1 (36Th Session) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

(36th 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

Thursday, the 24th November, 2011

(Originally Starred Question Nos. 25, 34, 40 and 42 were set down for answer on 16-11-2011)

25. *Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the names of countries declared favourite for the trade with Pakistan at present; and

(b) the benefits being accrued therefrom?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Amin Fahim): (a) Pakistan is a member of world Trade Organization (WTO) and under the Most Favoured Nation principle has given MFN status to all its trading partners except India and Israel. The imports from India are limited to the items included in Annex G of the Import Policy Order. The imports from Israel or Israeli origin goods are prohibited under the Import Policy Order.

(b) The benefits from increased trading activities are as follows:

(a) Increased trade Creates conducive environment for investment by facilitating the import of capital goods as well as raw material;

(b) The resultant increase in economic activity creates employment, especially in the export sectors;

(c) Ensures supply of essential commodities to consumers at reasonable prices; and 2 (d) Increase in exports fetches precious Foreign Exchange while increase in imports also increases revenue collection.

34. *Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:.

(a) whether it is a fact that massive malpractice and financial embezzlement have been reported, in the recent audit of Pakistan Railways, if so; the detail thereof alongwith action taken thereupon;

(b) whether any study has been conducted to estimate the volume and value of revenue leakage in Pakistan Railways; if so, the detail thereof; and

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) Financial irregularities have been reported in various paras in the recent Audit Report upon the Accounts of Railways of 2009-2010. The observations have already been discussed in the DAC meeting held during the month of January 2011, Recoveries/ action required are under process.

(b) No study has been carried out however, the volume and value of revenue leakage in Pakistan Railways is not as is the common perception. The probabilities of leakage of revenue are restricted only to the un reserved / vacant seats. Without proper reservation 5% revenue is generated from the Ticket-less checking by the commercial staff.

1. Special campaigns are frequently launched at Divisional as well as Headquarters level to curb the menace of ticket less travelling.

2. A number of Police cases have been registered against the commercial staff over the system, whom were involved in frauds,embezzlements of misappropriation of Railway Revenue. 3 3. Departmental action has been taken against staff.

4. The computerized tickets are printed and security features have been arranged in the tickets.

5. The instructions have been issued to the operating divisions to conduct frequent surprise inspections.

6. Forty one (41) reservation offices over the system have been computerized to discourage black marketing, over charging and forgery by commercial staff.

7. Public Private Partnership for out sourcing commercial management of Passenger Trains is being carried out to improve Railway Revenue and control leakage.

8. The refund policy as well as procedure have been modified to check & control leakage of revenue.

40. *Begum Nuzhat Sadiq: . Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan has purchased locomotives from USA during recent past;

(b) if so, the time by which those locomotives will be handed over to Pakistan; and

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) and (b) Pakistan Railways has not purchased any locomotive from USA during the recent past.

(c) Few passenger trains have been temporarily closed down and with the improved availability of locomotives, will be restored. While closing down it has been kept in view that at least one/two trains must remain. available to the public of that section to avoid inconvenience to the passengers. 4

42. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the total land of Pakistan Railways in Peshawar at present alongwith the total value thereof;

(b) the total land of Pakistan Railways occupied by illegal occupants at present; and

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) Total area of land at Peshawar (Hayatabad to Nasarpur) is 473.68 acres, which includes all operational and Railway residential areas and its present approximate realizable value is Rs.5921 million.

(b) The total area of Railway land under unauthorized occupation is 3779.98 acres.

(i) Strict monitoring and surveillance to ensure that there are no new encroachments.

(ii) Regular anti-encroachment operations are launched all over the system to retrieve the encroached Railway land with the help of Railway Police, Civil Administration and District Police.

(iii) The matters of illegal occupation of Railway land by Govt. Departments/Institutions have been taken up with concerned departments for mutual settlement.

(iv) A ‘Joint Procedure Order’ has been issued duly vetted by Inspector General/Pakistan Railways Police and approved by the General Manager/Operations under which Divisional Railway 5

Administration and Railway Police have jointly been made responsible for detection and removal of the encroachments.

(v) Proposal is under consideration to create exclusive Anti- encroachment Squads on every Railway Division with necessary manpower, tools and machinery.

116. *Ms. Shireen Arshad Khan:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state whether it is a fact that a number of passenger and goods trains reached late at their destinations since 1st March, 2011 till date in the country; if so, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour): Railway operations are disturbed due to shortage of locomotives. A number of passenger and goods trains reached late at their destinations since 1st March, 2011 till date owing to locomotive crisis.

117. *Ms. Qudsia Arshad:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise total quantity of sugar exported during the last three years till date alongwith the names of those countries; and

(b) whether the sugar was imported during the said period; if so, the names of those countries alongwith the quantity of sugar imported therefrom separately?

Reply not received.

118. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the nature of diplomatic relations of Pakistan with Iran, Egypt, Libya and Yemen at present? 6 Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar):

Pakistan relations with Libya

Pakistan’s relations with Libya date back to 1950s when Pakistan provided some modest economic and technical assistance to Libya in the early stages of its independence. Pakistan attaches importance to its relations with Libya. The two countries enjoy close fraternal and cooperative ties, which are deeply rooted in the ethos of the two people. The people of Pakistan have always stood with their Libyan brother and fully respect their national aspirations.

Exchange of high level visits from both sides has further contributed to comprehensively upgrading our bilateral relationship. In order to further boost the economic and commercial relations, the two countries have also signed seven Agreements/MoUs. The two sides have agreed to initiate a joint study for PTA leading to FTA. A Joint Investment Company with subsidiaries in oil, gas, agriculture, banking, Finance and infrastructure development projects has also been established. Despite good political relations with Libya, our trade relations are much below the desired potential. Efforts are however, underway to enhance trade and economic relations to the mutual benefits of our two nations.

Pakistan’s relations with Egypt and Yemen

Pakistan enjoys close friendly relations with all the North African and Middle Eastern countries including Egypt and Yemen. Our relations with these countries are based on common faith, culture and similarity of views on a host of issues of regional and international importance. We believe that stability of these countries is important for the stability of our region and the world.

We have structured mechanisms such as the Joint Ministerial Commission providing a useful platform for continued interaction and exchange of visits. We also hold bilateral consultations with these countries from time to time and review our existing beneficial cooperation with them in various fields.

There is increased interaction between Pakistan and Egypt in the recent years. The two countries attach importance to their relations and are working to strengthen their cooperation in various fields. We have signed over 30 agreements and MoUs with Egypt covering cooperation in commerce, trade, culture and education etc. With Yemen around 24 agreements and MoUs on cooperation in various sectors have been signed. 7

Our bilateral trade with Egypt is around US$ 249 million. Egypt has invested around $ 2.5 billion in telecom, construction and hoteling. Pakistani businessmen have invested over US$ 50 million in Egypt mainly in the textile business. The two countries have agreed during the JMC Session held in Cairo last year, to enhance cooperation in twenty one sectors including trade, food and beverages, investment, tourism, software technology parks, cement manufacturing, oil and gas exploration, power generation, agriculture, health and automotives.

Pakistan enjoys warm cordial relations with Yemen which are based on common faith, culture and values. The two countries interact and help each other on international fora. We value our relations with Yemen and wish to strengthen our economic ties with that country as well. Yemen is among the top 10 rice importing countries from Pakistan. The trade between the two countries is around US$ 100 million. There is potential for increased trade and we are working to enhance our trade with Yemen. Pakistani exports to Yemen have increased in the past few years.

Pakistan relations with Iran

Since the return of democracy to Pakistan, relations with Iran have improved markedly. There have been several high level visits between the two countries. President Asif Ali Zardari paid a one day bilateral visit to Tehran on 16 July 2011. Earlier, the President participated in the International Conference on Global Fight Against Terrorism, and attended the 2nd Trilateral Summit of Pakistan- Afghanistan-Iran in Tehran, in June 2011. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani visited Iran on 11-13 September 2011.

President Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was the first Head of State to visit Pakistan in April 2008, after the coming in power of the present government. Foreign Minister Salehi was in Islamabad in September 2011 for the 18th JEC Session. This was followed by the visit of the Iranian Interior Minister Mr. Mostafa Mohammad Najjar on September 29, 2011, who delivered a flood relief consignment and visited the flood affected areas in Sindh.

Under the FODP process Iran has committed $ 320 million. It will also be an important source of energy following the Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project. Some other important projects under implementation/negotiations with Iran are as under: 8 (i) Supply of 1000 MW electricity (on Taftan-Quetta Transmission Line) was signed in April 2007. Both sides are working to negotiate its various aspects.

(ii) Import of 100 MW of Electricity (on Gwadar-Makran region Transmission Line).

(iii) The Road and Rail Network up-gradation projects including the Pak-Iran-Turkey-“Gul Train” are under ECO framework.

The leaders of the two countries in their September 2011 summit in Iran raised the target for annual trade to $ 10 billion. Quantum of current annual bilateral trade with Iran is $ 1.5 billion.

119. *Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state whether it is a fact that the salaries are not being paid timely to the employees of the Pakistan Railways; if so, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour): Pakistan Railways is paying salaries to its employees, however, sometimes delayed due to late or short release by Finance Division. Salary and Pension to all were disbursed by 4th November, 2011 well before Eid-ul-Azaha as Finance Division provided the required funds timely.

120. *Ms. Tasneem Siddiqui:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the total quantity of urea fertilizer exported / imported during the year 2010-11 alongwith the reasons thereof?

Reply not received.

121. *Ms. Shaheen Ishfaq:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to refer to Starred Question No.12 replied on 21-7-2011 and to state whether it is a fact that tenders have been floated for the procurement of 150 diesel electric locomotives; if so, the details thereof? 9 Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour): A project for the procurement of 150 Diesel Electric Locomotives has been approved by the ECNEC in its meeting held on 09th December, 2010. Accordingly, international tenders have been floated on 30-07-2011. Pre-bid conference was held on 06th September, 2011 and technical offers are scheduled to be opened on 14th December, 2011 as per Single Stage-Two Envelope bidding procedure according to Rule 36(b) of PPRA Rules-2004.

