1 (16Th Session) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

ARSHAD—1374(14)NA (S) PC-9

1 (16th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

—————

“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”

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

Monday, the 8th December, 2014

62. *Ms. Belum Hasnain: (Deferred on 28-11-2014).

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the steps being taken by the Government to increase the export of processed meat to the bordering regions; and

(b) the number of meat-processing plants set up/planned in the said areas?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) Government has announced mark-up subsidy @ 50% for setting up of meat processing plants in bordering provinces i.e. KPK, Baluchistan and Gilgit Baltistan. Secondly, meat exports are eligible for ad-hoc relief @ 3% of FOB of exports and mark-up rate support of 2% under Export Finance Scheme (EFS).

(b) No requests for establishing the meat processing plants have been received till to date.

79. *Dr. Fozia Hameed: (Deferred on 28-11-2014).

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to increase exports of Surgical Goods alongwith details thereof?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): Ministry of Commerce has undertaken various initiatives to increase exports of surgical goods. 2 Ministry of Commerce announced the Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) in 2013, which provides a medium term road map to address challenges and improve export competitiveness through export development initiatives.

Government has announced mark-up rate support of 2% under Export Finance Scheme (EFS) for exports of selected sectors which includes surgical goods as well. Details at Annex-A.

Moreover, TDAP has taken the following initiatives to boost exports of surgical goods:—

TDAP has facilitated participation in several exhibitions, and trade fairs all around the world in order to enhance exports of surgical goods. The list of these fairs is at Annex-B.

In order to meet the International standards in the surgical goods market, SIMTEL (Sialkot Material Testing Laboratory) has been established in collaboration with the Association of the surgical goods.

CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries, Netherlands) started Export Coaching program (2010-15) for Medical Products and Laboratory Equipment. Under this program, thirteen companies of surgical instruments were selected by CBI for training. The said companies have completed training and successfully participated in the program so far; 3

88. *Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja: (Deferred on 28-11-2014).

Will the Minister for Textile Industry be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to resolve the problems faced by All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) In terms of losses incurred during the last year?

Minister for Textile Industry (Mr. Abbas Khan Afridi): All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has raised the issue of shortage of electricity and gas in Punjab. Last year the Government provided 85 mmcfd gas to the Textiles sector. This year APTMA again highlighted the same issue and the honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan has constituted a Special Committee comprising Ministers for Finance, Water and Power, Petroleum and Natural Resources and Textile Industry to address gas supply and any other relevant issue. —————————————————————————————— @ Transferred from Defence Division. 4

@106. *Ms. Aisha Syed:

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state the special steps taken by the Government for the families affected by terrorism and drone attacks in FATA during the last two year?

Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen (Retd) Abdul Quadir Baloch]: “The Government is compensating the affected families of terrorism as per approved policy. Recently on 20th October, 2014 the Government has revised the rates of compensation for affected families. During last two years 978 persons were martyred and 1345 were seriously injured due to terrorist acts in FATA. A total of Rs. 731.839 Million has been paid to the legal heirs of martyred and injured.

There is no Government policy for compensation to the affected families of drone attacks separately.”

211. *Ms. Belum Hasnain:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:

(a) the purpose of establishment of Overseas Workers Welfare Fund alongwith the services provided by the said fund during the last three years;

(b) the total amount allocated for the said fund during the said period; and

(c) the number and names of the welfare projects launched under the above said fund at present alongwith the status of implementation thereof?

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): (a), (b) & (c) The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development has not established Overseas Workers Welfare Fund. However, there are two organizations (i) 5 Overseas Pakistanis Foundation which exclusively look after the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and (ii) Workers Welfare Fund which deals with the welfare of industrial workers. In view of above, the Honorable MNA is requested to move a fresh question to indicate the exact organization for reply of the said question.

