs in social, economic and political life including employment.

165. *Mr. Raza Rabani Khar:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that Union Council wise number of transformers installed in NA-183 Muzzaffargarh either have been overloaded or completed their lifespan and needed immediate upgradation and replacement thereof; 23 (b) if so, whether concerned authorities intend to conduct a survey in order to determine the exact magnitude of such overloaded and obsolete transformers in NA-183 if so, the details thereof; and

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) There are 29 No. Union Councils within the geographical boundary of constituency NA-183. A total of 117 No. transformers have been reported as overloaded and augmentation cases have also been approved for up-gradation to next higher capacity. Out of these, 52 No. transformers have already been replaced upto December-2019.

(b) Yes, a survey regarding distribution transformers life / overloading has been carried out during current fiscal year from 17-7-2019 to 29-10-2019.

(c) A total of 28 No transformers will be augmented during January 2020. The pending 37 No. augmentation works will be completed upto June 2020.

166. *Ms. Rubina Irfan:

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

(a) year-wise funds which have been provided by the Federal Government under any program or arrangements for supply of natural gas to different parts of the country in each province and the percentage of such funds as compare to other provinces which had been provided to Balochistan during the last five years;

(b) whether it is a fact that population of the Balochistan does not have supply of natural gas despite the fact that the province has one of the largest reserves of natural gas;

(c) if so, what remedial steps are being taken by the Federal Government to grant special funds for supply of natural gas to different areas of Balochistan? 24

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) The requisite information as furnished by SSGCL and SNGPL is at Annex-I.

(b) & (c) SSGCL has reported that currently, gas is being supplied to 19 towns and 643 villages in the Province of Balochistan, with the customer base of around 280,000. Beside the above 29 schemes having length of 42 Kms are approved and are under execution to provide gas to new villages / killies. The Company further apprised that 209 of schemes with network of 101 Kms are approved for gasification of newly developed areas in the towns and villages where gas facility is already available.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

167. *Ms. Uzma Riaz:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the traffic on Karakoram Highway becomes jammed for hours due to rush and the road has become dilapidated causing accidents frequently; and

(b) the time by which the highway will be converted into three lanes; if not, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a) Karakarom Highway (KKH) starts from Hassanabdal and terminates at Khunjrab. Due to heavy traffic volume on Mansehra-Hassanabdal section of KKH, traffic jams were observed in the past, however due to enhancement of highway capacity by adding additional lanes from Thakot-Mansehra section of KKH and construction of new Expressway/ Motorway from Mansehra to Burhan, traffic congestion on KKH from Mansehra to Hassanabdal has been reduced significantly.

(b) Based on traffic data, Khunjrab-Thakot section of KKH does not require additional lanes. However due to heavy traffic volume Thakot-Hassanabdal section of KKH additional lanes have been added from Thakot to Mansehra and a new Expressway/Motorway has been constructed from Mansehra to Burhan. Therefore no proposal is presently is under consideration for adding lanes to KKH till the traffic justifies. 25

168. *Mr. Murtaza Javed Abbasi:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) how many foreign trips have been taken by Prime Minister in his tenure till date alongwith expenses which have been incurred on these foreign trips;

(b) what entourage has accompanied Prime Minister in these foreign visits; and

(c) how many chartered flights and private jets have been used for these foreign trips alongwith expenses which have been incurred from the national exchequer for these trips?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi): (a) From September 2018 to date 22 foreign visits (all official) have been undertaken by the Prime Minister. A total expenditure incurred on these visits is Rs. 119.57 million.

(b) A total of 440 persons accompanied the Prime Minister on these 22 visits.

(c) During 20 official visits Government aircraft was used. On one visit a commercial flight was used while on one visit a charted flight was used. The expenditure on aircraft is being compiled. The same will be submitted to the Hon’ble House as soon as it is finalized.

169. *Mst. Shaheen Naz Saifullah:

Will the Minister for Human Rights be pleased to state whether it is a fact that innocent poor children are forced to work in different factories; if so, the action proposed to be taken against the factory owners?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

170. *Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state: 26 (a) what was the total accumulated circular debt on 1st March, 2018; and

(b) what was the accumulated circular debt on 1st December, 2019?

Reply not received.

171. *Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali:

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

(a) the percentage of consumers using petrol and the percentage of consumers using diesel throughout Pakistan;

(b) the percentage of petroleum products produced in Pakistan; and

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) The share of transport sector in total consumption of the country during July 2018-June 2019 remained about 14.67 million tons. The share of Petrol with consumption of about 7.56 million tons comes to 51% in total fuel consumed by the transport sector, while the share of diesel is about 6.67 million tons which translates into a share of 45% in total fuel consumed by the transport sector.

(b) Total consumption of Petroleum Products in the country during July 2018 to June 2019 remained 20.03 million Tonn The contribution of local refineries is 12.80 million Tonns which is about 63%.

172. *Sheikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) whether proposal of construction of Express Phase-II from Peshawar to Swat under CPEC is under consideration; and

(b) if so, the time by which it will be started and completed? 27

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a) • The Project for extension of Swat Expressway from Chakdara to Bagh Dheri is included in PSDP as Build Operate-Transfer (BOT) Project.

• The Design and Commercial feasibility of Chakdara-Mingora Section is completed whereas, the Design and Commercial Feasibility for Mingora - Bagh Dheri section is underway by Pakhtunkhwa Highways Authority (PKHA). It has been agreed to consider execution of Swat Motorway under CPEC. in last meeting of JCC.

• Subsequent to provision of above detail, NHA would review the complete design with respect to NHA standards and the viability of project.

(b) Tentative schedule shall be as follows:

• Completion of design and commercial feasibility study by PKHA and review by NHA - till 31-03-2020. • Procurement of Concessionaire on BOT basis till signing of Concession Agreement - 31-12-2020. • Financial Close - 30-06-2021. • Construction completion - 31-12-2023.

173. *Ms. Naureen Farooq Ibrahim:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the steps being taken to improve relations with Central Asian Countries?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi): In pursuance of the government’s policy of enhanced engagement with regional neighbours, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been focusing on improvement of relations with Central Asian Countries. Our high- level engagements with Central Asian Republics and Azerbaijan in 2019 are as follows:

Azerbaijan:

President of Pakistan visited Baku from 25-26 October 2019 to participate in 18th NAM Summit. He held bilateral meeting with President 28

Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan. Similarly, Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination also visited Baku in October last year to sign an MOU for cooperation in the field of Sports.