As per PC-I, the project is scheduled to be completed within 36 months.

122. *Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the steps being taken by the government to increase the export of sea food to European countries?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Amin Faheem): European Union had delisted Pakistani fisheries establishments exporting fish and sea food products to EU in 2007 due their failure to meet European Union’s Sanitary and Phytosanitary(SPS) standards. As a result presently Pakistan is not exporting fish and other sea food products to European Union. Government of Pakistan has undertaken many steps to overcome the deficiencies i n the fisheries establishments. However European Union Food and Veterinary (FVO) experts have not been able to visit Pakistan due to security concerns.

The process to improve fishery supply chain was started to make the exporting companies comply with international and European standards. The following steps were taken:

• Modernization of laboratory services of Marine Fisheries Department (MFD).

• MFD Microbiology and Chemical Labs have been accredited.

• Improvement of fishing vessels/ hygiene practices, improvement of landing/ auction sites, improvement of fish processing plants, strengthening of fishery products production chain supervision and harmonization of standards.

• More than two hundred fishermen’s boats have been modified according to EU standards. 10 • It is important to highlight here that in 2006 before the de-listing of Pakistani companies from exporting fish to Europe; Pakistan exports of Fish to ‘Europe amounted to 29.77 Million USD, which was 17.75% of Pakistan’s total export of fish to the world. The de-listing of Pakistani companies has thus -resulted in considerable loss to the fisheries sector in Pakistan. An early inspection by team of FVO is therefore crucial for re gaining its lost share.

• It has been learnt through our Mission in Brussels that there was no realistic chance of FVO inspectors visiting Pakistan in near future due to security concerns, however exports could be resumed on trial basis subject to fulfillment of required criterion and meeting of EU SPS, standards by fisheries establishments. It was proposed that Government of Pakistan will identify a few establishments which meet the required criterion and then exports from those establishments will resume on trial basis initially and gradually more establishments may also start to export subject to their readiness to meet EU SPS standards. Ministry of Commerce has been coordinating with all the relevant stakeholders including Marine Fisheries Department (MFD) and provincial Government of Sind for early preparation of report regarding readiness of fisheries establishments ready for resumption of exports to EU. MFD has recently communicated to the authorities in Europe through Economic Minister, Brussels, readiness of two (2) establishments for resumption. of fisheries exports to EU. European Union has expressed satisfaction with most of the steps taken by the Government of Pakistan. However with regard to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) of processing plants EU has now asked for an inspection report. MFD in consultation with a United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) consultant will be submitting this report by 31st December, 2011 to European Union. It is hoped that fisheries exports will be soon resumed.

123. *Mr. Sajid Ahmed:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the quantity of wheat exported during the year 2010-11 till date alongwith the amount of foreign exchange earned therefrom; and 11 (b) the names of the countries to whom the said wheat was exported during the said period?

Reply not received.

124. *Mrs. Nisar Tanveer:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the salient features of recently signed Pak-Afghan Transit Trade Agreement;

(b) the facilities, which will be extended to India according to said agreement;

(d) whether the input of stakeholders have been incorporated; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Amin Faheem): (a) The salient features of the Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA), 2010 are as under:—

• The Agreement consists of 13 Sections, 58 Articles, 2 Annexes and 4 Protocols.

• It guarantees freedom of transit to both countries.

• It provides Pakistan access to Central Asian Republics through 17 routes offered by Afghanistan.

• The Agreement allows Afghanistan access to Pakistan’s sea ports including Karachi, Port Qasim and Gwadar Port:

• It allows access to Afghan trucks (carrying Afghan exports cargo) to sea ports of Pakistan.

• It allows Afghan’s exports to India via Wagah but does not allow Indian exports to Afghanistan through the land route of Wagah. 12 • The Agreement provides for the establishment of the Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority (APTTCA) to monitor the effective implementation of the Agreement.

• The Agreement also provides a comprehensive mechanism for dispute settlement.

• The Agreement contains an inbuilt comprehensive mechanism to control the issue of unauthorized trade and contains the following provisions in this regard:

i. Installation of tracking device on transport units.

ii. Customs to customs information sharing (IT data and others).

iii. Provision of financial guarantees equal to the amount of import levies of Pakistan, to be deposited by authorized brokers / custom clearing agents, which shall be released after the goods exit the country. In case the goods do not exit the country within specified time, the guarantees will be en-cashed by the custom authorities.

iv. Only sealed containerized cargo will be allowed. In the interim period of three years, the cargo shall be transported in internationally acceptable and verifiable standards of sealable trucks.

v. Installation of biometric devices at the entry points.

vi. Weighment and scanning of cargo at entry and exit points to control pilferage of goods en-route to Afghanistan.

vii. In case of doubt or suspicions, consignments could be examined en route by custom authorities.

viii. Risk assessments and inspection of transit cargo to identify high risk consignments for detailed scrutiny.

ix. Transit consignments will only be allowed on specified routes. 13 (b) No facility has been extended to India in the said Agreement.