212. *Ms. Belum Hasnain:

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state the total amount of welfare funds allocated for the development programs/projects in FATA during the year 2013-14 and 2014-15 along with the head-wise expenditure thereof? Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen (Retd) Abdul Quadir Baloch]: Rs. In million ————————————————————————————— S. Particulars 2013-14 2014-15 No. ——————————————————————————————— i. Total amount 6589.245 6843.476 allocated

ii. Total 5839.469 486.527 expenditure

iii. Total 473 327 schemes —————————————————————————————— Details of schemes are Annex-I. 6 213. *Dr. Nafisa Shah:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state whether it is a fact that bilateral agreements have been signed with Russia, recently; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: The bilateral agrrements signed between Pakistan and Russia are attached as Annex- “A”. 7

214. *Dr. Nafisa Shah:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state whether there is any policy of the Government for investment and trade in West Africa; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): Ministry of Commerce is primarily concerned with the aspects of bilateral trade. Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2012-15 is a roadmap to boost exports of Pakistan and to enhance mttrket access for our merchandise exports. In this regard. STN. announced several export enhancement initiatives focusing institutional development for export potential regions. For African Region, the following initiatives have been announced.

Opening retail sale outlets in major importing countries is the best tool for introducing and exporting high quality and branded exports of Pakistan. International presence of Pakistani firms at present is very low as compared to our competitors. motivate exporters to introduce their finished products. Government provides subsidy on these outlets up to 75%. 50%. 25% per annum of the rental cost of retail outlets or ware houses in the first, second and third year respectively in .the export markets in Asia/Africa and Australia.

As regards West Africa, the region comprises 18 countries namely Benin. Burkina Faso, the island of Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau. Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, the Island of Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sao Tome and Principal and Togo. Out of these countries, 15 countries are member of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS.), a region with headquarters in Abuja. Nigeria.

During the visit of President of Pakistan to Nigeria in June, 2014, both sides agreed to not on enhance bilateral trade but the Nigerian side also assured to play its role in facilitating access of Pakistani goods to ECOWAS member states. Ministry of Commerce is now planning to open a trade Commission in Lagos. Nigeria. The Ministry is also in the process of concluding a Bilateral Trade Agreement with Nigeria. Cabinet on 12-9-2014 has accorded approval of start of negotiations for signing of Bilateral rade Agreement (BTM between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Government of the Republic of Nigeria. 8 215. *Ms. Shazia Mari:

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

(a) the number of scholarships granted to the deserving students by Bait-ul-Mall in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan during the current fiscal year; and

(b) the percentage and number of the above said scholarships given to the students of schools and madrassas respectively during the current and previous fiscal years?

Transferred to Cabinet Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

216. *Ms. Shazia Mari:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that tourists travelling to China required to obtain a separate visa for Hong Kong;

(b) if the answer to part (a) is in the affirmative, the name of other SAARC countries whose citizens face the same restrictions at present?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) Tourists travelling through China require a separate visa to visit Hong Kong.

(b) The citizens of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka also require visas to visit Hong Kong.

217. *Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) whether the widening export/import gap has caused trade deficit and a negative impact on the economic condition of the country; if so, the details of the sectors adversely affected thereby during the last five years alongwith the steps taken by the Government 9 in this regard; (b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to review the ongoing export promotion schemes to reduce the trade deficit and promote the export sector; if so, the details and the present status thereof;

(c) whether there is also any proposal under consideration of the Government to enhance the incentives provided to the exporters under various schemes in order to minimize the impact of the trade deficit on them;

(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the concrete steps taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) Exports of Pakistan, during the last financial year, were US$ 25.10 billion as against imports of US$ 45.07 billion. The trade deficit Was USS: 19.90 billion. In the preceding year, the deficit gap was US$ 20.40 billion. (Annex-A).

The trade deficit has real and financial effects on the economy. The real effect refers to impacts on employment, incomes, and manufacturing capacity. Whereas, financial effects refer to accumulated indebtedness as a result of internal and external borrowing to finance the deficit.

The borrowings from external sources or selling off long-term capital assets to finance curreni purchases of goods and services, undermines future production. Trade deficit also gives rise to inflationary pressure, in the form of higher prices.

The major sectors affected in the wake of trade deficit are domestic investment, domestic production and employment.

In 2011-12, the investment to GDP ratio recorded at 15.1%, which reduced to 14.6% in 2012-13. This rate has further reduced to 14.0% in 2013-14.

