NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT ———— “QUESTIONS for ORAL ANSWERS and THEIR REPLIES” to Be Asked A

(41st Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”

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

Friday, the 14th April, 2017

100. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan: (Deferred during 37th Session)

Will the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of schools to whom funds given under “Tawana Pakistan Project” for the provision of food to the students during the year 2003-04 alongwith the details of utilization of the said funds;

(b) whether it is a fact that extra number of students were shown in those schools under the said project and embezzlement found in the said project/programme; if so, the details thereof; and

Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training: (a) On abolition of concurrent legislative list as a result of 18th amendment to constitution the subject of education has been devolved to the provinces and its remaining subject at Federal level were enterested to different Ministries / Divisions. The Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training was created on 29th July, 2011. All the record of devolved Ministries were transferred to Devolution Wing Cabinet Division and presently no record is available in the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training regarding the subject question.

(b&c) Information collected by this Ministry, from different sources reveals that the project Tawana Pakistan Program (TPP) was approved by ECNEC in its meeting held on 2nd September, 2002 at the cost of Rs.3600 million for a period of 54 months (July 2001-June 2006). The project was implemented in 29 high 2 poverty districts where the prevalence of mal-nutrition was high among the girls. It envisaged covering 5300 Government Girls Primary Schools offering, freshly cooked meals on daily basis. Micro nutrients twice a week and albendazole for de-worming biannually. The project was executed through National Coordination Cell (NCC) under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education. Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) was implementing the project through its network. Due to the certain issues / problems, Tawana Pakistan (TPP) was suspended by the then Ministry of Social Welfare and Special Education in the month of July, 2005. Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training requested Cabinet Division for guidance in the matter as to who was the successor / custodian of the record of Tawana Pakistan Project. In response Cabinet Division has informed that Capital Administration and Development Division is custodian of record of Tawana Pakistan Project (Annex-I). Therefore on the direction of Cabinet Division dated 17th March, 2017 this Ministry has requested to Capital Administration and Development Division to answer the instant Question. Annexure-I 3 147. *Dr. Mahreen Razaque Bhutto: (Deferred during 39th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the underground water level is being decreased in Islamabad;

(b) if so, the year-wise underground water level decreased in Islamabad during the last five years till date alongwith reasons thereof?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

5. *Ms. Shagufta Jumani: (Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training be pleased to state:

(a) the performance made by the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) since 01-01-2013;

(b) the name of organizations working under the NCHD;

(d) the funds allocated for the NCHD during the said period?

Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training: (a) Performance of NCHD since 01-01-2013 is as under;

(i) Running of 6581 Feeder Schools where 310,146 students are enrolled.

(ii) Establishment of 25 Schools through philanthropists. 4

(iii) Established 100 Schools in Madaris.

(iv) Established 20 Mobile Based Literacy Centers in Khyber Agency and income generation skills provided to 500 youths of FATA.

(v) Established 09 adult literacy Centers in district Jails of Toba Tek Singh and Kasur.

(vi) Establishment of 50 NFBES with a financial support of JICA in Rural Islamabad (in process).

(vii) Donor funded projects with UNECEF in Punjab & KP on Every Child in School Innitiative.

(viii) Capacity building of employees working in the field.

(ix) Established 88 Community Learning Centers on no cost basis in Punjab and Balochistan.

(x) Enrolled 3,055 learners under ‘Each One Teach One’ approach.

(xi) In Sindh 89 voluntary Literacy Centers have been established in which 2,059 learners are enrolled.

(xii) Establishment of 6000 ALCs in Pakistan is under process for which PC-1 has been approved by CDWP on 7th Feb, 2017.

(xiii) Establishment of National Training Institute in Islamabad under process for which PC-1 has been approved by CDWP on 7th Feb, 2017.

(b) There is no organization working under NCHD.

(c) Total 2,943 Employees and 6581 Feeder Teachers and 100 Madrasa Teachers are working with NCHD (Total Human Resources 6964).

(d) Funds allocated for developmental and Non-development activities during FY 201314 to 2016-17 is as under. 5 —————————————————————————————— Financial Year Development Budget Non Development Budget —————————————————————————————— Allocation Utilization Allocation Utilization —————————————————————————————— 2013-14 2,365.93 535.00 654.00 654.00 2014-15 1,442.50 483.04 600.00 600.00 2015-16 500.00 500.00 660.00 660.00 2016-17 767.00 453.04 300.00 300.00 —————————————————————————————— Total 5,075.43 1,971.08 2,214.00 2,214.00 ——————————————————————————————

70. *Sheikh Salahuddin: (Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Establishment Division be pleased to state whether it is a fact that a number of recruitment agencies including the National Testing Service, Pakistan Testing Service and other Testing Services are working without any legal cover; if so, the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister In-charge of the Establishment Division: Federal Government (Establishment Division) with the approval of the Prime Minister has devised a comprehensive Recruitment Policy and Mechanism (Annex-I) to ensure merit and transparency in the recruitment process at all levels. Accordingly to the recruitment mechanism, initial screening of applicants would be conducted by a testing agency which would be hired by the concerned Ministries / Divisions themselves by strictly observing the following criteria:—

(i) Should be a registered testing agency, if in the private sector.

(ii) Should have experience in the relevant field.

(iii) Should have established infrastructure for the purpose.

(iv) Should have not be blacklisted by any government office.

The role of Establishment Division is therefore limited only to the Recruitment Policy and its mechanism while the administrative Ministries /Divisions 6 are supposed to observe the above criteria which categorically specifies that the Recruitment Agency if in the private sector must be a registered agency as far as its legal cover is concerned.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

@219. *Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi: (Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications be pleased to state:

(a) the projected bid price of 3 and 4 G spectrums, which were set for auction of the licences therefor during the year, 2014;

(b) the initial plan of the Government to auction the said spectrums with reference to number of lot of 3 and 4 G in terms of MHz; and

(c) whether it is a fact that during the process of the said auction, the Regulator and Government were agreed to split one lot of 10 MHz of 3 G into two lots of 5 MHz each;

(d) if answer to part (c) above is in the affirmative, whether said auction is tantamount to eliminate competition among four bidders; if so, the justification thereof?

Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications: (a) Following base prices were designated for the Spectrum: —————————————————————————————— Spectrum Band Spectrum quantity Base Price (USD) —————————————————————————————— 2100 MHz 2x10 MHz USD 295 Million

1800 MHz 2x10 MHz USD 210 Million

850 MHz 2x7.38 MHz USD 291 Million —————————————————————————————— —————————————————————————————— @ Transferred from Cabinet Division. 7 (b) A total of 30 MHz bandwidth in 2100 MHz, 20 MHz bandwidth in 1800 MHz and 7.38 MHz in 850 MHz band were offered for auction. Rights of spectrum for 4G license were reserved for the bidders who would have been successful in acquiring 10 MHz of 3G Spectrum, whereas bandwidth in 850 MHz band was reserved for new entrants only. (c) Auction design is responsibility of PTA and Government doesn’t interfere in the auction process and its design. An Information Memorandum (IM) was issued by PTA and the preparation of Information memorandum (IM) and auction rules were designed by PTA after detailed analysis of the Telecom market by the internationally reputed consultant hired for the purpose. (d) No, as (c) above. 228. *Ms. Seema Mohiuddin Jameeli: (Deferred during 40th Session) Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state whether the Fire Brigade, Islamabad has the latest fire extinguishing vehicles and equipments at present? Transferred to Interior Divisoon for answer on Next Rota Day. 229. *Shazia Marri: (Deferred during 40th Session) Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state whether it is a fact that the infrastructure development in the Islamabad Capital Territory is not at par with the growing population of the said area; if so, reasons thereof? Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division: To meet the needs of growing population in ICT, CDA plans and develops infrastructures required. New, sectors are developed to meet with the housing requirements where all services including roads, sewerage, water supply, electricity, sui gas are provided. In the recent years, CDA has recently developed Sector D - 12 & Park Enclave whereas Sectors I -12 & C - 15 are under development. Moreover, development works in Park Enclave - II, I - 15 and E -12 are going to start soon. In addition to development of new sectors / areas, CDA also continuously remains in process of improvement in existing infrastructure through rehabilitation & expansion. 8 @15. *Ms. Aisha Syed:

Will the Minister In-Charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state the step taken by the Governmnet for implementation of the Federal laws i.e. Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2012 and Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance, 2002?

Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division: It is submitted that information sought regarding implementation of Right to Free & Compulsory Education Act, 2012 pertains to CA & DD being responsible for regulating education (formal) in ICT in the aftermath of devolution under 18th Amendment.

It is submitted that as per Article 25-A, the “Right to Free & Compulsory Education Act, 2012” was legislated in Parliament for Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and signed into law on December 24, 2012. After promulgation and formal notification of Act, following steps have also been taken to implement the same:

(i) Implementation Unit (25-A) has been created under CADD.

(ii) Notification with regard to enforcement of Act, has already been issued.

(iii) By-laws have been drafted as per Section 29 of Act in order to elaborate various aspects and lay down modalities for execution of tasks mentioned in Act. The drafted by-laws have been refined time & again in consultation with all stakeholders, civil society and Law Division. By-laws are already vetted/approved by Law Division and accordingly will be notified by CADD shortly.

(iv) Fee/funds being charged from students in ICT public sector institutions, have been abolished since November, 2013 in compliance with Act. By subsidizing education, weak segment of society has been provided relief.

(v) Field Survey for Out of School Children (OOSC) has been completed and policy to enroll these children in formal and non-formal system is being implemented. —————————————————————————————— @ Transferred from Law and Justice Division. 9 (vi) For enrollment of OOSC tracked through survey, various initiatives are being implemented in accordance with the age group of OOSC. For example development of condensed syllabus for those OOSC required to be imparted special coaching to reach their age appropriate class within shortest possible time.

(vii) Admission Policy has also been reviewed and relaxed with a view to maximize enrollment as well as to arrange the education for OOSC.

(viii) With the assistance of some social activists/educationists, more than 2000 OOSC from disadvantaged group, have been enrolled.

(ix) School Management Committees (SMC) have been established in all educational institutions to materialize the idea to ensure maximum community involvement as envisaged in Act.

(x) Free textbooks are already being provided to students up to class-X.

(xi) Education Advisory Council, as specified in Act, has been constituted to frame Act-based polices and advise Government for improving quality of Education.

(xii) Academic Authority as per guidelines set in the Act, has been formed to bring much needed curriculum reforms as well as rejuvenate the assessment system and professional training.

(xiii) Capital Curriculum & Textbook Wing has been established to realign the objectives/goals with Right to Free & Compulsory education Act, 2012 (Article 25-A) as well as to materialize the idea of quality education.

(xiv) In collaboration with NCHD, children in 40 selected Deeni Madaris of ICT are being mainstreamed.

 Whereas Prevention and control of Human Trafficking Ordinance, 2012 do not in the purview of CA&DD. 10 @49. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister In-Charge of the Capital Administartion and Development Division be please to state whether ot is a fact that free of cost medicines for Hepatitis are availbale in all the Federal Governmnet Hospitals at present?

Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division: There are three Federal Government Hospitals namely, PIMS, FGPC and Capital Hospital working under administrative control of CA&DD where the Hepatitis patients are being treated. The medicines for Hepatitis are available in the said hospitals and are being provided to the patients free of cost according to their needs. The detail is as under.

PIMS

At the present there are no special funds allocated for the purchase of antiviral medicines for hepatitis treatment. Therefore, antiviral medicines are not included in the hospital formulary. The only source of funds through which this treatment is provided to poor patients is Pakistan Bait-ul-Mall / Zakat Funds.

The medicines as per hospitals formulary are being given free of cost to the Hepatitis patients getting treatment from PIMS, hospital formulary is Annexed at “A”.

FGPC

It is stated that all the medicines relating / used for Hepatitis are available in this hospital which are provided to the patients free of cost according to their needs.

C.H

Capitals Hospital works under administrative control of Capital Development Authority.

Capital Hospital is a department hospital and providing free of cost medicines to the patients of Hepatitis (CDA Employees and their dependents). —————————————————————————————— @ Transferred from Natinal Health Services, Regulation and coordination Division. 11 Whereas rest of the Federal Government Hospitals namely, NIRM & FGH do not have Gastroenterology Department which is responsible for treatment of patients with Hepatitis.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

60. *Ms. Sajida Begum:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Cabinet Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the degrees of some officers of BPS-18 appointed in the Head Office of the Printing Corporation of Pakistan (PCP), Islamabad have been found fake; if so, the names and designations thereof; and

(b) the actions taken against said officers by the PCP?

Minister In-charge of the Cabinet Division: (a) Degrees of 05 officers of BPS-18 appointed in the Head Office of the Printing Corporation of Pakistan (PCP), Islamabad were sent to concerned Universities for verification. All the degrees were verified and none of the degree was declared as fake.

(b) In view of the above no action was to be taken.

61. *Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state the measures being taken by the Government to control the pollen allergy in Islamabad?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

62. *Ms. Suraiya Jatoi:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise details of new locomotives inducted in the system of Pakistan Railways (PR) during the last five years; 12 (b) the present status of functional and non-functional locomotives of PR;

(d) the benefits achieved through the induction of these new locomotives during the said period?

Minister for Railways (Khawaja Saad Rafique): (a) Seventy seven (77) new locomotives have been inducted in the system of Pakistan Railways during the last five years as detailed below; —————————————————————————————— Sr.# Year Quantity Class —————————————————————————————— 1. 2013-14 29 ZCU-20/30 2. 2014-15 34 ZCU-20/30 3. 2015-16 - - 4. 2016-17 14* GEU-40 —————————————————————————————— Total: - 77 - —————————————————————————————— * Fourteen (14) locomotives have been received up till April, 2017, remaining 41 will be received up to July, 2017.

(b) Pakistan Railways has fleet of 448 locomotives out of which 293 are functional and 155 are non functional. Status of non-functional locomotives is as under;

 Ninety Three (93) DE Locomotives are under maintenance / heavy repairs presently and will be made completely operational by June, 2018. This is however an ongoing exercise as the running Locomotives have to be detained for carrying out routine schedules/overhauls.

 62 Chinese locomotives are held up since long requiring heavy repairs; the rehabilitation plan of these locomotives is under consideration subject to a feasibility study to establish that the rehabilitation will be economical, keeping in view the residual life of these locomotives. 13 (c) 194 locomotives have been added in the system out of which 174 locomotives were special repaired and 20 locomotives were rehabilitated during the last five (05) years.

(d) The benefits achieve through the induction of these new locomotives during the said period is as under.

 The availability of locomotives has increased 62 % as before the induction of these locomotives the daily available locomotives for operational purpose were 180 which is now 293 daily per average.

 Punctuality of mail express trains has been improved tremendously.

 During 2013 there were total 90 Passenger Trains operational which increased upto 106 in 2016.

 Pakistan Railways will start new passenger train very soon which includes Kohat Passenger to run between Rawalpindi and Kohat, Harnai Passenger to run between Sibi and Harnai and Mehran Express from Karachi to Mirpur Khas. Apart from that Jaffar Express has been extend from Rawalpindi to Peshawar w.e.f 15-04-2017.

 During financial year 2012-13 revenue earned from passenger sector was. 13,536.130 million.

 On the induction of new locomotives and steps taken by the government, the revenue earned from passenger sector during the financial year 2015-16 Rs. 20,364.7 millions which is almost 34% increased.

 In 2012-13 freight operation has almost come to a grinding halt which less than one train per day from Karachi Port which has increased at an average of 10 trains per day in 2016.

 The revenue earned from Freight sector was Rs. 1984.8 million in 2012-13 and in 2015-16 Rs. 10585.9 million with an increase of 81 %. 14 63. *Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Establishment Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Government institutions/departments advertise posts for appointments;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the Government has taken notice regarding majority of persons have prescribed education but have not experience required by the departments in such advertisements;

(d) if answers to part (a), (b) and (c) above are in the affirmative, whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to relax post qualification experience by amending the rules for Government jobs and required in service training in relevant fields in order to give equal chance to every eligible candidate?

Minister In-charge of the Establishment Division: (a) Yes.

(b) Persons having prescribed education, qualification alongwith experience where prescribed are already available in the open market for consideration of appointment.