(c) Under the provisions of the Agreement, the Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority (APTTCA) has been established for the effective implementation and monitoring of the Agreement.

(d) Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) 2010 was finalized after a thorough deliberation of the Joint Working Group consisting of representatives from stakeholder Ministries / Departments and private sectors of both countries.

The negotiating team of Pakistan, led by the Ministry of Commerce, included representatives from FBR, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Ports & Shipping, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Narcotics Control, Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Industries & Production, and private sector. The Agreement along with its Protocols was finalized after taking all the stakeholders on board. Furthermore, on the issues of security and strategic nature, the inputs from the security agencies of Pakistan were duly obtained.

125. *Mr. Abdul Rashid Godil:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the steps being taken to make SAARC more effective; and

(b) the present status of trade/business amongst SAARC countries?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): (a) SAARC is a regional forum which provides a conducive atmosphere for economic synergies and social uplift of the people of South Asia. This Association also provides a platform for sharing among member countries best practices in various fields such as Agriculture, Finance, Commerce, Health, Environment, Energy, Education, Child Welfare, Women Empowerment, Poverty Alleviation, Climate Change, Transport, Science and Technology etc.

Pakistan has played a pro-active role in making SAARC a vibrant regional organization, based on the principles of sovereign equality.

In recent years, a need has been felt to make SAARC more effective. A Consultative Session on Strengthening SAARC and its Institutional Mechanisms 14 was held in Maldives on 9 October 2011. The Session, which brought together former Secretaries-General of SAARC, Heads of SAARC Divisions of Member States, scholars and eminent personalities, came up with tangible recommendations to streamline, rationalize and consolidate the SAARC activities as well as to strengthen the Secretariat.

Consequently, the 17th SAARC Summit meeting, recently held in Maldives on 10-11 November 2011 has required the SAARC Secretariat to undertake a comprehensive review of SAARC institutional mechanisms so as to strengthen the Association and make it more effective, result-oriented and project-based. Moreover, the SAARC Standing Committee in its latest session held on 7-8 November 2011 has recommended that the strengthening of SAARC mechanisms, including the Secretariat and Regional Centres should go through an inter- governmental process. In this regard, Bhutan would soon host a Meeting of National Focal Points to develop the Terms of Reference for the review process.

(b) Regional economic integration is one of the main objectives of SAARC. In order to boost regional trade South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) has been operationalized since 2006. However, the intra-SAARC trade under SAFTA is not very encouraging (it is less than 5%). There are four important issues under SAFTA: (i) Sensitive lists (ii) Rules of Origin (iii) Technical Assistance to LDCs and (iv) Mechanism for compensation of revenue loss to LDCs due to trade liberalization program.

The Fourth Meeting of SAFTA Ministerial Council was held on 13 June 2011 in Male’ which underscored the need to examine the reasons as to why the bilateral intra-regional trade was much more than the trade under SAFTA. The Ministers called for the reduction in the number of products in the Sensitive Lists under SAFTA, which was identified as a major impediment of trade.

During the 17th SAARC Summit (Addu, November 2011), the Heads of State/Government directed the SAFTA Ministerial Council to intensify efforts to fully and effectively implement SAFTA and work on reduction in Sensitive Lists. They also directed the Council to expedite resolution of non-tariff barriers and harmonization of standards and customs procedures.

Quite recently, considerable progress has been witnessed in terms of reduction of Sensitive lists, of Member states. Pakistan has reduced its list by 20%, Maldives by 40%, and India by 100% (for LDCs). 15 Also, for harmonization of standards, SAARC Agreement on Multilateral Arrangement on Recognition of Conformity Assessment and the SAARC Agreement on Implementation of Regional Standards have been signed on 11 November 2011 during 17th SAARC Summit.

126. *Rana Mahmood -ul- Hassan:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Rs.11.5 billion is being allocated for reforming Pakistan Railways; if so, the prominent feature of new reforms;

(b) whether it is also a fact that more than 80 passengers and freight trains were discontinued during the year, 2010-11; if so, the reasons thereof;

(c) whether it is further a fact that mismanagement and corruption is increasing day by day in the Pakistan Railways; if so, the steps being taken to introduce a system of accountability in Pakistan Railways in order to take full advantage of above mentioned bail-out package?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour): (a) Federal Government has not yet provided to Pakistan Railways for reforming of Pakistan Railways. Whereas, Federal Cabinet had approved in principle, a financial package of Rs. 11.1 billion on 29-12-2010. As and when such assistance is committed to Pakistan Railways, the priorities will be fixed with target oriented approach depending upon the size of the sanctioned grant.

(b) Only 13 pair of passenger carrying, trains were cancelled in 2010 due to resource constraints. Pakistan Railways is running freight trains according to the availability of locomotives.

(c) Not correct. The officers/officials of Pakistan Railways are being governed, under the relevant Conduct/Discipline Rules.