Savings slipped to 12.9% in 2013-14, against the target of 14%. Last year, the savings-to-G D P ratio was 13.5%.

The manufacturing sector registered a growth 5.55% in 2013-14 as compared with growth of 4.53% in 2012-13. Over the last year, the unemployment rate has increased to 6.2 % in 2012-13 as compared to 6.0 % in 2010-11. 10

Furthermore, the money, credit and stock market situation worsened due to widening trade deficit over the past few years.

In order to promote exports and reduce the gap between exports and imports, the Government has undertaken various initiatives in the Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF 12-15) and Federal Budget 2014-15.

The list of initiatives announced STPF. 2012-15 and Budget 2014-15 at Annex-B.

(b) Ministry of Commerce is in the process of formulating new Trade Policy 2015-18 which encompasses review of previous export promotion schemes and introducing new export promotion strategy.

(c) Besides (b) above, proposals for export promotion schemes have been invited, from the public and private sectors, which will be considered and incorporated in the new Trade Policy.

(d) Ministry of Commerce, after consultation with all the stakeholders, shall announce Strategic Trade Policy Framework in 2015-18 whereby incentives shall be announced. The proposals for export promotion schemes have been invited from the public and private sectors.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

218. *Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the exports of the country have decreased during the period from December, 2013 to July, 2014 as compared to preceding year; if so, the reasons thereof; and

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

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) The exports of the country have not decreased during the period from December 2013 to July, 2014 as compared to the same period in the preceding year. 11 During December, 2013 to July, 2014 exports were US$ 16.676 billion as compared to 16.576 during December, 2012 to July, 2013 showing an increase of 0.59%.

The month-wise export figures for the period under consideration are placed at Annex-A.

(b) Since the exports have not decreased in the said period hence, no remedial steps were required. But in order to increase exports, Ministry of Commerce, through Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) 2012-15, has focused on 18 sectors of export promotion during the years 2012-15. The List of these sectors is attached at Annex-B. Government of Pakistan (Mbo Commerce) has also announced various steps in the STPF 2012-15 for increasing exports. Details are attached at Annex-C.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

219. *Mrs. Shahida Rehmani:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the names of those countries which are importing textile products from Pakistan at present; and

(b) the names of countries to which Pakistan exported textile products during the year 2013-14 alongwith the value thereof?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) At present, there are more than :100 countries which are importing textile products (Cotton, Cotton Yarn, Cotton Cloth, Articles of Apparel & cloth, Art Silk & Synthetic textile, Tents & other canvas goods, Bed wear & Towels and Knitwear) from Pakistan List attached at Annex-A.

(b) Pakistan is exporting textile pkoducts (Cotton, Cotton Yarn’ Cotton Cloth Articles of Apparel and cloth, Art Silk Synthetic textile, Tents & other canvas goods, Bed wear & Towels and Knitwer) to over 100 countries for each textile sub-product. List of importing countries from Pakistan for each textile sub-product alongwith value is attached at Annex-B.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library). 12 220. *Ms. Parveen Masood Bhatti:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the results and the benefits of the visits made by the Prime Minister abroad so far?

Minister for Foreign Affairs:

USA The Prime Minister undertook an official visit to the US from 20-23 October 2013 at the invitation of US President Barak Obama. This was the first official visit to the United States by a Pakistani Head of Government in over a decade. The visit followed the general elections of May 2013 which the US Government appreciated as “historic, peaceful and transparent transfer of civilian power”. President Obama also spoke on phone with Mr. Nawaz Sharif on the success of the Parliamentary elections in Pakistan.

In Washington, the Prime Minister held substantive talks with the U.S. President at the White House. He also held meetings with Vice President Joe Biden and other senior Administrative officials including US Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, Treasury Secretary, and US Trade Representative. The Prime Minister attended a business event organized by US-Pakistan Business Council, addressed the United States Institute of Peace, met with prominent US journalists and interacted with the local Pakistani community. A joint statement was issued on during the visit. The two sides also renewed the Science and Technology Agreement for a period of 5 years.