Kazakhstan:

Our Foreign Minister held meetings with Kazakh Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the Shanghi Cooperation Organization CFM in Bishkek on 22nd May 2019 and again in New York in September 2019.

Kyrgyz Republic:

Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Bishkek to attend the SCO Heads of State Summit in June 2019 and held bilateral meeting with President of Kyrgyz Republic. The Foreign Minister also held meeting with his Kyrgyz counterpart on the margins of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting on 21 May 2019 in Bishkek.

Earlier in October 2018, the President of Pakistan also met the President of Kyrgyz Republic in Turkey on the margins of an event organized to commemorate 95th anniversary of Turkey’s formation.

Tajikistan:

Dr. Sania Nishtar, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation and Special Envoy on Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) participated in the 5th CICA Summit held in Dushanbe from 15-16 June 2019.

Our Prime Minister met the Tajik President on the sidelines of the One Belt One Road Forum (OBOR) held in Beijing from 26-27 April 2019. They also held a bilateral meeting in Bishkek on the margins of SCO Heads of States Summit held in June 2019.

During July 2019, Minister for Energy also led a delegation to Dushanbe to represent Pakistan in the 6th round of Joint Ministerial Commission. 29

Turkmenistan:

In March 2019, the Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov was invited to Islamabad to participate in the 2nd Round of Bilateral Political Consultations. The Heads of Term of TAPI Host Government Agreement (HGA) was signed in 2019 and the groundbreaking ceremony of the TAPI Project in Pakistan is expected shortly once HGA is finalized. An MoU was also signed between the FPCCI and the Turkmenistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry for establishment of the Joint Business Council (JBC).

Uzbekistan:

Prime Minister Imran Khan met with the President of Uzbekistan on the margins of the OBOR Forum in Beijing in April 2019. Both Pakistani and Uzbek Foreign Ministers held a meeting on the sidelines of Munich Security Conference in February 2019 and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs led a delegation to the 18th Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Ministerial Conference held in Tashkent on 14 November 2019.

During May 2019, the Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Elyor Ganievled a delegation to Islamabad to discuss possibility of a proposed railway link between Mazar-i-Sharif, Kabul and Peshawar to connect the railway systems of Russia, China, Central Asia and Europe to South Asia.

174. *Mr. James Iqbal:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state as to why the rates of toll tax on Motorways in the country are being increased consistently?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): Toll rates on Motorways (M-1, M-3, M-4 and E-35) have not increased consistently. Toll rates are at Annex-A.

As per NHA tolling policy the toll tax rates are rationalized periodically after every three (03) years or as the need arises considering the Consumer Price Index.

Lahore - Islamabad Motorway (M-2) and Karachi - Hyderabad Motorway (M-9) are implemented through private investment on build- 30 operate-transfer (BOT) basis and toll rates are agreed for the whole Concession Period.

M-2: Toll Rates and Annual Escalation as per agreement made on 23-4-14

The following Toll rates shall become applicable on Commercial Operation Date (COD): —————————————————————————————— Sr. No. Vehicle Type Toll Rate (Rupees/Km) —————————————————————————————— 1 Class 1: Cars/Jeeps/Taxis 1.58

2 Class 2: Wagons 2.64

3 Class 3: Buses 3.70

4 Class 4: 2-Axle Trucks 5.28

5 Class 5: 3-Axle Trucks 6.86

6 Class 6: Articulated Trucks 8.84 —————————————————————————————— Annual Toll Escalation During the Operations Phase:

(A) Ten percent (10%) annual Toll escalation shall be applied from the second (2nd) Operational Year till the twelth (12th) year of the Concession Period;

(B) Seven percent (7%) annual Toll escalation shall be applicable from thirteenth (13th) year of the Concession Period till last year of the Concession Period.

M-9: Toll Rates and Annual Escalation as per agreement made on 10-3-15

Base Toll Rates applicable upon completion of the Motorway Section or any Section added to the Motorway Section before the first (1st) anniversary date of the Motorway Section Service Commencement Date: 31

—————————————————————————————— Sr. No. Vehicle Type Toll Rate (Rupees/Km) —————————————————————————————— 1 Class 1: Cars 1.58

2 Class 2: Wagons 2.64

3 Class 3: Coasters 3.70

4 Class 4: Buses 5.28

5 Class 5: Trucks (2 & 3-Axles) 7.10

6 Class 6: Articulated Trucks 9.05 —————————————————————————————— Annual Toll Escalation During the Operations Period:

Eight percent (8%) annual Toll escalation shall first be applied on the Base Toll Rates on the first (1st) anniversary of the Motorway Section Service Commencement Date and subsequently on each anniversary of the Motorway Section Service Commencement Date.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

175. *Mr. Ali Gohar Khan:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state estimated expenditure required for repair of Post Office buildings in Tandlianwala and Kanjwani cities in Constituency NA-103, Faisalabad which are in very poor condition and may cause of any untoward incident?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): The Post Office Kanjwani has already been renovated in 2016-17, the amount incurred for this work was Rs. 2,44,088/-. Furthermore, Post Office Tandlianwala has already been renovated during the year 2018-19, the amount incurred for this work was 2,67,826/-. The condition of Post Office is structurally very sound and the outlook is very decent, no funds are required as there is no immediate need for any more renovation. 32

176. *Ms. Rubina Irfan:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that most parts of the Balochistan, either do not have the supply of natural gas at all or pressure of the same is low to none in winter seasons, where it has been supplied; if so, the justification thereof;

(b) whether the relevant departments have conducted a study in order to supply natural gas to those areas, where it has not been supplied so far and determine the causes of low to none gas pressure in areas, where it has been provided; if so, the details thereof; and

(c) what remedial steps are being taken to supply the natural gas to those areas where, it has not been provided and fix the problem of low gas pressure?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) SSGC has reported that the Company always focused to maintain adequate supply of pressures to all domestic customers in its franchise area and particularly in Quetta and its surroundings where during the winter the temperatures drop to extreme levels. In the year 2017-18 the transmission pipeline capacity was enhanced from 145 to 200 MMCFD by completing the following projects:

12" dia x 09 Km Re-routing QPL Project Rs. 145 Million. 12" dia x 14 Km Re-routing QPL Project Rs. 405 Million. 24" dia x 34 Km Shikarpur – Jacobabad Rs. 1430 Million. Total: Rs 1980 Million

The Company further apprised that in the year 2019-20, one additional compressor will be installed at Shikarpur to ensure adequate supplies at all times. The estimated cost of this project is Rs. 1400 million. In order to meet the future requirements of the customers of Balochistan one additional compressor is also planned to be installed at Sibi in the year 2020-21. With this installation the pipeline capacity will be further enhanced from 200 to 225 MMCFD. The project cost is estimated to be Rs. 1200 Million. 33

(b) & (c) The Company reported that currently, gas is being supplied to 19 towns and 643 villages in Balochistan, with the customer base of around 280,000. In addition to the above the 29 schemes, having a length of 42 Kms, are approved and are under execution to provide gas to new villages / killies. Furthermore, 209 No of schemes with a network of 101 Kms are approved for gasification of newly developed areas in the towns and villages where gas facility is already available.

177. Admissibility is being re-considered.

178. *Ms. Naz Baloch:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state why gas tariff is continuously being increased putting financial pressure on common man?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) OGRA under the provisions of OGRA Ordinance, 2002 determines the annual Revenue Requirement of both Sui Companies i.e. SSGCL and SNGPL which translate into category wise prescribed price and sends the same to the Federal Government for advice of the sale price.

As per the provisions of OGRA Ordinance 2002, the Federal Government advises category wise gas sale prices for notification.

The major element in the Revenue Requirement is cost of gas which accounts for 80-85%. The cost of gas is linked with international prices of crude oil and High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) coupled with rupees dollar parity. Any change in the cost of gas is, therefore, practically a pass through amount depending on the revenue required by a company to operate in a financial year. The Government after accounting the cross subsidy for domestic and fertilizer sectors advises the sale prices, at which companies are bound to sell the gas.

During the previous Government, sale prices were not increased according to the Revenue Requirement of both Sui Companies due to which the gas companies sold gas at a price lower than the prescribed prices. Which resulted in enhanced debts for the companies. 34

The present Government revised the gas sale prices on 27-09-2018 and 01-07-2019 in order to reduce the sale price & cost price asymmetry so that both Sui Companies remained financially viable while ensuring that minimal price impact was passed to the vulnerable socio-economic sectors of society.

179. *Ms. Nasiba Channa:

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

(a) hospitals/doctors on the panel for the Ministry and its each attached department at present; and

(b) the total monthly amount paid to the said each hospital/ doctor during the last five years?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a), (b) i. Petroleum Division(Main Secretariat): No particular hospital/doctor is on the panel of Petroleum Division. However, certain facilities are provided by all Federal Government Hospitals which are available to all Government employees as per the policy for medical facility. ii. Policy Wing, Petroleum Division: Nil iii. Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP): Nil

180. *Sheikh Fayyaz Ud Din:

Will the Minister for Science and Technology be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government and the Pakistan Halal Food Authority to control the amalgamation of Haram ingredients in the imported food items?

Minister for Science and Technology (Mr. Fawad Ahmed): Pakistan Halal Authority is established through an Act of Parliament for the purpose of imports and exports, trade and commerce with foreign countries and 35 inter-provincial trade and commerce in all such articles and processes which are described or represented as being Halal.

In order to operationalize PHA, recruitment process for the post of Field Inspector, Assistant Director, Deputy Director and Directors of the Authority has been initiated and interview of the above posts will be conducted on 13th, 14th and 15th January 2020 respectively, after recruitment on the said posts. PHA will be operationalized.

Section 18 of the PHA Act stipulates that: no article or process shall be imported into Pakistan with the description of being a Halal article or process unless it has been certified as such by an Accredited Halal Certification Body in Pakistan or the exporting country, recognized by the National Accreditation Body.

In line of above PHA will control amalgamation of Haram ingredients in products which are being described Halal on import stage.

181. *Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak:

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

(a) the functions of Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR); and

(b) the steps taken by the Government to improve the efficiency of this Council from last six years?

Minister for Science and Technology (Mr. Fawad Ahmed): (a) According to the PCSIR Act No.XXX, 1973, Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research to undertake, promote and guide scientific and technological research in respect of problems connected with the establishment and development of industries under conditions prevailing in Pakistan, and to encourage the extension of the results of research to various sectors of the economic development of the country in the best possible manner.

Function of the PCSIR

Function of the Council:– The functions of the Council shall be 36

(a) To set up and manage technological research institute exclusively for certain selected industries and such laboratories and centers as may be required for the promotion of the overall technological development of the country.

(b) To coordinate and review the work of the institutes, laboratories and centers.

(c) To manage the existing research units of the registered Council pending their absorption in the institutes, laboratories and centers to be set up by the Council and.

(d) To undertake such special scientific and technological surveys and investigations as may be referred to it by the Federal Government from time to time.

Copy of PCSIR Act is attached at Annex-I.

(b) Steps taken by the Government

Government has taken following initiatives to support/ improve the efficiency of Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR);

Funds Provided

Besides provision of non-development funds, the Government provided development and R&D funds to PCSIR to execute development projects and in-house R&D projects to support the industrial sector. Detail is at Annex-II.

PSDP Projects

With the financial support of the Government, PCSIR executed 18 PSDP projects during the last 6 years out of which 14 have been completed and 04 are on-going. Details are given at Annex-III.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library) 37

182. *Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khokhar:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state the per litre price of petroleum products in the country on May, 2018 and current price thereof?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): Requisite information is detailed is as under:—

Rs. per litre —————————————————————————————— Products Prices in May, 2018 Current Prices —————————————————————————————— Petrol 87.70 116.60

Diesel 98.76 127.26

Kerosene 79.87 99.45

LDO 68.85 84.51 —————————————————————————————— 183. *Mr. Azhar Qayyum Nahra:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) whether heavy bikes are allowed on Motorway;

(b) if so, as to when it were allowed?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a) & (b) 1. At present Heavy bikes are not allowed on motorways.