(d) The system of accountability already prevails in Pakistan Railways. However certain steps to improve the Railways are being taken with due care and utmost attention is given to enforce the rules and regulations. 16 Since April – 2008 till date 331 Railways employees were taken up on the charge of corruption and misappropriation of government money. Disciplinary action against them have been initiated and the result is as under :—

(1) 11 employees were removed from Service

(2) 29 employees were dismissed from service.

(3) 06 employees were compulsory retired.

(4) 51 employees have been awarded with holding of increment for two to three years.

(5) 05 employees were censured.

(6) 44 employees were reduced to lower post.

(7) 37 cases are under process.

In certain cases, government money embezzled by the employees has also been recovered.

148 cases are under trial in courts as criminal cases were also registered against responsible employees besides departmental action. As and when any case of corruption/misappropriation of government money/ theft is reported the persons found guilty will be taken up under the relevant Efficiency & Discipline rules.

127. *Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis be pleased to state:

(a) the country-wise agreements signed by Pakistan to send labourers abroad since March, 2008 till date; and

(b) the number of labourers sent abroad under the said agreements alongwith the nature of said labourers?

Transferred to the Human Resource Development Division for answer on next Rota Day. 17

128. *Ms. Parveen Masood Bhatti:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state whether it is a fact that exports of Pakistani products have decreased in the international markets due to increase in the rates of electricity and gas in the country; if so, the details thereof

Reply not received.

129. *Mr. Wasim Akhter Sheikh:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the steps being taken so far to improve the relationship of Pakistan with USA?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): Pakistan- US relationship constitutes an important part of our Foreign Policy. Our relations are extensive and actively pursued in different important areas. Pakistan-US Strategic Dialogue is a major channel for furthering bilateral relations. The Strategic Dialogue has been operational since 2006 and three Ministerial level dialogues have been held since 2010. Under the Strategic Dialogue, Pakistan and the US have initiated cooperation in thirteen Working Groups.

To further improve the relationship a number of initiatives have been taken by the Foreign Ministry. This includes meetings of the Foreign Minister with the leadership of the US including with Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. The meeting of Foreign Minister and Secretary of State in Bali on 23 July 2011 was a continuation of Pakistan’s efforts to engage with the US constructively. The Foreign Minister also met Secretary Clinton in New York on 18 September 2011 on the sidelines of UNGA. As a consequence of those productive engagements, Secretary Clinton visited Pakistan on 20-21 October 2011 and met with civilian and military leadership to have better understanding and transparency in the relationship.

Pakistan and the US have robust trade/commercial relations. Total trade volume between both the countries during the first two quarters of the current year (2011) increased by 21.95% from US $ 2.50 billion to US $ 2.88 billion. Pakistan’s exports during the same period increased by 14.33 % from US $ 1.64 billion to US $ 1.88 billion. US exports to Pakistan during the period, increased by 36.58% from US $ 858 million to US $ 1.17 billion. 18

130. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of new engines purchased or second hand engines taken on lease so far by Pakistan Railways during the year 2011-12 alongwith the prices/conditions thereof; and

(b) the names of countries from where those engines purchased and taken on lease by Pakistan Railways?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour): (a) & (b) Pakistan Railways has neither purchased new locomotives (commonly called engines) nor acquired any new or second hand locomotives on lease, during the year 2011-12, so far from any country.

131. *Mian Marghoob Ahmad:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is any proposal to insure the railways passengers; if so, when it will be implemented; and

(b) the steps being taken to protect the lives and luggage of the passengers of Pakistan Railways?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour): (a) No such proposal is under consideration at present on the subject. However, some insurance Companies approached in the past with proposal of insurance of passengers which were analysed in detail but dropped being not viable either for Railways or its customers.

(b) (i) Pakistan Railways Police has been directed to ensure high level of alertness/vigil and intensify checking/patrolling of Railway. installations/ track-trains.

Passenger services in Baluchistan have been regulated and scheduled during day hours, avoiding night service. 19

Following additional measures have been taken.

(a) Help line No. 1333 is available toll free at Railway Police stations.

(b) Scanning Machines are under installation at Karachi and Lahore stations.

(d) CCTV Cameras are working at Karachi, Lahore and Rohri railway stations,

(e) 23 additional stations are being equipped with electronic gadgets.

(f) Entry/Exit points are manned and luggage is checked through metal detectors.

(g) Anti Terrorist Squad Commandos are deployed regularly at major Railway stations and on trains.

(h) Terminating and originating trains are checked and rakes are escorted by Railway Police.

(i) Patrolling by Railway Staff/Police is a regular feature,

(j) Pilotengines are run ahead of passenger trains in affected areas to avert any untoward incident.

The following steps with regard to enhancing Security on the Railway Stations in the country are currently underway:—

(i) Two X-Ray/Scanning Machine have recently been purchased, which will be installed at Karachi and Lahore Railway Stations.

(ii) Close Circuit TV Cameras have been installed at Karachi, Rohri and Lahore Railway Stations. Closed circuit TV Cameras will be 20

installed at 23 major Railway Stations in two phases due to budgetary constraints. In first phase closed circuit TV cameras will be purchased for 12 important stations while in second phase for the remaining 11 major stations.