(d) At present there is no proposal under consideration to amend the Rules for government jobs by relaxing post qualification experience and set post appointment training in relevant fields.

64. *Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub:

Will the Minister for Climate Change be pleased to state whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to 15

conduct survey during the year 2017 to assess the ratio of industrial pollution in the major cities of the country; if so, the name of cities thereof?

Minister for Climate Change (Mr. Zahid Hamid): Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) has been conducting surveys of industrial area in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) whenever required on need basis.

Initial detailed survey was conducted in 1999 (Annex-II) later on, another survey of marble and steel industries were initiated in 2015 (Annex-III) and 2016 (Annex-IV), respectively, for collection of updated data of steel units, as per Supreme Court order.

In addition to the above, Pak-EPA is going to conduct a comprehensive survey of Industries in ICT area in the context of industrial pollution during this year. Also, survey of major industrial towns to assess the industrial pollution was carried out in Hub and Quetta during 2016 and will also be conducted during 2017 by provincial EPA.

During the year 2016 under the Project “Environmental Profile of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” air, water and soil analysis of some major cities (Peshawar, Kohat, D.I. Khan, Bannu, Mardan, Abbottabad & Mingora) were completed by provincial EPA.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there is a project proposal titled “Inventory of Industrial Pollution in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” in the fiscal year 2017-18 for which the Government would be requested for its approval by provincial EPA.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

65. *Maulana Muhammad Gohar Shah:

Will the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training be pleased to state the total number of appointments made in the Bacha Khan University, Charsadda on contract, fixed pay and daily wages basis during January to March, 2017 alongwith details including name of persons, designations, educational qualifications, addresses and domiciles thereof? 16 Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training: A total of 16 i.e. sixteen appointments have been made in the Bacha Khan University, Charsadda on contract/temporary, and fixed pay during January to March, 2017. A consolidated list containing the names of persons, designations, educational qualification, addresses and domiciles thereof is at Annex-I. 17 18 66. *Ms. Shamas Un Nisa:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the average daily business of passenger trains at present; and

(b) the month-wise profit earned and loss suffered by said trains during tenure of the present Government?

Minister for Railways (Khawaja Saad Rafique): (a)The average daily business of passenger trains in monetary terms at present is Rs. 62 million.

(b) There was a huge differential between the earnings and expenditure from passenger services till June 2013 which enhanced the losses significantly. However, since the arrival of present Government, the earnings from passenger sector have significantly improved compared with expenditure. During the period upto June - 2014, the cumulative earnings never impassed. The cumulative variable cost, thus resulting in perpetual deficit. However, since July - 2014 the earnings have increased the variable cost by Rs.17.410 billion (July - 14 to March - 17), as shown in the table below and Annexure-A. ( Rs. in Million ) —————————————————————————————— Year Earnings Variable cost Variation —————————————————————————————— July 2010-June 12510 18089 -5579 2011 July 2011-June 11715 18089 -6374 2012 July 2012-June 14137 17290 -3153 2013 July 2013-June 16463 17110 -647 2014 July 2014-June 18545 15376 3169 2015 July -2015 June 21826 13869 7957 2016 July -2016-20th 16278 9993 6284 March – 2017 ——————————————————————————————  The estimated earnings in 2016-2017 is Rs.21704 in Million and estimated profit is Rs.8380 in Million. 19 The month-wise details of earrings and losses during the tenure of present Government showing from July-2013 is annexed as Annexure-A. For the sake of comparison similar information for the period from July-10 to June-13 is also shown in the same Annexure. 20 21 67. *Mr. Sher Akbar Khan:

Will the Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage be pleased to state whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to install PTV Boosters in Buner; if so, the time by which installation work will be started thereon; if not, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage: Pakistan Television Corporation Limited has purchased 10 Kanal Land for establishment of a TV Booster at Buner where construction work of the buildings is near to completion. After completion of the buildings installation work for transmission will be completed by the end of year 2017.

68. *Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to supply text books in time to students of schools in Islamabad for the next academic session?

Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division: In order to provide timely supply of textbooks in the upcoming academic session to the students following steps have been taken by Federal Directorate of Education, Islamabad:—

 Well in time signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FDE and National Book Foundation (NBF) (27th December 2016) for provision of textbooks for the session 2017-18.

 Clearance of all outstanding dues for the last supply of textbooks.

 Follow up with the NBF authorities, Punjab Curriculum and Textbooks Board, Sindh Textbooks Board and other publishers to ensure timely provision of textbooks.

 Effective coordination between FDE and other agencies for timely completion of supply i.e. before the start of academic session 2017-18. 22 69. *Ms. Shazia Mubashar:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state whether it is a fact that the establishment of separate hospital and school for disabled persons is under consideration; if not, the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division:

DGSE:

No such proposal is under consideration, However, the Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE) has already established the Special Education Centers / Schools for four types of disabilities i.e. Visually Handicapped, Physically Handicapped, Hearing Impaired and Mentally Retarded which are providing education, training and rehabilitation to the disabled Children / Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, the Hospital namely “ National Institute of Handicapped (NIHd) was established for assessment and treatment / Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities by the DGSE in the year 1994 which was taken over by the Ministry of Health in 2001 and presently functioning as “National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM) under the CA&DD Division.

NIRM :

The National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Islamabad (NIRM) is itself a tertiary care hospital providing services to persons with disabilities. The schools for disabled persons come under the purview of the Directorate General of Special Education, Islamabad.

70. *Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Aviation Division be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to check/improve the edible items being provided on daily basis to passengers on board of the Pakistan International Airlines?

Minister In-charge of the Aviation Division: PIA has taken number of steps to improve passengers’ experience onboard PIA flights. Following are few of the steps: 23

 Quarterly Menu change.

 Four choice of meals.

 Meal uplift form world renowned caterers.

 Evaluation and inspection of catering facilities.

 Vaccination of staff related to food services.

 Introduction of New caterers.

 Quality Checks.

 Customers’ Feedback.

71. *Ms. Amra Khan:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state the details of up-gradation projects undertaken at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Federal Government Polyclinic and National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicines, Islamabad during the last two years?

Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division: The details of up-gradation projects undertaken at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Federal Government Polyclinic and National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicines, Islamabad during the last two years is as under.

PIMS:

The details of up-gradation projects undertaken at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad is attached at Annex-A.

FGPC:

(a) Following steps have been taken during last two years for up- gradation of FGPC, Islamabad?

 Approval for extension of the hospital over additional 2.54 acres land has been obtained. The hospital is built on 3.3 acres of land. Now it’s extension has been planned on adjacent piece of land 2.54 acres after which total area of 5.84 acres will be utilized for the hospital. Rs. 44.848 millions has been paid to 24 Capital Development Authority and allotment has been made by CDA in favor of this hospital.

 CPSP has permitted approved for affiliation of postgraduate teaching in 23 disciplines in this hospital.

 New OPD Hall with 15 rooms for doctors and well-managed waiting areas with capacity of 500 patients have been constructed.

 School of Nursing in providing training to more than 77 nurses annually.

 Creation of more paid slots for house job and PG training has been done.

 Store management & improvement including regular stock taking and stoppage of pilferage (Medical & Non-Medical) has been managed.

 Bio-Metric attendance system has been installed in FGPC.

 The project of Nursing school and Female Doctors hostel have been completed.

 Dispensary block and store blocks have been renovated.

 Queue Management system is under process and likely to start functioning within short time.

 New Medical equipments have been purchased / Installed in several departments to provide better facilities to the patients.

NIRM:

During the last two years no up-gradation project has been undertaken at the National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Islamabad. However, NIRM is striving to attain allotment of 4167 sq yard adjacent piece of land from the CDA. As soon as this materializes, the proposal for construction of a new building will be submitted. However, PC-II has already been submitted for extension in physical infrastructure. 25 A - x e n n A 26 27 72. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training be pleased to state the name of educational institutions affiliated with the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Islamabad at present alongwith locations thereof?

Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training: Total number of institutions affiliated with Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Islamabad at Matric and intermediate level are 1355. Out of these, 1304 institutions are within Pakistan and 51 institutions are situated overseas / abroad. Names and addresses of those institutions are in the list attached herewith.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

73. *Ms. Naseema Hafeez Panezai:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the total portion of domestic freight being carried by Pakistan Railways (PR); and

(b) the steps being taken by PR to capture maximum freight of private sector?