In the joint statement, President Obama and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen U.S.-Pakistan relations and advance shared interests in a stable, secure and prosperous Pakistan and region. President Obama affirmed US support for ongoing programs to strengthen Pakistan’s efforts to address its energy shortfall. President Obama appreciated Pakistan’s economy and increase agricultural productivity. He also pledged supports to Pakistan’s efforts to address its energy shortfall. President Obama appreciated Pakistan’s constructive engagement with the Nuclear Security Summit (NSS) process and its cooperation with IAEA and other international forums. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts at improving its strategic trade controls and enhancing its engagement with Multilateral Export Regimes.

The two Leaders directed their senior officials to develop a joint action plan to expand trade and investment flows between the US and Pakistan over the 13 next five years. (The Joint Action Plan was subsequently finalized during the visit of the Commerce Minister to Washington in May 2014.)

The Prime Minister’s interaction at senior levels of US government helped to set the tone and direction of bilateral relations. The visit highlighted the government’s intention to engage with the US Administration, congress and American citizens with an open and positive mind and advance our shared interest of a stable, secure and prosperous Pakistan and the region. It helped to strength the bilateral relationship including economic and trade linkages and reemphasized the desire of both countries to work together to build on many convergences at the bilateral, regional and global levels and change the narrative in our respective countries to reflect a more positive and forward looking agenda. Engagement between the two governments has helped to revive the bilateral Strategic Dialogue and to give concrete shape to various initiatives.

China:

The Prime Minister has made the following three visits to China since assuming office: —————————————————————————————— S. From To Event No. ———————————————————————————————— 1 July 3, July 8, 2013 Official visit 2013

2 April 9, April 11, 14th Annual Conference of the Boao 2014 2014 Forum for Asia (BFA)

3 Nov. 7, Nov. 9, 2014 Dialogue on Strengthening 2014 Connectivity Partnership prior to the 22nd APEC Informal Leaders’ Meeting —————————————————————————————— July 2013 Visit

During the July 2013 visit, Pakistan and China signed the landmark MoU on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The CPEC entails greater connectivity and trade linkages between Pakistan and China through a network of road, rail, fiber optic cable and energy pipelines. It also envisages establishment of Special Economic Zones, industrial parks, trade centers, development of energy sector and economic and technical cooperation. In addition to his meetings with 14 the Chinese leadership, the Prime Minister met business leaders/CEOs to highlight Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure needs. A joint statement on “Common Vision for Deepening Pakistan-China Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the New Era” was issued.

April 2014 Visit

The Prime Minister was one of the keynote speakers at the opening plenary of the 14th BFA meeting in April 2014. The theme of the Summit was “Asia’s New Future: Identifying New Growth Drivers.” Delegates from the public and corporate sectors, academia and media deliberated on pressing economic and social issues in Asia and the world at large. On sidelines of the BFA, the Prime Minister held official talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and met the Chairman EXIM Bank of China. The Prime Minister also addressed a session on “Reviving the Silk Road- a Dialogue with Asian Leaders,” where he underlined the importance of Pakistan and the CPEC to the success of the planned Silk Road.

November 2014 Visit

The Prime Minister traveled to China on Nov. 7, 2014, prior to the commencement of the 22nd APEC Informal Leaders Meeting in Beijing. The Prime Minister held comprehensive talks with the Chinese leadership and senior representatives from the Chinese business and financial sector. Pakistan and China signed 19 MoUs/agreements during the visit. The Prime Minister also participated in the “Dialogue on Strengthening Connectivity Partnership” hosted by Chinese President Xi Jingping.

India

Prime Minister’s visit to New Delhi, India May 26-27, 2014.

• Prime Minister visited India to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his Indian counterpart.

• Though a goodwill visit, the two Prime Ministers held a constructive meeting on 27 May, and decided that the two Foreign Secretaries would meet soon to discuss the way forward.

• The visit was acknowledged by international community as reflective of Pakistan’s maturity, sincerity and desire to normalize bilateral relations with India. 15 • The visit resulted in scheduling of Foreign Secretary-level talks on 25th August, 2014.

• Moreover, the unilateral cancellation of scheduled talks by India put the onus on them, reflecting their lack of desire to reciprocate Pakistan’s positive overtures.