132. *Begum Nuzhat Sadiq:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of locomotives with the Pakistan Railways at present;

(b) the total number of locomotives which are functional at present; and

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour): (a) Pakistan Railways have 494 Diesel Electric ‘ Locomotives of various Horse Power.

(b) Out of 494 Locomotives, 57 numbers Locomotives are temporarily deleted. 293 are ineffective due to awaiting imported spares in back shops and sheds. Remaining 144 D.E. Locomotives are available for Passenger, Freight, Departmental and Shunting Service. The details whereof are as under:—

Passenger trains. = 95 Freight trains. = 11 Departmental /shunting services = 38 ——— = 144 ———

(c) At present Pakistan Railways is purchasing the fuel for these locomotives from M/s. Pakistan State Oil Company Ltd. 21 133. *Mr. Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is any proposal under consideration to hire train engines in near future;

(b) if so, the names of countries/local companies from where those engines will be hired alongwith rates thereof; and

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour): (a) Yes, hiring of 50 Diesel Electric Locomotives case is in process, however, challenged in Lahore High Court, Lahore vide writ petition No. 19505/11.

(b) The names of countries/local companies will be known after finalization of tender. It is open to all countries of the world.

134. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the steps being taken by the government to get permanent seat in Security Council; and

(b) the line of action of Pakistan in this regard?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): (a) and (b) The issue raised by the Honourable Member essentially pertains to the ongoing discussion at the United Nations concerning reform of the UN Security Council. This is a matter of vital national interest for Pakistan.

Let me say at the outset that Pakistan is not seeking permanent membership of the UN Security Council. 22 We advocate a reform that is based on the principle of sovereign equality of Member States as enshrined in the UN Charter. We want a reform that will lead to a more united and strengthened United Nations. We want a reform where small and medium states have more opportunity to serve on the UN Security Council and make their contribution towards international peace and stability.

Based on these principles, Pakistan has consistently and unambiguously advocated for expansion in the non-permanent membership category of the UN Security Council. The very notion of permanent membership negates the essence of democracy and accountability. We have therefore opposed creation of new centers of privilege by expansion in the permanent membership category for individual member states.

ISLAMABAD: KARAMAT HUSSAIN NIAZI, The 23rd November, 2011. Secretary.

PCPPI—3181(11) NA—23-11-2011—700. 1 36th Session

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Thursday, the 24th November, 2011

(Originally Unstarred Question Nos. 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 29, 30 and 31 were set down on 16-11-2011)

20. Mr. Sajid Ahmed:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state the year-wise total number of passengers travelled by Pakistan Railways during the last three years?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): Year wise number of passengers for last three years, who traveled by Pakistan Railways, is given below:—

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YEAR PASSENGERS TRAVELLED –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2008 – 2009 82 Millions 2009 – 2010 74 Millions 2010 – 2011 63 Millions –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Total 219 Millions ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

21. Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the country-wise total number of new vehicles imported during the last four financial years till date?

Reply not received. 2

22. Ms. Imrana Saeed Jamil:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the names of items being exported to India at present; and

(b) the names of items being imported from India at present?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Amin Fahim): (a) the names of items being exported to India are at Annex-A.

(b) the names of items being imported from India are at Annex-B.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

23. Mr. Sajid Ahmed:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the number of routes from Karachi to Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan and Faisalabad on which up and down passenger trains are plying at present alongwith the names of trains and details of timings thereof;

(b) the details of income earned by said routes during the year 2009-10 till date;

(d) the capacity of passengers travelling in those trains at present?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) Total thirty four (34) Mail/Express trains are plying over the system on different routes, out of which thirty (30) trains originate/terminate at Karachi and ply on six (06) sections i.e. (i) Karachi-Lahore, (ii) Karachi-Rawalpindi, (iii) Karachi-Peshawar, (iv) Karachi-Quetta, (v) Karachi-Multan and (vi) Karachi -Faisalabad. 3

The Detail of trains with their names and timings that originate from Karachi on these sections is as under: 4

(b) The details of income earned by said routes during the year 2009-10 till date is as under: 5

(d) The total capacity of carrying passengers by these trains at present is 24018. 6

26. Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that thousands of employees have been inducted in Pakistan Railways during the last three and a half years;

(b) if so, the names, domicile, designations, BPS and place of posting alongwith the justification thereof?

Reply not received.

27. Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise quantity of scrapes sold by the Pakistan Railways during the last three years till date; and

(b) the income earned therefrom?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): The year- wise quantity of scrap sold by Pakistan Railways during the last three years till date is as under: –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YEAR QUANTITY OF SOLD SCRAP –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2008-09 5987 Metric Tons 2009-10 18437 Metric Tons 2010-11 8169.579 Metric Tons (Ferrous) 2,48,000 Cubic Feet (Foundry Ash) 3,78,000 Liters (Used Oil) 13356 Numbers (Empty Drums) 2011 till date 610.421 Metric Tons –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 7

(b) The income earned during the last three years till date is as under:

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– YEAR INCOME EARNED Rs. In Million –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2008-09 167.663 2009-10 626.862 2010-11 473.202 2011 till date 23.196 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– TOTAL: 1290.923 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

29. Mr. Murtaza Javed Abbasi:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise total number of lease cases of railway land approved during the last three years till date; and

(b) the year-wise total number of persons appointed during the last three years in the Ministry and its attached departments on regular, contract and daily wages basis alongwith their scale of pay and monthly emoluments?