Minister for Railways (Khawaja Saad Rafique): (a) During last three years (2013-2014, 2014-2015 and 201516) and up to March 2017, Pakistan Railways managed to load 682156 wagons of different commodities. Detail is given as under; —————————————————————————————— Year Previous Current Variation Percentage —————————————————————————————— 2014-15 76307 176155 99848 +131 %

2015-16 176155 243794 67639 +38 %

2016-17 177324 185900 8576 +5 % (Jul-Mar) —————————————————————————————— 28 It can be seen from above tabulation that Pakistan Railways has loaded 99848 (+131%) wagons more as compared to 2013-14. During the year 2015-16, 67639 (+38%) more wagons were loaded as compared to 2014-15 and likewise 8576 (+ 5%) more wagons have been loaded during the current financial year up to March, 2017 as compared to same period of the corresponding year. At an average P.R has loaded 170539 wagons per year. At present the commodities being carried by P.R domestic freight traffic including oil, coal, container, fertilizer, oil seed, military store, phosphate, cement etc.

Pakistan’s total road network comprises around 263, 356 kms which carries over 96 percent of inland freight traffic. As compared to this, the network of Pakistan Railways comprises of 7,791 kilometers. According to year book data 2015-16, freight carried by Pakistan Railways was 5.001 million tones. The economic survey of Pakistan and Karachi Port Trust statistics indicate that approximately 132.158 million tonnes of freight has been handled at all ports resulting into the total share of Pakistan Railways as 3.8 %. In order to achieve this share following loading has been done by Pakistan Railways: —————————————————————————————— Year Tonnes kms Tones Variation VariationTonnes (billion) Carried TKMs Carried (million) (billion) (million) —————————————————————————————— 2015-16 4,774 5,001 1,473 1,403 —————————————————————————————— (b) Following steps have been taken to capture maximum freight:

 Introduction of competitive freight rates to divert traffic from road to Rail.

 Preference to block train loads.

 Fixed Deposit Account (FDA) based agreement with Maple Leaf Cement Factory and MOUs with Awan Trading Company, the Chishtian Logistics and Bestway Cement for transportation of coal.

 At present, 10 freight trains are, at an average, being transported ex-port.

 Availability of Locomotives in freight pool has been improved from 8 to 95.

 All out efforts are being carried out to increase the share of freight earning by giving preference to high rated commodity like POL. 29

 A massive quantity of coal consisting of 5 trains daily for Daud Khel, Chichukimallian for Cement Factories and Yousafwala for coal fired power plant transported by Pakistan Railways and being established by Government of Pakistan to overcome the energy crises in Pakistan. Transportation of coal has been started since 29-01-2017 and at an average two coal trains are being run daily. Frequency of coal trains will be further increased to five trains daily in near future.

 Terminal facilities are being augmented by introducing modern facilities to curtail loading and un-loading time.

 490 High Capacity/High speed hopper trucks are being introduced for swift movement /loading of coal.

 The upgradation of Main Line (ML-I/1872 kms) from Peshawar to Karachi is included in CPEC as early harvest project and work is expected to be started in September 2017.

 Pakistan Railways Freight Transportation Company (PRFTC) has been established to explore new venues for future freight traffic.

 Cargo Express train carrying 27 ZBCSs (bogie wagons) is plying between Karachi Bandar-Badami Bagh Lahore on daily basis.

 Current fleet of freight locomotives has been augmented by adding 55 new locomotives of 4000 to 4500 HP.

 Total fleet of locomotives on freight will be 135 in July 2017.

74. *Ms. Aasiya Nasir:

Will the Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage be pleased to state the measures being taken by the Government to protect the cultural and historical heritage alongwith worship places of non-Muslims in the country?

Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage: (i) The Department of Archaeology and Museums had protected 405 archaeological sites and historical monuments under Antiquities Act, 1975, including the sacred archaeological sites such as; Buddhist Stupas, Hindu Temples, Churches and Mosques etc. for their proper preservation and development throughout the 30 country. However all living sacred monuments / worship places of non-Muslims (which are still in use) are being maintained by Auqaf Departments of the respective provincial governments.

(ii) The Department took all possible measures for preservation and upkeep of the sites, monuments and worship places of non-Muslims under its control before devolution to the respective provinces (in April, 2011) under the Constitution (18th Amendment) Act, 2010 (Act, No. X of 2010).

75. *Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:

Will the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has extended the prescribed period for completion of the B.Ed Programme; if so, the details alongwith the justification thereof; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Ministry to restore the earlier practice for those students who have completed their graduation?

Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training: (a) Yes, as the one year B.Ed. Programme has been phased out by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) vide Notification No. 9- 1/Curri/HEC/2016/437, dated 30-03-2016, and is replaced with 1.5 years B.Ed. Programme having 54 credit hours as per revised New Teacher Education Roadmap prepared by National curriculum Review Committee (NCRC) for Education. The objective is to bring Teachers Education Program in line with international standards, improve quality of knowledge, professional skills and qualifications of the practicing teachers. The new Teachers Education Roadmap has been designed to comply with the National Professional Standards for Teachers and to replace old obsolete Teachers Education Programs like PTC, CT, and Diploma in Education or one year B.Ed. Program. The details thereof are at Annex-I.

(b) No proposal is under consideration to restore the said Programme for those students who have completed their graduation.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library) 31 @76. *Sahibzada Tariq Ullah:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken by the Government to introduce a uniform curriculum in the Federal Government schools/colleges in the country so far; and

(b) whether it is a fact that the Government has introduced a degree/ course in Computer Science in the Federal schools/colleges in Islamabad; if so, details; if not, reasons thereof?

Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division: (a) Uniform Curriculum/ Syllabus is being followed in all the Educational Institutions working under Federal Directorate of Education, Islamabad.

(b) The subject of Computer Science is being taught in Educational Institution under FDE from class 6th as a compulsory subject. However from class 9th onward Computer Science has been opted as an elective subject. Where as Bachelor Degree program in Computer Science is also offered at Islamabad Model Colleges.

77. *Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir:

Will the Minister for Climate Change be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that 500 million cubic feet polluted water flows into sea daily at present; if so, threats to marine life on account of the said issue; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister for Climate Change (Mr. Zahid Hamid): (a) Yes, Karachi with an ever increasing population, currently around 20 million, has incomplete and ineffective sewerage system, as a result of which, approximately 500 million of gallon per day (MGD) sewage being generated is discharged untreated into the sea through Lyari and Malir Rivers. The major threats are: —————————————————————————————— @ Transferred from Federal Education and Professional Training Division. 32

 Ground water pollution due to seepage and dumping.

 Depletion of mangrove forests.

 Reduction in dissolved oxygen in water bodies.

 Adverse impacts on export (seafood).

 Loss in fish production.

 Contamination of food resources (vegetables grown within the city by using domestic untreated wastewater).

(b) In order to provide a thorough and complete sewerage system, Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KW&SB), S-III Project plans to construct interceptors along Malir and Lyari rivers, laying new trunk sewers upto the respective treatments plants besides constructing new swage treatments plants and rehabilitating the existing sewage treatment plants (STPs) to enhance the overall treatment capacity of the city to around 470 MGD.

The discharge treated waste water into the sea will clean the beaches and sea front, besides contributing for protection and improvement of the city environment and maintaining marine ecological balance.

78. *Syed Waseem Hussain:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Establishment Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether the examination papers of the National Testing Service are being prepared according to requirements of relevant posts; and

(b) the authority who grants approval alongwith details thereof?

Minister In-charge of the Establishment Division: (a) & (b) According to the policy guidelines (Annex-I & II), the initial screening of the applicants would be conducted by the centralized screening test to be carried out by a testing agency which would be hired by the administrative Ministry / Division keeping in view of the following:— 33 I. The testing agency should be a registered testing agency, if in the private sector. II. It should have experience in the relevant field. III. It should have established infrastructure for the purpose. IV. It should have not been blacklisted by any government office.