2. In 2010 permission was granted initially with condition that NHA provides necessary road furniture (separate track for motorcyclist with road marking and sign boards) to regulate motorcyclist on motorways. Till the provision of installation of the road furniture, NHMP agreed to allow the heavy bikes to ply on motorways on National days. It was observed that not only SOP devised by NHMP was violated oftenly by bikers but also posed serious 38 traffic hazard for other vehicular traffic on motorways. Therefore, heavy bikes were banned in June-2013.

Moreover In compliance of order of Islamabad high court dated 09-12-2019 the motorbikes were allowed one time use of Lahore-Islamabad (M-2) on 15-12-2019 as per criteria devised by NHMP.

The case is pending adjudication before Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The Brief History of the cases are as under:—

3. Petitioners/ Bikers club challenged the ban on use of motorbikes on motorway in the Islamabad High Court by filing Writ Petition No.908/ 2017, titled Shuja Sharif Vs. Federation of Pakistan etc. The restriction on motorbikes was imposed taking into consideration of following points.

 With the passage of time traffic volume on motorways has increased manifold. There are only three lanes on each carriageway of the motorway and no motorcycle track is available for motorcycles. Mixing up motorcycles with other vehicular traffic on a high speed road like motorway increases the risk of fatality manifold in case of accident involving motorcycle.

 In case of slight tumbling on motorway, the chances of survival of the motorcyclist would be quite rare due to high speed and the fact that even standard helmets have been designed and tested for safety at a speed of 7.5 m/s or 28 KM per hour. Moreover, the motorcyclist will fall straight on the road and thus would not be visible to the oncoming traffic. Resultantly, other vehicles will run him down. In case a vehicle applies sudden brakes to save the fallen motorcyclist, there would be high risk of chain accidents.

 Out of the three lanes of’ carriageway, lane-I is reserved for HTVs/ PSVs, lane-Il is for normal overtaking while lane-Ill is for overtaking of vehicles in the lane-II by motor cars only. In the absence of special track for motorbikes, it is neither safe nor feasible to mix motorbikes with other traffic. Particularly, due to creation of air pockets by heavy transport vehicles which may drag motorcyclist and cause underride. 39

 High speed vehicular traffic requires more visibility due to availability of lesser time of response for a driver. Motorcycles are not conspicuous, particularly during night and at the time of poor visibility due to rain, fog, etc.

 Every country has its own laws, rules, driver’s behavior, peculiar traffic and road conditions etc. Allowing motorbikes on motorways in Pakistan is not feasible and is unsafe and dangerous in the prevailing conditions where motorcyclists have more tendency towards violation of laws and rules, racing, over- speeding, sharp cutting, land straddling, going zigzag between the cars, pairing up, group riding and forcing their way in between parallel moving cars.

 If heavy motorbikes are allowed on motorways, then prohibiting lighter motorcycles, i.e. 125 cc, 100 cc and 70cc will he discrimination as the lighter motorcycles also meet the minimum speed requirement of the motorways. In case all motorcycles arc allowed to use motorways then the very object of motorway will vanish in terms of high speed, safety, and convenience of commuters.

4. The Islamabad High Court, vide judgment dated 19-04-2018 allowed the Writ Petition No. 908/2017 by not only declaring the ban illegal but also held that NHMP is neither authorised nor has powers under section 45 or section 90(2)(a) &(d) to impose restriction on entry of motorbikes on motorway.

5. Intra Court Appeal against the said judgment dated 19-04-2018 was filed in Islamabad High Court which was dismissed vide order dated 10-12-2018 (Annex-A).

6. Against the judgments of Islamabad High Court, Islamabad CPLA No. 303 was filed before Supreme Court of Pakistan which is pending adjudications before Apex court.

7. In the meantime the Federal Government, vide Notification dated 21-02-2019 (Annex-B) designated NHMP as Authorized Agency to execute 40 enforcement and traffic control functions on behalf of the government as required by the provisions of NHSO.

8. The Inspector General National Highways and Motorway Police, in exercise of the powers conferred on him under the said notification, restricted entry of various categories on motorways (M-1, M-2,M-3 & M-4) vide Notification No. NH&MP-1(013)/L/19/354 dated 15-03-2019 (Annex- C) till outcome of the CPLA No. 303/2019 pending before the honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan.

9. The above said notification of the Ministry of Communications and the subsequent notification issued by the Inspector General, NHIMP have been challenged by the Petitioners through WP. 1603/2019 and have also filed CrI.O.P.36/2019.

10. On 28-06-2019 (Annex-D), during proceedings of the above writ petition and the Crl.O.P. the Islamabad high Court suspended both the above mentioned notifications and directed to regulate motorbikes on motorway in accordance with the impugned judgment dated 19-04-2018. In compliance, a draft mechanism for regulating entry of motorbikes on motorway was forwarded vide letter dated 11-09-2019 (Annex-E) to the Ministry of Communications for approval.

11. In response, the ministry of communications conveyed the respective comments from the NTRC (Annex-F) and NHA (Annex-G) wherein both the offices have pointed out technical issues relating to the use of motorbikes on motorways, rendering motorways not feasible for use of motorcycles.

12. The Islamabad High Court order dated 09-12-2019 (Annex-II) directed to allow the motorbikes symbolically on 15-12-2019 for the time being under the supervision of NHMP till the decision of appeal pending before honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan.

13. In compliance of order of Islamabad high court dated 09-12-2019 the motorbikes were allowed one time use of Lahore-Islamabad (M-2) on 15-12-2019 as per criteria devised by NHMP. 41

14. Furthermore, on 06-01-2019 the honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan in CPLA. NO.303 after hearing arguments of Additional Attorney General of Pakistan on behalf of federation issued notices to the respondents and fixed the case for hearing after 10 days.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

184. *Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the policy and procedure for appointment of an Ambassador, High Commissioner, Council General and other foreign postings in Pakistan Missions abroad;

(b) the details of such postings made by the present Government mentioning their tenure and province of Domicile;

(d) the details of non-career diplomats and officers posted in Pakistani Missions?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi): The Ambassadors/High Commissioners/Consuls General are posted to different Missions with the approval of the Prime Minister. Merit- based policy is followed in postings / transfers of Ambassadors/High Commissioners in the Missions abroad. In this regard, a number of aspects such as functional requirements, skill set of a particular officer, language proficiency and expertise in specific field or region are taken into account.