Reply not received. 30. Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the present status of Pakistan Railways Employees Cooperative Housing Society; and

(b) the city-wise total land in acres of Pakistan Railways given on lease to the said society throughout the country?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) There are eight Railway Employees Housing Societies registered under the Cooperative 8 Societies Act 1925 and functioning under Cooperative Laws through elected Management Committees.

(b) The city-wise land leased out to the said Societies throughout the country is given as under:—

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– S. Name of Society Location/ Area No. City (in Acres) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1. LARECHS (24 Projects) Lahore 194.747 2. FRECHS (9 Projects) Faisalabad 147.480 3. RIRECHS (3 Projects) Rawalpindi 116.250 4. PRECHS (2 Projects) Peshawar 26.170 5. QRECHS (3 Projects) Quetta 54.860 6. KRECHS (15 Projects) Karachi 550.348 7. HRECHS (8 Projects) Hyderabad 40.626 8. MRECHS (1 Project) Mirpurkhas 19.480 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– TOTAL 1149.961 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 31. Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that feasibility report for laying railway track from Chaman to Qundhar has been prepared;

(b) if so, the time by which the said track will be laid; and

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) Yes, it is a fact that a Feasibility Study for laying Railway Track from Chaman to Qundhar, with total length of 107 Km has been prepared during the year 2004. 9

(b) No timeframe can be given for laying of said track as the PC-I of the said project is yet to be sanctioned.

(ii) It is expected that the proposed track would be constructed at total estimated cost of Rs.13200 million (US$ 153.50: million).

90. Ms. Parveen Masood Bhatti:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the legal action taken against the users of substandard oil in locomotives alongwith further action to be taken against them; and

(b) the names of the officers who got used substandard oil in locomotives?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour): (a) & (b) In compliance to the orders of Supreme Court of Pakistan, for conducting Forensic Audit to ascertain the reasons as to why Railways is not functioning smoothly. Causing damages to locomotives on account of use of contaminated lube oil, will also be investigated during the Forensic Audit. A formal request has been sent to Auditor General of Pakistan.

Legal action will be taken against all those found involved in the alleged irregularities, after incriminating evidence is collected, as required under the law.

91. Ms. Shaheen Ishfaq:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state the total number of new locomotives and bogies purchased by Pakistan Railways since March, 2008 till date alongwith the names of the countries where from those were purchased?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour): Pakistan Railways has signed two contract agreements for the procurement of carriages and wagons from China since March. 2008, as under: 10

(i) Carriages:

A contract agreement for procurement/assembling of 202 Passenger Carriages amounting to US$ 134.452 million has been signed with M/s China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation. China on 10th October 2009.

Out of 202, 52 carriages will be received in Completely Built Up Condition, whereas the remaining 150 will be manufactured/assembled locally at Pakistan Railways, Carriage Factory, Islamabad. The entire material is scheduled to be delivered within 36 months after effectiveness of the contract agreement. Shipment of CBU carriages is scheduled in December 2011/January 2012.

(ii) Wagons:

A contract agreement for the procurement of 500 High Capacity Wagons in Completely Knocked Down (CKD) condition amounting to US$ 36.995 million was signed with M/s Dongfang Electric Corporation, China on 18th April 2009.

The project is being funded by loan provided by Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Jeddah. After receipt of entire material, manufacturing has been completed at Moghalpura Workshops in March, 2011.

92. Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq:

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

(a) the total number of local and foreign tours made by present Minister;

(b) the objectives of those tours; and

Reply not received. 11 93. Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the total length of railways tracks in the country at present; and

(b) the number of railways tracks in working condition at present?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour): (a) The total route length of Railways network is 7791 km while total length of track including double line is 9075 Km.

(b) The Railway track over a length of 9024 Km is in working condition. Narowal-Chak Amru section, 51 Km in length, has been closed due to unsatisfactory condition of track.

94. Mr. Sajid Ahmed:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the province-wise total number of routes of passenger and goods trains discontinued in the country at present alongwith the reasons thereof;

(b) whether it is a fact that the railway route from Tandoadam to Padiadon Loop has also been discontinued; if so, the reasons thereof; and

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour): (a) Recently the following province-wise routes of passenger trains have been discontinued in the country due to acute shortage of locomotives:

Punjab

i. Samasatta – Amruka. ii. Sargodha – Kundian. iii. Sher Shah – Kot Adu. iv. Golra – Basal. 12 v. Malakwal – Pind Dadan Khan. vi. Malakwal – Miani. vii. Malakwal – Khewra. viii. Daud Khel – Mari Indus.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

(i) Jand – Kohat.