2. However, the testing agencies are selected by the Ministries/ Divisions through a competitive bidding and in line with the PPRA rules and regulations, therefore, TORs of the screening tests are approved by the Ministry/ Division concerned and Establishment Division have no role to play in the matter.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

79. *Ms. Mussarrat Ahmadzeb:

Will the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the foreign aid is being given to Pakistan for the promotion of technical education and training; and

(b) the total amount of the said aid spent for District Swat during the tenure of the present Government?

Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training: (a) Technical and vocational education is being primarily pursued by provinces and areas and CADD (in ICT) directly. They often have direct linkages with forgoing donors. However, under this Ministry, National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) carried out only one short term skill development course in mobile repair, tailoring / dress making, embroidery, computer course for Polio Victims/ Physically challenged persons of KPK & FATA with UN funding. The project was sponsored by UNESCO at a cost of Rs. 14.720 million (US$ 150,000). The project was executed in following institutes:

i. Paraplegic Centre Hayatabad, Peshawar (46 Trainees).

ii. Government Advanced Technical Training Centre, Peshawar. 34 iii. Government Technical & Vocational Centre (Women), Peshawar (40 Trainees).

(b) No. project for promotion of technical education and training was executed in District Swat with foreign aid by NAVTTC.

80. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state whether the up- gradation project of railway’s track from Peshawar to Karachi is being started; if so, the country-wise funds provided therefor so far?

Minister for Railways (Khawaja Saad Rafique): Up-gradation of Main Line-1 (ML-1) of Pakistan Railways is an “Early Harvest Project” and has been declare as a strategic project under CPEC. PC-1 of the project has been cleared by CDWP and is awaiting approval of ECNEC.

The preliminary design of the project is in progress and will be completed by June 2017. Being a strategic project, funding for the project will be provided by Chinese Financial Institutions and Government of Pakistan.

The work on the project will be started on signing of Framework Agreement between the two countries, which is expected to be finalized by May, 2017.

81. *Ms. Belum Hasnain:

Will the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Education in Islamabad consists of various courses/schemes of study;

(b) if so, the steps taken by the present Government so far in order to formulate a uniform syllabus/curriculum for all educational institutes of Islamabad?

Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training: (a) The National Scheme of studies was notified by the then Ministry of Education in 2007. All the federating units including Islamabad Capital Territory have adopted 35 and implemented national scheme of studies 2007. Scheme of studies is the first step in the educational program which identifies the subjects to be taught at different levels of education indicating weight-age and time given to each subject. The scheme of studies also indicates which subjects are the compulsory core subjects and elective subjects for each level of education.

(b)  In 2006, the national curriculum from early childhood education to higher secondary school level in all subjects was revised to make it internationally competitive and responsive to the modern socio economic, professional and labour market needs of the country. All the provinces have adopted the national curriculum 2006. Most of the provinces have developed teaching and learning materials especially for core subjects based on the national curriculum 2006.

 However, there are two streams of education in Pakistan i.e. the Public Sector Schools and Private Sector Schools. Low cost private sector schools in rural areas in ICT follow the curriculum of 2006, whereas there are schools which offer foreign qualifications including O-Level, A-Level, IB (International Baccalaureate) etc.

 After devolution of education to the provinces under 18th Constitutional Amendment, it was realized that the nation should have minimum national curricula and national standards in every field of knowledge with enough flexibility to add on regional curricula. To realize this objective, the National Curriculum Council was constituted which consists of three members from each Province/Area to develop minimum Curriculum that ensures Minimum National Standards in all subjects and emphasizes on national ideology and societal needs. For uniformity of curricula among all the federating units, seven meetings of the National Curriculum Council had been held to discuss various issues related to curriculum development and to ensure uniformity in curricula across the Provinces/Areas. The following steps have been taken to ensure uniform curriculum across the Provinces/ Areas:

o Minimum standards for quality education in Pakistan had been developed and disseminated among all Provinces/ Areas to ensure compatibility. 36 o A draft National Curriculum Framework in consultation with all federating units has been developed which provides guidelines for revision and development of curriculum across the Provinces/ Areas.

o National Curriculum Council Secretariat has been established in the Curriculum Wing building at H-9, Islamabad. The main purpose of NCC secretariat is to facilitate NCC in curriculum revision and development as well as to provide technical support to the provinces.

82. *Ms. Asyia Naz Tanoli:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether employees of District Population Welfare Office, Islamabad have been absorbed; if not, the steps taken in this regard so far;

(b) the present status of the said Office after the devolution of the Ministry of Population Welfare; and

(c) whether it is a fact that official status has not been given to the said Office; if so, whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to give official status to the said Office?

Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division: (a) The absorption process is in progress Management Services Wing, Establishment Division’s O.M No. 5-1/2011-MSW-III dated 28-12-2016 has communicated that the absorption of employees of District Population Welfare Office; Islamabad as such is not required (Annexure-A). Clarification regarding Establishment above said O.M is sorted to supersede or cancel the previous Establishment Division notification No.15(1)2010-MSW-IV dated 04-12-2010 to avoid any anomaly/audit objections and to communicate exact date of absorption of employees (Annexure-B).

(b) Before devolution of Ministry of Population Welfare, District Population Welfare Office was part & parcel of the main Ministry. The case for declaration of status is in process in Establishment Division (Annexure-C). 37 (c) The case of declaration for status of District Population Welfare Office is under process with Establishment Division.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

83. *Dr. Nafisa Shah:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Aviation Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has entered in an agreement with the Turkish Airlines;

(b) whether it is also a fact that all passengers from Pakistan who want to go to Europe via PIA will first go to Turkey and then will be transferred to Turkish Airline Flight which will take them to their destiny in Europe and vice versa; if so, the reasons for entering in such kind of agreement; and

Minister In-charge of the Aviation Division: (a) It is a fact that PIACL has extended its Code share agreement with Turkish Airlines earlier signed in March 2006.

(b) All passengers from Pakistan who want to go to Europe, on the destinations where PIA is not operating its flights, will first go to Turkey and then to their respective destinations in Europe. Reason of entering into such agreement is to expand network and to activate PIA’s offline points in Europe, USA, Central Asia and Africa without bearing any operating cost.

(c) PIA is already operating direct flights to the European destinations; from Pakistan to Barcelona, Birmingham, Copenhagen, Oslo, London, Manchester, Milan and Paris. It is imperative to mention that, under the Code share with Turkish Airlines, PIA has activated its offline points in Europe, USA, Central Asia and Africa without having any operating cost. By entering into such agreement now our passengers can also travel to destinations other than those where PIACL is not operating its flights. 38 84. *Mrs. Shahida Rehmani:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of railways accidents occurred since 01-01-2013;

(b) the total number of persons died in the said accidents alongwith the province and year-wise details thereof; and

Minister for Railways (Khawaja Saad Rafique): (a) During the period (January 2013 to December 2016) a total of (338) minor and major accidents have been occurred over the Railway network. Out of which (149) are major and (189) fall in category of minor accidents. The year wise detail of accidents is as under; —————————————————————————————— S. No. DESCRIPTION OF 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total ACCIDENTS —————————————————————————————— 1. Collision of trains 1 1 0 4 6

2. Derailment of trains 13 14 38 22 87 including yard derailments

3. Collision at manned 14 13 18 13 58 level crossings

4 Collision at unmanned 47 42 48 50 187 level crossings ————————————————————————————————————— Total: 75 70 104 89 338 ————————————————————————————————————— 39 (b) The year wise and province wise detail of dead persons as a result of accidents for last four years is given below; —————————————————————————————— S. No. KPK Pujnab Sindh Balochistan —————————————————————————————— 2013 0 8 6 0 2014 0 4 10 0 2015 0 23 6 15 2016 0 17 21 8 —————————————————————————————— Total: 0 52 43 23 —————————————————————————————— (c) Steps taken by the Government to prevent the accidents in future;

i. Training and refresher courses are conducted regularly at the Pakistan Railways Academy, Walton, Special attention is being given to the training of the locomotive crew, guards, station master and other concerned staff with train operations.

ii. Regular inspections in accordance with prescribed standards and quota are conducted by the officers and officials of Pakistan Railways to maintain safety standards. This process is being constantly monitored at appropriate levels.

iii. Special bulletins/instructions are issued regularly for guidance of staff.

iv. Inquiries into accidents are held, responsibility fixed and remedial measures on the basis of their findings are promptly taken.

v. Inspections of all manned or unmanned level crossings is being carried out by all concerned in accordance with laid down schedule regularly.

vi. Special attention is being paid to the surfacing of roads, clearance of check rails, maintenance, cross level track, clearance of visibility zones and maintenance of the level crossings. 40 vii. Efforts are under way for overhauling of all manned/unmanned level crossings in accordance with the schedule.

viii. Warning signs in Urdu vernacular have already been erected which are clearly visible from the both sides of unmanned/manned level crossings.

ix. Most vulnerable unmanned level crossing have jointly been surveyed and indentified proposals are in progress for there up-gradation, with the cooperating of the Provincial Government.

x. Instructions have been issued to all operating divisions for introduction of LED based light in tail lamps.

xi. Recommendations for enhancement of punishment to road vehicle drivers, trespassers have been sent to Ministry of Railways for enforcement.

xii. Conversion of old age kerosene oil based signal have been undertaken replaced with LED’s on main line.