After approval of the Prime Minister, Agrement from the receiving government is sought by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once the Agrement is accorded, credentials of the Ambassador-designate are prepared. Afterwards, he/she calls upon the leadership of the country and proceeds to his/her place of posting. The entire process may take one month to four months because of Agrement process which depends upon different timelines followed by different countries. 42 43

(c) Non-career Ambassadors/High Commissioners are appointed by the Prime Minister from various walks of life against 20% quota fixed for this purpose. Experienced and eminent personalities are selected for such assignments. (d) Detail of non-career diplomats and officers (Ambassadors/High Commissioners) posted in Pakistan Missions abroad, along-with their names and designations with country-wise breakup is as under:

185. *Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur:

Will the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs be pleased to state: (a) the names of Corporations, Autonomous Organizations and Semi-Autonomous Organizations under Parliamentary Affairs Division; (b) the share holding of Federal Government in each of above said Corporations, Autonomous Organizations and Semi-Autonomous Organizations; (c) the names of CEOs/MDs/Chairmen of each of above said corporations, Autonomous Organizations and Semi-Autonomous Organizations; (d) the compositions of the Board of Directors, Board of Governors, Board of Trustees of each of above said Corporations, Autonomous Organizations and Semi-Autonomous Organizations; and 44

(e) the names and status of each of Directors, Trustees and Governors mentioning their dates of appointments, Tenures and Province of belonging in each of above said Corporations, Autonomous Organizations and Semi-Autonomous Organization?

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a), (b), (c), (d) & (e) There is no Corporation, Autonomous Organization and Semi-Autonomous Organization working under the administrative control of this Ministry. 186. *Mr. Azhar Qayyum Nahra: Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state: (a) hospitals/doctors on the panel of the Ministry and its each attached department at present; and (b) the total monthly amount paid to the said each hospital/ doctor during the last five years? Reply not received.

187. *Ms. Shazia Marri: Will the Minister for Human Rights be pleased to state: (a) whether National Commission on the Status of Women has taken notice of recently conducted gender audit of Pakistan labour laws by a private Organization, indicating therein that Pakistan’s labour laws do not create enabling environment for women; if so, the details thereof; (b) whether National Commission on the Status of Women conducted an audit to assess such laws by its own in recent times; if so, the details thereof; and if not ,the reasons thereof; and (c) what remedial steps are being taken both at the level of Government and the Commission in this regard? Minister for Human Rights (Dr. Shireen M. Mazari): (a) NCSW is aware of the gender audit which was conducted by Women’s Action for Better Workplaces (WAction) – a project of the Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA). The audit identified major inconsistencies 45 within the laws that were related to the maternity benefits, definitional contradictions, administrative weaknesses and social security. Other than an initial interview with the Chairperson NCSW, TDEA did not engage the Commission in audit process nor shared its findings with NCSW at any stage. The report has been published only recently and its formal dissemination is still awaited. The Commission has taken up related issues faced by home based workers and informal sector work force, through advocacy, research and recommendations since 2016. One such effort was made through publishing two reports i.e. “The Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Status Report in 2016”and “Rural Women in Pakistan Status Report 2018” by the Commission which advocate for an enabling environment for women, recognition and acknowledgement of women’s labour/work, for a policy for Home Based Workers (HBW) and women agricultural workers. (b) The Commission has not conducted an audit of labour laws per se because the issue relates to labour overall and is in purview of Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development which deals with labour. However, selected issues related to women in labour sector/ informal sector have been taken up by the Commission through various initiatives as under: a. NCSW’s Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Status Report reviewed the inadequacy of laws in protecting women’s work and wage differentials. b. A seminar in collaboration with ILO and Care International was held on 9th April 2019 inviting representatives of Workers Federations, Employers Federation, and Federal Government to highlight the issue as a barrier to women’s full participation. Recommendations informed Pakistan’s position in the ILO Convention (June 2019) where a new daft Convention for enabling environment and against harassment at workplace was adopted. Pakistan’s delegation voted in favour of the proposed Convention. NCSW will be engaged in the follow up towards finalization of the text. c. Organization of International Chamber of Commerce and Investment (OICCI) in consultation with NCSW has produced a White Paper to promote and enable women’s inclusion in the workforce. NCSW has shared it with Provincial Commissions for advocacy in provinces. It will be shared with Chambers of Commerce and Industries, Human Resource Ministry and other stake holders. (Annex-I). 46

d. Besides, the National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) held an in-depth review roundtable discussion on 26th September 2019 on the “Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act 2010”. Given that the law was passed almost 10 years ago and is in different stages of implementation in the provinces, NCSW felt that in keeping with NCSW’s function of assessing implementation of laws related to women, it would be timely to review it. A set of recommendations came out of the Roundtable, which have been shared with Federal and Provincials Ombudsmen and stake holders. (c) The Commission has taken remedial steps in the form of advocacy and policy recommendations through various collaborations and initiatives as detailed at para (b) above. (Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library) 188. *Mr. Ahmad Hussain Deharr: Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state: (a) the number of two lanes and three lanes Motorways; (b) whether it is a fact that two lanes Motorways are insufficient in view of increasing future trend of traffic; (c) whether there is any proposal under consideration of Government to make all Motorways three lanes particularly the Motorway from Faisalabad to Multan; and (d) whether defenders have been installed on Motorways particularly in Shorkot?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a) i. Following Motorways are the 2+2 = 4 lane facility: 1. Pindi Bhattian-Multan (M-4) It is an Operational Motorway having a Length of (309km) 2. Hakla-D.I.KHAN (M-14) It is a Under Construction Motorway having a length of (280km) ii. Following Motorways are 3+3=6 lane facility: 1. Peshawar-Islamabad (M-1) It is an Operational Motorway having a Length of(155km) 47