Sindh

Nil

Balochistan

Nil

Goods trains are operated as per booking of goods to any specific destination. However due to locomotive crisis freight trains operation is almost halted over the entire system.

(b) The Railway line from Tandoadam to Padidan, called feeder line, has been abandoned since 01-07-1991 and the train service was discontinued being un-remunerative/loss making section.

(c) No steel rails or wooden sleepers/ timbers have been stolen from Padidan station. 95. Dr. Darshan: Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis be pleased to state: (a) the total number of teaching and non-teaching staff working in OPF College, H-8 and OPF School, F-8/2, Islamabad at present separately; (b) whether it is a fact that there is a short fall of employees hailing from Sindh in above College/School; if so, the reasons thereof alongwith the time by which the said deficiency will be made up; and

(c) the total number of seats in above College/School lying vacant on the prescribed quota of Sindh Urban and Rural at present alongwith the details thereof? 13 Minister for Overseas Pakistanis (Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar: (a) The total number of teaching and non-teaching staff working in OPF Boys & Girls College, Islamabad is as under: –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– S. No. College Teaching Non-Teaching Staff Staff –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1. OPF Boys College, 71 68 H-8, Islamabad.

2. OPF Girls College, 290 171 F-8/2, Islamabad. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Total: 361 239 –––––––––––––––– Grand Total: 600 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– (b) The appointments / induction of teaching / non-teaching staff in OPF Colleges are made on purely merit basis. No specific provincial quota has been earmarked in these institutions. However, the teaching and non-teaching staff in all educational institutions mostly comes from the concerned district or the province where the institution is located.

96. Syed Asif Hasnain:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis be pleased to state the total number of persons sent to Korea since March, 2008 till date alongwith the income earned therefrom? Transferred to the Human Resource Development Dividion for answer on next Rota Day. 97. Justice(r) Fakharunnisa Khokhar: Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state: (a) the year-wise total number of bullet proof vehicles imported during the last three years alongwith the persons to whom those vehicles have been alloted; and (b) whether it is, a fact that some individuals have been allowed to import such vehicles without import duty; if so, the names thereof alongwith the total amount waived off in each case? Reply not received. 14

98. Malik Shakeel Awan: Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the number of employees in the Ministry and its attached departments as on 12-10-1999, 15-3-2008 and 23-10-2011 respectively?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Amin Faheem): The number of employees in the Ministry of Commerce has been as follows:— –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Date No of No of Employees in Attached Employees Departments in M/o Commerce –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 12-10-1999 357 532 (Export Promotion Bureau) 15-03-2008 299 10 (Directorate General of Trade Organization) 23-10-2011 291 54 (Directorate General of Trade Organization) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– * EPB is now an Authority (TDAP) and is not an attached department since 2006-2007.

* Posts in Ministry of Commerce have been reduced due to downsizing in 2000.

99. Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Narcotics Control be pleased to state:

(a) the punishments awarded to smugglers of narcotics since March, 2008 till date; and

(b) the names and addresses of local and foreign smugglers arrested during the said period?

Minister for Narcotics Control (Haji Khuda Bux Rajar): (a) Detail of Punishments Awarded to Smugglers of Narcotics. 15 —————————————————————————————— Punishments 2008 2009 2010 2011 awarded to the Since (31-10-11) accused Mar 2008 —————————————————————————————— Death Penalty 2 7 3 7 Life Imprisonments 48 94 288 94 More than 10 44 21 43 22 Years RI 5 to 10 Years RI 72 98 139 89 Less than 5 years 436 389 563 351 —————————————————————————————— Summary Foreign Drug Smugglers Arrested By ANF —————————————————————————————— Year Persons Arrested —————————————————————————————— 2008 169 2009 88 2010 72 2011 47 —————————————————————————————— Summary Local drug smugglers arrested by ANF —————————————————————————————— Year Total —————————————————————————————— 2008 796 2009 654 2010 755 2011 605 —————————————————————————————— 100. Syed Nasir Ali Shah:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the names and designation of employees working in the various projects of the Ministry at present; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration to regularize the services of said employees; if so, the time by which it will be implemented? 16

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Amin Faheem): (a) Information about names and designation of employees working in development projects of the Ministry is at Annex-I.

(b) Currently there is no such proposal under consideration to regularize services of the project employees because development projects are started to achieve certain specific objectives and closed as soon as their given targets are achieved. Therefore, it is not possible to transfer project employees to regular positions while no such post exists vacant for the project employees in the Ministry.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

101. Dr. Muhammad Ayub Sheikh:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the total amount allocated during budget 2010-11 for the Ministry alongwith the details of additional amount given during the said period; and

(b) the utilization of said amount?

Reply not received.

102. Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state the total land owned by Pakistan Railways at Lahore at present alongwith its market value?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour): Total land owned by Pakistan Railways at Lahore is 2342.89 Acres. Market value of this land varies tentatively from Rs.1,50,000 to Rs.5,00,000 per Marla owing to different locations.

KARAMAT HUSSAIN NIAZI, Secretary. ISLAMABAD: The 23rd November, 2011.

PCPPI—3181 (2011) NA—23-11-2011—700.