SAARC

Prime Minister visited Kathmandu, Nepal on 26-27 November 2014 to attend 18th SAARC Summit. It was a mandatory visit as all the Heads of States/ Governments of Member Countries of SAARC attended the 18th SAARC Summit. Pakistan signed an agreement namely SAARC Inter-governmental Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation (Electricity).

In addition to above, the occasion also afforded a useful opportunity to hold bilateral meetings with the SAARC Member States leadership on the sidelines. The Prime Minister met the President, of Sri Lanka, and Maldives, and Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, mostly at their requests. The Prime Ministers also had a cordial exchange with the Afghan President at the Retreat. Besides, the Prime Minister gave a policy statement and offered to host 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad.

Afghanistan

Close cooperative relations with Afghanistan remain a high priority in Pakistan’s foreign policy and a key component of the Prime Minister’s vision of peaceful neighborhood. At the invitation of the former President of Afghanistan, Mr. Hamid Karzai, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Afghanistan on 30 November 2013.

The two leaders had extensive and in-depth consultations bilateral maters, Afghan peace and reconciliation process, regional situation with reference to NATO/ISAF troop drawdown in 2014, economic cooperation, and projects related to road/railway and energy connectivity. The Prime Minister underlined his resolve to build a multi-faceted relationship with Afghanistan, marked by a strong trade and economic partnership.

As a gesture of solidarity with the brotherly Afghan people, the Prime Minister announced to enhance Pakistan’s economic assistance for reconstruction 16 and rehabilitation of Afghanistan from US$ 385 to USS 500 million. The Prime Minister’s visit to Kabul was well received in Afghanistan. The visit helped in promoting mutual understanding and commitment to work constructively on issues of peace & stability and economic cooperation. The Afghan media accorded positive coverage to the visit. The visit contributed to strengthening the positive momentum in bilateral relations.

Turkey

Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey in September 2013

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Turkey in September 2013 for a bilateral visit and co-chaired the 3rd round of the Pakistan Turkey High level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). A comprehensive Joint Declaration and 12 MOUs were signed on that occasion, covering important areas including energy; security and counter-terrorism; culture; education; civil aviation; skills development and vocational training; low cost housing; science and technology; cooperation in finance and taxation matters.

During the visit the Prime Minister addressed a very well attended Business Forum in Istanbul comprising leading business representatives of Turkey. On the sidelines of the Business Forum, the Prime Minister also met with a group of twenty leading Turkish industrialists and businessmen and invited them to invest in Pakistan. Several visits to Pakistan were also undertaken by representatives of these companies in the follow up.

Prime Minister’s visit to Turkey in February 2014

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visited Ankara to attend 8th Trilateral Summit between the Heads of State/Government of Turkey, Afghanistan and Pakistan from 12-14 February 2014.Following the Trilateral Summit, the Prime Minister held meetings with the Turkish corporate sector representatives in Istanbul on 14 February 2014. Meetings with ten leading Turkish private sector Companies were very productive. They evinced keen interest in the Pakistani market especially with regard to bringing investment in the sectors of infrastructure development including motorways, toll roads, airport construction 17 and management as well as in the energy sector. Iran

Prime Minister’s visit to Iran in May 2014

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif paid an official visit to Iran on 11-12 May 2014. An Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons and seven MoU’s were also signed during the visit. The visit provided an opportunity to the Prime Minister to discuss with the Iranian President to improve bilateral relations in all areas, especially trade and economic matters. The visit also helped in bringing down the tension created between the two countries by border related incidents.

Visit to Thailand

The Prime Minister visited Thailand from 17 to 19 November 2013 to participate in International Telecommunication Union Conference on Digital Integration hosted by Thailand. Besides participating in the Conference, the Prime Minister invited foreign investors, attending the Conference, to invest in the IT sector of Pakistan.

The Prime Minister also held bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Thailand in which several issues of mutual interest were discussed, resulting in further deepening of our bilateral relationship with Thailand. It was agreed that both the countries would start negotiations on Free Trade Agreement in 2014, which would increase the bilateral trade significantly.