85. *Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state the steps taken by the present Government to increase girls enrollment in the Federal Government Schools?

Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division: FDE endeavors to increase the enrollment in the FG Schools, especially girls enrollment. The steps taken to increase the girls enrollment are:—

 To uplift the education standard and infrastructure of the educational institutions, Prime Minister Education Reform Programme has been started. In this regard following steps have so far been taken:—

 Up-gradation of infrastructure and provision of missing facilities like, washrooms, clean drinking water and construction of additional classrooms etc. 41

 Provision of transport facility by providing 200 buses to the students of ICT. Accordingly 70 buses have been reached and handed over to the respective institutions, whereas remaining buses will be handed over in near future.

 107 computer labs in girls educational institutions with allied facilities will establish in collaboration with Universal Services Funds a project of Ministry of Information Technology.

 Involvement of community through School Management Committee (SMC)

 Flexible Admission policy.

 Age relaxation at time of Admission.

 Free textbooks are being provided to the students from classes Prep-X.

86. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Aviation Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Islamabad New Airport has been constructed according to the international standard; and

(b) the types of aeroplanes which can land and take-off thereon?

Reply not received.

87. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state:

(a) the reasons of abandoning the project of reconstruction of the Federal Government Polyclinic, Islamabad; and 42 (b) whether it will be completed during tenure of the present Government?

Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division: (a) A PC-II amounting to Rs. 47.896 million was presented in 9th meeting Project Steering Committee which was held on 2111-2016 in the CA&DD to review the PC-II for onward submission to DDWP for its approval. After details discussion on the direction of Secretary CA&DD a team has been constituted of the following members i.e. from FGPC, from Planning, from CA&DD included DFA CA&DD which will visit the Prime Minister Office soon to get the information / guidelines regarding implementation of decisions already issued by the Prime Minister’s Office U.O.No 1456/JS (IMP) dated 30th June 2016 regarding “Up-gradation of Government Health Facilities in Islamabad Capital territory” and to refer the decision at Sr.No. 22 of the minutes of the meeting. In this regard CA&DD has requested the Honorable Prime Minister’s office to convey the date & time to get clarification about the said decision. The date and time has not yet been intimated.

(1) It is also mentioned that a case W.P. No. 1003/2015 is under trial in Islamabad High Court. This hospital has submitted the comments to Honourable court but the decision is still awaited.

(2) The physical work on the project will follow formal approval and arrangement of funding thereof.

(b) No, as the physical work has not yet been started so that it is not possible to complete the said project during the tenure of present Government.

88. *Dr. Mahreen Razaque Bhutto:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Capital Administration and Development Division has planned to upgrade 200 schools during the current year; if so, the procedure thereof; and

(b) the total amount/funds to be allocated in this regard alongwith the details thereof? 43 Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division: (a) Yes it is a fact that CA&DD has planned to upgrade 200 schools during the current financial year under Prime Minister’s Education Reforms Program.

(b) PC-I of scheme titled “Renovation/Rehabilitation of Physical Infrastructure of 200 educational institutions under PMERP in ICT at the capital cost of Rs. 2742.001 million has been approved by the M/O Planning, Development & Reforms. An amount of Rs. 1000 Million has been allocated in the CFY 2016-17.

89. *Mr. Muhammad Jamal Ud Din:

Will the Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that some employees of the Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation were dismissed during September, 2015;

(b) whether it is also a fact that there are some procedural irregularities in their dismissal;

(d) whether opportunities for personal hearing as required by relevant rules have not been provided to the said employees; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(e) the details of inquiry reports prepared for the said employees?

Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage: (a) Two APP Employees were dismissed from the service during the September, 2015, namely.

(i) Mr. Kashif Azeem, Ex-Junior Computer Operator, APPC, Nawabshah

(ii) Mr. Abdul Hameed, Ex-Messenger, APPC, Lahore. 44 (b) The above cited employees were dismissed from APP service under Efficiency & Discipline Rules, 1973 and also observing codal formalities as prescribed in the E&D Rules, 1973 i.e. conducting a formal inquiry or issue Show Cause Notice to the accused.

(c) Major Penalty of dismissal from service as prescribed under Clause 4(1)(b)(iv) were imposed on the above cited employees.

(d) (i) An Inquiry, in pursuance of Rule-5 (1) (ii) read with Rule 6 of the Government Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 1973 was conducted against one employee namely Mr. Kashif Azeem. The Inquiry Officer had given proper opportunity to the accused and after that the inquiry officer submitted the report.

(ii) The case of Mr. Abdul Hameed, Ex-Messenger, APPC, Lahore was forwarded to the M/o I,B&NH vide APPC’s U.O. No. W.P32445/16- Legal, dated November 08, 2016 in the light of court orders regarding his personal hearing.

(iii) The M/o I,B&NH vide its U.O. No.6(18)/2016-P-II, dated 25-01-2017 has restored the services of Mr. Abdul Hameed, Ex- Messenger, APPC, Lahore.

(e) (i) A detail inquiry report submitted by the inquiry officer in respect of Mr. Kashif Azeem is at Annex-I.

(ii) Personal hearing/inquiry of Mr. Abdul Hameed, Ex-Messenger, APPC is placed at Annex-II.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

ISLAMABAD: ABDUL JABBAR ALI, The 13th April, 2017 Secretary.

PCPPI—3530(2017) NA—13-4-2017—650. 1

(41st Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Friday, the 14th April, 2017

15. Mir Aamir Ali Khan Magsi: (Deferred during 31st Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether funds have been allocated to metal roads and to lay sewerage lines in Muhammadi Town, Sohan, Islamabad so far; and

(b) the time by which the development works will be started in the said Town?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

31. Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb: (Deferred during 34th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state the total number of fruit trees planted by the Capital Development Authority in Sector G-5 and G-6, Islamabad during the last three years?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

32. Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb: (Deferred during 34th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state whether there is any 2 proposal under consideration of the Government to plant fruit trees and olive trees in the forest of Shakarparian, Islamabad?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

38. Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi: (Deferred during 34th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state whether it is a fact that the sewerage system of Sector I-14, Islamabad is non-functional since long; if so, the reasons thereof?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

42. Mr. Waseem Akhtar Shaikh: (Deferred during 34th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that water supply line of Block No.5, Cat.III, Sector G-10/2, Islamabad has developed fault and as a result, water supply to the residents has been suspended since long;

(b) if the answer to above is in affirmative , the steps being taken by the Government to install new water supply line for the said Block?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

72. Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb: (Deferred during 34th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to plant fruit trees and olive trees in Japani Park and Zoo in Islamabad?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day. 3 31. Mr. Waseem Akhtar Shaikh: (Deferred during 37th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the street lights of Street No.49 particularly from House No. 7 to 12, Sector G-10/3, Islamabad remained off since long;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the lights of Park near Khan Market of the said Sector are non-functional since long;

(c) whether it is further a fact that the said Park has not been repaired/renovated during the tenure of the present Government;

(d) if the answers to part (a), (b) and (c) above are in the affirmative, the reasons thereof; and

(e) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to declare the said Park as Women Park; if so, when it will be implemented; if not, the reasons thereof?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