2. Islamabad-Lahore (M-2) It is an Operational Motorway Having a Length of (367km) 3. Lahore-Abdul Hakeem (M-3) It is an Operational Motorway having a Length of (230km) 4. Multan-Sukkur (M-5) It is an Operational Motorway having a Length of (392km) 5. Sukkur-Hyderabad (M-6) It is a Planned Motorway having a Length of (296km) 6. Hyderabad-Karachi (M-9) It is an Operational Motorway having a Length of (136km) 7. Sialkot-Lahore It is a Under Construction Motorway having a length of (91 km) 8. Burhan-Havelian (Hazara) Motorway It is an Operational Motorway having a length of (59 km). (b) In future, as per increase in traffic volume, 4-lane Motorways will be converted into 6 lane facility. 2+2=4 lanes Motorways are sufficient for current traffic. Sufficient RoW / land has been kept on Motorways for future expansions. (c) Faisalabad-Multan Motorway (M-4) There is no proposal under consideration of Government to make all motorways 3+3 = 6 lanes. However, Pindi Bhattian-Multan Motorway (M-4) is a 4 lane motorway with 6 lane structure provision. Upon the increase in traffic volume M-4 will be converted in 6-lanes accordingly. Conversion of existing 2 lane Karachi Northern Bypass (KNBP) to 3 lanes is under consideration on BOT basis. (d) Maximum Safety Measures have been installed on Motorways like guard rails, fence, new jersey barrier, cat eyes, glare sheet etc. However there is no technical term “defenders” 189. *Ms. Shamim Panhwar: Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state: (a) the total number of Pakistanis belonging to Phalia District Mandi Bahauddin imprisoned in Jails of Saudi Arabia under death sentence at present; 48

(b) the number of such prisoners given death sentence on the basis of doubt and the steps being taken by the Government in this regard? Minister for Foreign Affairs (Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi): (a) As per available data (as on 7th January, 2020), there are 27 Pakistani prisoners on Death row in Saudi jails under the consular jurisdiction of Pakistan Embassy, Riyadh (list is enclosed as Annex-I). As reported by our Consulate in Jeddah, no Pakistani prisoner of capital punishment belonging to Mandi Bahauddin is currently imprisoned in the jails of western Region of Saudi Arabia. However, 02 Pakistanis namely Mr. Ghulam Mustafa and Mr. Munawar Hussain belonging to Mandi Bahauddin have already been executed (on charges of drug smuggling) in 2018. It may be mentioned that Saudi authorities maintain the data of prisoners with reference to Iqama Number which makes it difficult to ascertain district-wise names of prisoners. (b) As per reports shared by Saudi authorities, 20 Pakistani prisoners were executed in Saudi Jails in 2019 (list as Annex-II). Out of these, 17 were charged with drugs smuggling, 2 for murder and one for rape. All the prisoners were sentenced by local courts of law based on charges established by prosecution on the basis of evidences against them and following all due codal formalities, as required by their judicial system. It is, therefore, difficult to ascertain the number of prisoners executed on the basis of doubt.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

190. *Mr. James Iqbal:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state whether there is proposal under consideration to construct Motorway from Salam Interchange to Sargodha; if so, when?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): It is apprised that there is no proposal with NHA for Construction of Motorway from Salam Interchange to Sargodha.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN, The 12th January, 2020 Secretary.

PCPPI—55(2020) NA—12-01-2020—600. Shoaib.M 7th Rota Day (2020) NA (US) PC-6

1 (18th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Monday, the 13th January, 2020

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 21. Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur: (Deferred during 17th Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that all the CEOs of DISCOs have been posted as a stop gap arrangement purely on temporary basis; (b) if so, reasons thereof and time by which regularly appointed CEOs for tenure of 2-3 years will be posted as per rules by inviting applications through media and interviewing them in accordance with laid down conditions for appointment of heads of PSEs?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Yes, it is a fact that the incumbent CEOs of all DISCOs are posted on look after charge basis.

(b) The CEOs in Distribution Companies are posted on look after basis, owing to peculiar nature of these companies. However, the appointment of CEOs of DISCOs as per the prescribed procedure is under consideration due to complexity of matter, and administrative reasons.

22. Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur: (Deferred during 17th Session) Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state whether there is any proposal under consideration of the NTDC/ HESCO to lay new 132 KV Circuit from Thar Coal Power House, Islamkot, to 132/66 KV Grid Station, Islamkot, to facilitate the people of Thar who are presently facing low voltage and load shedding since long; if so, as to when the said proposal will be implemented and if not, the reasons thereof?

Reply not received.

25. Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak: (Deferred during 17th Session) Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan has decided to challenge 6.2 billion dollars penalty in Reko Diq case at International forum; 3 (b) whether it is also a fact that Pakistan may lose its foreign assets if penalty not paid; if so;

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) On 12 July 2019, the Arbitral Tribunal of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) issued an award against Pakistan and in favour of Tethyan Copper Company Limited (TCC) in the Reko-Diq Case for an amount of US$ 4.087 Billion as compensation along-with legal costs and interest (to the sum of US$ 5.912 Billion). Pakistan has submitted an application for Annulment of this Award and the ICSID Secretariat has issued a provisional stay on enforcement of the Award while registering this application on 18 November 2019.

(b) TCC has initiated enforcement proceedings in several jurisdictions, however, as the Award stands suspended because of the provisional stay on enforcement of the Award, the risk of Pakistan’s vulnerable assets abroad has been safeguarded.

(c) Pakistan’s legal team, headed by the Office of the Attorney- General is contesting enforcement proceedings and considering further legal remedies to permanently safeguard Pakistan’s interests.

28. Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto: (Deferred during 17th Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that WAPDA has decided in 2017 to give seniority to its SDOs, XENs and SEs from the date of induction, who have been inducted on the basis of M.Sc and Ph.D qualifications; and

(b) if so, whether the above said policy has been adopted/ incorporated by PEPCO, NTDC, GENCOs and DISCOs; if so, the date of adoption/incorporation; if not, reasons thereof?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Yes, WAPDA has allowed seniority to officers inducted on the basis of higher 4 qualification from the date of induction as circulated vide O.M. dated 26-9-2017 (F/A).

(b) All the organizations are being governed by their Board of Directors. Therefore Implementation of decision of WAPDA is not binding upon them.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

29. Mr. Muhammad Aslam Khan: (Deferred during 17th Session)

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

(a) the names of Ministries Divisions and other Government Departments/ Organizations against which electricity bills are outstanding at present indicating also the amount pending against each; (b) the time by which the said amount will be recovered? Reply not received. 30. Choudhary Faqir Ahmad: (Deferred during 17th Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that concerned sub-division of FESCO has failed to take note of loose wires of electricity and inappropriate installation of transformer in Basic Health Unit, 82/JB, Jaghatpur, District Faisalabad; if so;

(b) if so, what steps are being taken to rectify loose wires and transformer in aforesaid BHU?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) The loose wires / jumpers of independent 15 KVA Transformers of Basic Health Unit (BHU) Chak No. 82/JB Faisalabad have already been set right. Two phases of transformer are working properly and the supply to the said BHU being a single-phase connection is running properly. 5 (b) 3-Phase transformer will be replaced after deposit of reclaim cost. The demand notice for the Reclaimed Transformer has already been issued to the BHU which will be replaced on priority after receipt of requisite payment. However, the supply in the BHU being single-phase connection is already running smoothly.

32. Ch. Muhammad Hamid Hameed: (Deferred during 17th Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that a transformer installed near Government High School in Village Darkali Shar Shahi, Tehsil Kallar Syedan, District Rawalpindi, have become dysfunctional, recently; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) what steps are being taken to make aforesaid transformer functional at an earliest?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Yes, it is fact that 100 KVA transformer installed near Government High School in Village Darkali, Sher Shahi, Tchsil Kaliar Syedan District Rawalpindi, which was already running on 2/phase, got damaged on 25-11-2019.

(b) The defective transformer was replaced with healthy one on 26.11.2019 after doing balancing on all 3/phases of LT system.

34. Mr. Ahmad Hussain Deharr: (Deferred during 17th Session)

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

(a) whether Government intends to introduce Solar System in view of electricity theft/line losses of all DISCOs;

(b) the total number of companies working for installation of Solar System in our country at present alongwith the details of expenditure incurred on Solar System of 1 to 5 kilowatt thereon; and 6 (c) the time by which Government will install the Solar System for small domestic consumers to control the further losses alongwith details thereof?

Reply not received.

11. Haji Imtiaz Ahmed Choudhary: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) the reasons for very low gas pressure in the Constituency NA-85 District Mandi Bahauddin particularly in areas of Mandi Bahauddin City;

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to address the problems of gas pressure at an earliest so that the difficulties of the people may be reduced as the people belonging to the said constituency NA-85 are protesting daily on the said problem?

Reply not received.

12. Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that in NTDC, GENCOs and DISCOs, One and Half marks are being deducted during quantification for promotion/up-gradation of an officer in case of award of minor penalty of censure against him;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the Multan bench of Lahore High Court in a Writ Petition No.10/2012 filed by Mr. Mohammad Umar, the then XEN of MEPCO (Now C.E, FESCO) has held on 31.5.2013 that no marks be deducted during quantification of an officer in case of award of minor penalty of censure against him; if so, its implementation status; and 7 (c) whether the above said decision was ever contested/ appealed against in any higher legal forum by MEPCO or PEPCO; if so, its details and present status?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Yes, it is a fact that NTDC, GENCOs and DISCOs are deducting one and a half (1.5) marks against minor penalty of “CENSURE” during the quantification for promotion/ up-gradation of an officer as per PEPCO’s Policy whereby 1.5 marks for each censure are to be deducted from overall marks.

(b) Yes, it is a fact that Hon’ble Lahore High Court Bench at Multan vide its judgement dated 31-05-2013 on W.P. No. 10/2012 directed MEPCO not to deduct 1.5 marks against the penalty of “CENSURE” at the time of consideration of the promotion of ‘petitioner’. The decision was applicable only to the extent of the petitioner. However, MEPCO did not implement the said Court orders and filed CPLA before Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan. The cited judgment was therefore applicable only to the extent of petitioner and not in general, as specific directions were issued only to MEPCO not to deduct 1.5 marks of penalty of Censure.

(c) The said order of Hon’ble Lahore High Court Bench at Multan was contested / appealed before Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan and Hon’ble Court ordered the appellants to file ICA before High Court. Accordingly, MEPCO filed ICA No. 7/2015 before Hon’ble Lahore High Court Bench at Multan. However, the Hon’ble Double Bench “Disposed of” the appeal on the grounds that the matter was decided to the extent of the respondent and the promotion policy of PEPCO/WAPDA remains intact.

13. Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur: (Deferred on 02-01-2020) Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that as per rules the officers who have last year of service towards retirement are to be posted at their home stations; (b) if so, whether it is being implemented in WAPDA/NTDCL/ DISCOs and GENCOs; if not, the reasons thereof?

Reply not received. 8 14. Dr. Aysha Ghaus Pasha: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) what are the outstanding liabilities of National Highway Authority (NHA); and

(b) is it true that Ministry has proposed to Government that the liabilities be written off?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a) It would be wrong to say that there are any outstanding liabilities of NHA. Infact Federal Government provides development funds to NHA as Cash Development Loan (CDL) every year for execution of PSDP projects approved by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives as per policy of the Government.

NHA, However, has taken up the issue with the Government to rectify the misnomer. The matter has been referred to ECC for resolution of the issue.

ECC has constituted a committee under the Chairmanship of Minister for Planning, Development and Special initiatives.

a. All CDL and foreign loans, whether direct or relent, including interest accumulated thereon, received up to June 30, 2019 be converted into Government grant or GoP may either “write off” the said loan;

b. For future, all PSDP allocations including relent/direct loans, both rupee and foreign exchange component, to NHA may also be provided as Government grant;

c. CDL may be advanced only for commercially feasible projects on which Finance Division and NHA mutually agree regarding the terms and conditions of the loan and it’s repayment

(b) As Above 9 15. Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb: (Deferred on 02-01-2020) Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that the rates of postal services charges are being increased by 200 times by Pakistan Post; if so, why; and (b) the total income to be earned by Pakistan Post therefrom?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a) No, Postal tarrif has not been increased 200 times.

(b) The overall impact for the tariff revision is estimated to boost Postal revenues to the tune of Rs. 1.5 billion per annum. However, Pakistan post has been able to increase overall revenue actualized in Federal Consolidated Fund amounting to Rs. 3.03 billion approx.