39. Mr. Waseem Akhtar Shaikh: (Deferred during 37th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the employees of Capital Development Authority are not performing their duties since long in respect of cutting grass out sides the houses of Street No.49 particularly from 7-16, Sector G-10/3, Islamabad; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to take action against them; if so, when it will be implemented?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day. 4 47. Mr. Sher Akbar Khan: (Deferred during 37th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the people have erected encroachments on the both sides of IJP Road from Faizabad to Peshawar Morr;

(b) if so, the steps taken/being taken by the Government to remove the said encroachments?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

34. Shazia Marri: (Deferred during 39th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether complaints of five male and one female individuals are being entertained on daily basis in Water Tanker Enquiry, Sector G-10/4, Islamabad;

(b) whether the priority to register complaints is not being given to female in said Enquiry;

(d) the total persons to whom water supplied therefrom during the said period;

(e) whether water is not being supplied to all complainants by said Enquiry;

(f) whether there is huge rush of persons in the said Enquiry who come for registering their complaints; if so, the security arrangements made therefor so far; 5 (g) whether complaints for supply of water are not being registered in said Enquiry over telephone; and

(h) the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

23. Dr. Fehmida Mirza: (Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Cabinet Division be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken by the Cabinet Division to prepare subject-wise list of titles of all laws and rules made thereunder with reference to business allocated to the said Division and its attached departments under the rules of business, 1973;

(b) the subject-wise list of said laws/rules;

(c) whether it is a fact that the steps have been taken by the said Division to consolidate and amend the said laws and rules to keep pace with changes in the society; if so, the details; if not, the reasons thereof;

(d) whether it is also a fact that the steps have been taken by the said Division to determine the anomalies, inconsistencies and difficulties in the administration and implementation of said laws and rules; and

(e) the names of officers/branches appointed/designated therefor?

Reply not received.

27. Mr. Siraj Muhammad Khan: (Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister for Climate Change be pleased to state:

(a) the steps being taken by the Government to curtail the rapidly depleting ground water levels in the country; and 6 (b) whether it is a fact that over extraction has resulted in annual depletion of an estimated more than 3 km of ground water?

Transferred to Water and Power Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

31. Dr. Shizra Mansab Ali Khan Kharral: (Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Cabinet Division be pleased to state whether there is any procedure/mechanism/law to monitor security of cyberspace; if so, the salient features; if not, the reasons thereof?

Transferred to Information Technology and Telecommunications Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

32. Ms. Khalida Mansoor: (Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister for Climate Change be pleased to state the effects on environment of pollution being spread from Coal Power Plants?

Minister for Climate Change (Mr. Zahid Hamid): While it is true that the coal fired power plants, like any other fossil fuel power plant, produce atmospheric pollution, the nature and extent of pollution varies by way of technology and quality of coal. Currently critical, super critical and ultra critical technologies are being used for power generation in coal power plants.

Generally, the major pollutants of concern from coal combustion are particulate, sulphur dioxides (S02), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds and greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). Metals are constituents of coal and are emitted as part of fly ash during combustion. Trace metals emissions include antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, magnesium, manganese, mercury, nickel, and selenium.

Particulate matter is emitted from the combustion process, and proven technologies for particulate removal in power plants are fabric filters and electrostatic precipitators (ESPs).

Sulphur oxides are emitted from the combustion of most fossil fuels through oxidation of the sulpure contained in the fuel. Treatment of reduce of S02 may be 7 done by washing the coal before burning, flue gas desulphurization (FGD). Wet limestone scrubbers are the most widely used of all the FGD systems.

Treatment of Nitrogen oxide (NOx) can be achieved by use of low (NOx) burner and other combustion modifications.

Fuel cleaning i.e. cleaning of coal is one option for removing mercury prior to combustion. Carbon filter bed is also used for mercury control.

Mitigation measures for CO2 are focused on carbon capture and sequestration technologies.

The growing Pakistani economy has been brought to a virtual stand-still due to the country’s acute power shortage in the recent years. Many industries (including the very significant textile industry) have been forced to shut down entirely or slow down their industrial production; and households in cities and villages alike are facing load-shedding of 12 hours per day in summer months. The power shortage that was estimated to be between 1,000 and 2,000 magawatt in 2007 is currently estimated to be in excess of 6,000 magawatt.

The energy crisis in anticipated to worsen in the coming years due to increase in demand and other factors. The depleting natural gas reserves and the failure to develop new hydroelectric energy resources has resulted in an increasing dependence of the country on imported fuel. Fluctuating oil prices in the international market has also increase the price tag on imported oil.

With the current government focusing on increasing the mix of coal in energy prices, the energy mix, it is predicted to help alleviate the energy problems in the country by adding relatively domestic and cheap energy.

The Government of Pakistan is fully cognizant of the associated environmental impacts of coal power plants and guidelines have been prepared to offset and mitigate the same during the construction and operation phases of coal based power plants. These guidelines were prepared in 2014 under the National Impact Assessment Programme with cooperation of IUCN.

These guidelines clearly identify the methodologies for impact assessment and suggest mitigation measures for protection of air quality, water resources, biological environment, socio economic and cultural environment. 8 National Environmental Quality Standards for coal power plants have also be notified for compliance to protect the ambient air quality.

It may be added that according to the World Coal Association currently 41% of global electricity is being produced by coal.

33. Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub: (Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state whether it is a fact that water is not being supplied to the residents of Block No.2 and 3, Category-IV, Sector G-10/3, Islamabad since long; if so, the steps being taken by the Government to resolve the said problem?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

34. Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub: (Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the construction of a major hospital in Tarlai is deliberately being delayed by Islamabad Administration due to pressure from the land mafia;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the approval for the construction of said hospital was given two years before; and

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

37. Dr. Shazia Sobia: (Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state: 9 (a) the total number of fire tender vehicles in working condition under the rescue services of the Fire Brigade (F.B.) at present;

(b) the total number of vehicles of the F.B not in working condition at present; and

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

38. Dr. Shazia Sobia: (Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of play grounds for Cricket, Hockey, Football and Wali Ball constructed in Islamabad so far; and

(b) the total number of play grounds in Islamabad which are under control of unauthorized persons at present alongwith the sector- wise details thereof?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

39. Mrs. Shahida Rehmani: (Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of plots allotted to land affectees of Islamabad during the period from 01-01-2015 to 31-08-2016 alongwith number of plots and sectors thereof;

(b) the names of persons to whom said plots allotted; and

(c) the names of Member of State, Director General Land, Deputy Director Land and Servitors posted therefor; and 10 (d) the posting period of said Officers/Servitors?

Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division: (a) 2693 plots have been allotted to land affectees of Islamabad during the period from 01-01-2015 to 31-08-2016 the details is placed at Annex- “A”.

(b) Lists of persons to whom the said plots allotted details is placed at Annex- “A”.

(d) Detail is placed at Annex- “B”.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

80. Dr. Fehmida Mirza: (Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister for Climate Change be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken by the Ministry/Climate Change Division to prepare subject-wise list of titles of all laws and rules made thereunder with reference to business allocated to the said Division and its Attached Departments under the Rules of Business, 1973;

(b) the subject wise list of titles of said laws/rules;

(c) whether it is a fact that the steps have been taken by the said Division to consolidate and amend the said laws and rules to keep pace with changes in the society; if so, details; if not, reasons thereof;

(e) the name of the officers/branches appointed/designated therefor? 11 Minister for Climate Change (Mr. Zahid Hamid): (a) Following steps have been taken by the Ministry of Climate Change with reference to the business allocated under the Rules of Business, 1973:

i. For implementation of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Pakistan an exclusive law, the Pakistan Trade Control of Wild Fauna and Flora Act, 2012 has been enacted. The draft rules under Pakistan Trade Control of Wild Fauna and Flora Act are under process.

ii. Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA), an attached department of Ministry of Climate Change have notified 32 different laws including rules, regulation, National Environment Quality Standard (NEQS) and guidelines for the protection and conservation of the environment after the concurrence of the Parliament.

iii. Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC) has been established as a Body Corporate in the light of GCISC Act, 2013.

iv. To address the adverse effects of Climate Change and to meet Pakistan’s obligations under International Conventions relating to Climate Change, a draft bill titled Pakistan Climate Change Act, 2017 is in the Parliament for legislation

v. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is functioning under NDMA Act, 2010. The proposed amendments in the said Act and NDMA Rules will be placed before the 5th National Disaster Management Commission (NDMC) meeting scheduled to be held shortly.