Description 2017-18 2018-19 Increased/ Decreased

Revenue of 11,741,174,148 14,767,525,596 3,026,351,448 Pakistan Post

It is estimated that PPOD shall achieve the target of Finance Divisin which is currently set at Rs. 16 billion during the current financial year 2019-20 16. Sheikh Rohale Asghar: (Deferred on 02-01-2020) Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state the locations where fencing alongside of Motorways are damaged across the country alongwith steps taken by the Government in this regard? Reply not received. 19. Mr. James Iqbal: (Deferred on 02-01-2020) Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state the quantum of electricity being generated and utilized at present? 10 Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): The quantum of electricity generated and utilized at present (as on 25-12-2019) was 10503 MW (Daily Average) and 12712 MW (Peak Generation).

Moreover, it is also worth mentioning here that Installed Capacity is sufficient enough to meet the System Demand and presently no load shedding is being carried out in the country due to generation shortfall.

20. Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that SNGPL could not provide connection of natural gas to resident of Mohallah Faisal Colony near Bilal Masjid, Tehsil and District Chakwal under ID No.99814252963 dated 25-07-2019;

(b) if so, the reasons thereof;

(c) whether it is also a fact that laying of pipeline of 400 meters to said locality has been delayed despite conducting survey;

(d) if so, the reasons thereof; and

(e) time by which gas connection will be provided to said resident?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) SNGPL has reported that it is a fact that the Company could not provide connection of natural gas to the resident of Mohallah Faisal Colony near Bilal Masjid, Tehsil and District Chakwal under ID No. 99814252963 dated 25-07-2019.

(b) SNGPL’s gas network does not exist in front of the above premises. Furthermore presently SNGPL is processing applications in Chakwal, which were received upto the year 2018.

(c) Laying of pipeline in the said locality will be considered on its turn/merit. 11 (d) The said application is not in the merit order for laying of distribution network. Presently, only applications are being processed which were acknowledged during 2016-17.

(e) Gas connection will be provided after laying/commissioning of network on its turn/merit.

21. Mr. Ramesh Lal: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise budget reserved, released and utilized for Metro Bus Project from Peshawar Morr to New Islamabad International Airport since its inception;

(b) whether it is a fact that if the project is not executed within stipulated time, its cost will be escalated manifold; if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps being taken to complete the project at an earliest keeping in view the problems being faced by the commuters?

Reply not received.

22. Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that 50 KVA Transformer in Village Lunda Gali Budral, Tehsil Uggi, District Mansehra is out of order and causing difficulties to the people of the area; and

(b) whether there is any proposal to install a new transformer; if so, the time by which new transformer will be installed alongwith the details?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) No, It is not a fact that 50 KVA transformer installed at village Lunda Gali Badral, 12 Tehsil Uggi, District Manshera is out of order and causing difficulties. In fact the existing transformer is in healthy condition and fulfilling the needs of locals.

(b) No, there is no proposal under consideration to install a new transformer, as explained above.

24. Syed Imran Ahmad Shah: (Deferred on 02-01-2020)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that residents of Islamabad in general and Sector G-7/3-4, Islamabad in particular are facing difficulties due to low gas pressure and shortage of natural gas; if so, the reasons thereof; (b) whether it is also a fact that new gas pipelines were approved in recent years but not laid down; if so, the reasons thereof; and (c) what steps are being taken to provide uninterrupted gas supply to said residents? Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) SNGPL has reported that demand of domestic consumers increases many fold in the winter season owing to increased consumption due to which certain areas at the tail end of gas network may face low pressure problem. As far as sector G-7/3-4 (Islamabad) is concerned, survey has been conducted and low pressure problem in the area has been observed. (b) The Company further apprised that the requisite pipeline was assigned to the approved contractor and work was commenced but upon the resistance of local inhabitants, the same could not be completed. Some inhabitants have filed a civil suit before the Civil Judge in which the stay order dated 07-03-2019 has been granted and the matter is still pending, Therefore the development work could not be finalized and pipeline would not be completed. (c) Since the matter is under litigation and SNGPL has also submitted its detailed reply before the Court of therefore the looping line shall be laid after the decision of the Court. However, SNGPL endeavors to provide uninterrupted supply of gas to its top priority domestic sector. In order to mitigate the increased demand of Domestic consumers, RLNG is also being injected in 13 the system. Low pressure complaints received from the consumers are promptly attended to by the Company’s teams and all possible efforts are being carried out to ensure gas supply to the consumers. 25. Mr. Junaid Akbar: (Deferred on 02-01-2020) Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that 100 KV electricity transformer with low voltage installed in village Chanam, Tehsil Kallar Saydan, District Rawalpindi is insufficient for the population of the aforesaid area; (b) if so, as to when the said transformer is to replaced with 200 KVA transformer? Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) The existing 100KVA transformer in village Chanam, Tehsil Kallar Sydan, District Rawalpindi was running on 2/phase which was recently damaged due to lightening during the Month of November, 2019. The defective transformer has been replaced with properly operational 100KVA transformer on 31-12-2019, besides balancing the load on all 3/phases of the transformer. The newly replaced 100KVA transformer can easily accommodate 140 Amp of load and the said 100KVA transformer is well within the permissible loading capacity hence is sufficient for the population. The Loading position of the transformer at present is as under: ————————————————————————————— Red Yellow Blue Neutral ————————————————————————————— 33Amp 37Amp 34Amp 08Amp ————————————————————————————— (b) Since, replacement of 100KVA transformer with properly operational one, presently there is no low voltage problem and the electricity supply to the area is stable being within the transformer permissible capacity.

70. Mr. James Iqbal:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state tehsil-wise total number of new letter boxes fixed so far by Pakistan Post in the country during the present Government? 14 Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): Tehsil wise number of new letter boxes fixed during the present Government is as under:—

Lahore City = 03 Sialkot City = 02 RajanPur (D.G.Khan = 01 Taunsa (D.G.Khan) = 01 Bahwalpur City = 01 Pakpattan (Sahiwal) = 01 Korangi, Karachi = 01 Total = 10

71. Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state the justification of allowing marriage grant to employees from BPS 1-16 and withdrawing such facility from employees in BPS-17 and above in WAPDA, NTDC, PEPCO, GENCOs and DISCOs?

Reply not received.

72. Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur:

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.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN, The 12th January, 2020. Secretary.

PCPPI—55(2020) NA—12-01-2020—600.