(b) The subject wise list of titles of said laws/rules are as under:

i. The Pakistan Trade Control of Wild Fauna and Flora Act, 2012.

ii. The draft Pakistan Trade Control of Wild Fauna and Flora Rules.

iii. National Environment Quality Standard (NEQS) and guidelines for the protection and conservation of the environment.

iv. Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC) Act, 2013. 12 v. Pakistan Climate Change Act, 2017.

vi. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Act, 2010.

vii. List of Rules and Regulations of Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) is at Annex-I.

(c) Yes, steps have been taken and the aim is to promote sustainable growth and development and to improve the environmental situation at par with the international obligations. However, changes in law need to be made once the social trends are clearly identified.

(d) No such situation will arise from implementation of above mentioned Act, Laws and Rules.

(e) Heads of the concerned wings and attached departments are designated for implementation of the said laws and rules. However, after concurrence of Parliament for Climate Change Act, 2017, rules will be made therein and the Authority will be headed by Chairman to be appointed by the Competent Authority.

Annex-I 13 14 81. Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi: (Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state the steps taken by the present Government to upgrade hiking trails of Margallah Hills with reference to their cleanliness, safety and guidance to people?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

8. Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Aviation Division be pleased to state the name of airports of the country where drinking Water Filtration Plants have been installed?

Reply not received.

9. Mr. Sher Akbar Khan:

Will the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training be pleased to state:

(a) the post-wise difference in pay/salaries of part time teachers/ visiting lecturers and regular faculty members presently serving in the International Islamic University (IIU), Islamabad alongwith the details thereof;

(b) the total number of students and lecturers of the departments of IIU at present separately;

(c) whether salaries/packages of the part time teachers/visiting lecturers of the University have not been revised since long; if so, the reasons thereof;

(d) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to revise the salaries/packages of said visiting lecturers; if so, when it will be implemented; and

(e) whether withholding tax is being deducted from salaries of said lecturers as per rules of the University; if so, the details thereof? 15

Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training: (a) The visiting teachers are not on regular pay roll of the International Islamic University (IIU), Islamabad. The said faculty is being hired on hourly basis for a semester in order to meet deficit of qualified human resource. Detail is annexed at Annex-A

(b) A total of 30714 students and 549 lecturers in the departments of IIU at present.

(c) The packages of part time teachers were revised in 2015 vide Notification No. IIUD.Acad(08)/2008-149, dated 24-04-2015.

(d) There is no such proposal under consideration of the IIU to revise the packages of said visiting lecturers at this stage.

(e) Withholding tax is being deducted from the packages of visiting teachers as per Government rules. The details are as under:

 10% deduction from filer

 15% deduction form non-filer

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

10. Ms. Sabiha Nazir:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of passengers travelled from Green Line Express Train since its opening;

(b) the total profit earned therefrom so far; and

Minister for Railways (Khawaja Saad Rafique): (a) The total number of passengers who travelled by Green Line Express train since its opening is 518850 (from 15-05-2015 to 31-03-2017). 16 (b) The total revenue earned so far is Rs. 2477.238 million (from 15-05-2015 to 31-03-2017) variable cost. 1466.00 and profit earned Rs. 1011.238 million.

(c) The proposals for introduction of new trains are under consideration and depending on the availability of rolling stock following trains will be introduced:

i. Kohat Express between RawalpindiKohat

ii. Mehran Express between Karachi-Hyderabad - Mirpurkhas

iii. Passenger train between Sibi -Khost and Harnai.

iv. Extension of Jaffar Express route from Rawalpindi to Peshawar with effect from 15-4-2017

11. Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:

Will the Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Radio Pakistan/Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation is not implementing the Prime Minister’s assistance package for families of the Government employees who die in service; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to implement the said package in letter and spirit?

Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage: (a) PBC is implementing the Prime Ministers Assistance Package for families of Government Employees who die in service. PBC has also adopted the said Package for families of those PBC employees who die in service with necessary modifications vide Memorandum No. A-IV/Coord/5(6)/2014 dated 3-8-2016 (Annexure-A). However, the payment of lump-sump grant is pending in certain cases for want of required funds.

(b) A case has been taken up with the Finance Division, through Ministry of IB&NH, for release of additional funds so that the Prime Minister Assistance Package could be implemented in letter and spirit.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library) 17 12. Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Capital Administration and Development Division be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to develop and make green both sides and divider of IJP Road, Islamabad?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

13. Sahibzada Tariq Ullah:

Will the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of students of the Universities of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who have proceeded for Ph.Ds on scholarship during the period from 2005 to 2015; and

(b) the total number of such students out of them who have returned to their respective Universities after completion of their education?

Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training: (a) A total of 510 i.e. five hundred and ten students of the Universities of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have proceeded for Ph.Ds on scholarships during the period from 2005 to 2015.

(b) A total of 329 students out of 510 have returned to their respective Universities after completion of their education. It is important to mention here that 4 scholars have completed their studies and are returning back whereas 177 students are still pursuing their Ph.D studies.

14. Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state the time by which Railway’s System will be operated from Nowshera to Dargai?

Minister for Railways (Khawaja Saad Rafique): Nowshera to Dargai is still an operational section as freight trains are operative. The only passenger train (P- 477 UP/ P 478 DN) which used to run on Nowshera- Dargai section, was suspended w.e.f 31-01-2000 being un– remunerative. 18 Pakistan Railway is studying the feasibility of restoration of passenger trains on this section considering commercial viability of the same. Furthermore, Pakistan Railways is planning to conduct a feasibility study regarding extension of rail track from Noshera to Gilgit via kalam which will be advertised in newspaper very soon.

15. Syed Waseem Hussain:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the location-wise occupied land of the Pakistan Railways (PR) in the country at present;

(b) the total land of the PR leased out so far; and

Minister for Railways (Khawaja Saad Rafique): (a) Pakistan Railway owns 1, 67,690 acres land all over the country. The details is as under:—

The province wise breakup of encroached / occupied lands on the Railway network at present is as under:— 19 (b) 6496.13 acres Railway land has been licensed/leased out for various purposes (premium shops, stacking, agriculture & parking stands etc.) during last three years i.e. from January, 2014 to December, 2016. Province wise details are as under:—

It is worth pointing out here that Pakistan Railway earned a revenue of Rs.4653.917 million in last three years (2013-2016) as compared to Rs.1578.136 million in previous three years (2010-2013). The year wise breakup is as under:—

(c) 1037.435 acre Railway land has been retrieved by carrying out anti encroachment operations during the tenure of present Government detailed as under.

1st phase (24-6-2013 to 30-06-2014)

Total:- 385.780 18.134 104.163 5.261 513.338 1789.787 20 2nd phase (01-07-2014 to 30-6-2015)

3rd phase (01-07-2015 to 30-06-2016)

4th phase (01-07-2016 to 31-03-2017)

As a result of successful anti encroachment operations Pakistan Railway managed to retrieve 1037.435 acres land from encroachers with the assistance of Railway Police & District Administration. Province wise detail of retrieved land in last 4 years is as under:—

16. Syed Waseem Hussain:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to change the routes of Pakistan Railways; and 21 (b) whether there is also any proposal under consideration of the Government to operate Karakoram Express and Millat Express through Rawalpindi route instead of Faisalabad route?

Minister for Railways (Khawaja Saad Rafique): (a) There is no proposal under consideration of the Government to change the routes of Pakistan Railways. As for as changing the route of existing passengers trains is concerned, there is no change except extension of Jaffar Express train up to Peshawar w.e.f 15-04-2017 instead of terminating at Rawalpindi. This train will run between Quetta- Rawalpindi –Peshawar.

(b) The Karakoram Express runs between Lahore and Karachi via Faisalabad while Millet Express runs between Karachi and Malakwal via FaisalabadSargodha.

There is no proposal under consideration of the Government to operate Karakoram Express and Millat Express through Rawalpindi route instead of Faisalabad route. However, extension of Millat Express from Malakwal to Lalamusa is being examined.

ISLAMABAD: ABDUL JABBAR ALI, The 13th April, 2017. Secretary.

PCPPI—3530(2017) NA—13-4-2017—650.