The Prime Minister also met Thai businessmen and invited them to invest in Pakistan’s various sectors including energy, infrastructure development, auto parts, manufacturing, fishery industry, food processing, gems, jewelry and tourism.” Prime Minister’s visit to New York to attend the 68th UN General Assembly Session, September 2013

The Prime Minister led the Pakistan delegation at the annual session of the UN General Assembly in New York from 23-29 September 2013. The Prime Minister addressed the UN General Assembly, and three Summits on Sustainable Development, Millennium Development Goals, and Disarmament. He also held bilateral meetings with the Presidents of Iran, Turkey, Tunisia and Sri Lanka, Emir of Qatar, Prime Minister of Japan, the Foreign Ministers of China, Saudi Arabia and the United States, UN Secretary-General, 18 as well as President of the European Union, and Secretaries-General of the OIC and NATO. He also attended separate events on energy, education and investment in Pakistan and addressed the Pakistani community.

In his address to the General Assembly, the Prime Minister outlined Pakistan’s vision of peace and security, our role in the Afghan peace process and our contribution to UN peacekeeping. The Prime Minister also stated the country’s principled position on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, illegal drone strikes and on Security Council reform.

Prime Minister’s Visit to New York for the 69th United Nations General Assembly Session, 24-26 September 2014

The Prime Minister visited New York from 24-26 September 2014 to attend the General Debate of the 69th UNGA Session. The Prime Minister’s address to the General Assembly on 26 September was the highlight of the visit. The Prime Minister also co-chaired UN Peacekeeping Summit.

The Prime Minister had bilateral meetings with Prime Ministers Najib Abdul Razak of Malaysia, Sushil Koirala of Nepal, Mark Rutte of the Netherlands and Erna Solberg of Norway. He also met with the U.S. Vice President, UN Secretary-General, President of the World Bank Group Jim Yong Kim, former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown (UN Special Envoy on Global Education), and Chairman of Open Society Foundations and Soros Fund Management, George Soros. The Prime Minister also met with the Pakistani community and interacted with Pakistani media.

The visit served to promote Pakistan’s policy and position on key issues of national interest. In his address to the General Assembly that covered a wide range of global and regional issues, the Prime Minister focused in particular on Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating Pakistan’s principled position thereon and reminding the United Nations and the international community of the imperative of resolving this issue. The Prime Minister underlined the need for high statesmanship, dialogue and diplomacy to resolve all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan, and to have a relationship based on constructive engagement, equality, mutual respect and transparency. Expressing disappointment over the cancellation of Foreign Secretary level talks by India, the Prime Minister stated Pakistan’s conviction that we must remain engaged in the dialogue process for settling disputes and building economic and trade relations. 19 The Prime Minister informed the international community of efforts undertaken by the Government for relief and recovery in the wake of devastating floods, and elaborated the policies and initiatives for social and economic development of the country. He referred to Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, the sacrifices rendered by our valiant soldiers and expressed the resolve to fight terrorism to the finish.

The Prime Minister also availed the center stage to reiterate Pakistan’s policy of nuclear restraint and credible minimum deterrence, and the demand for our membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and full access to civil nuclear technology. In the General Assembly as well as at the Peacekeeping Summit, the Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s leading role and contribution to international peace and security through participation in UN peacekeeping spanning over five decades. Pakistan was also a key stakeholder in the UN’s agenda on energy, sustainable development and climate change. On the issue of UN Security Council reform, the Prime Minister’s firm and clear message of no new permanent members, was a timely rejoinder to the G-4’s (Brazil, Germany, India and Japan) renewedpush for permanent status in the Council. .

On the whole, the visit was highly successful and productive in putting across and promoting Pakistan’s perspectives on issues of national concern; international peace, security and development; and our leading role and profile at the United Nations. It effectively projected Pakistan’s democratic viability, resilience and potential for social and economic development. The Prime Minister’s forthright and principled stance on Jammu and Kashmir, reflective of national aspirations, brought Kashmir into the international spotlight, and was well received in Pakistan and the Indian Held Kashmir as well as the Pakistani and Kashmiri diaspora around the world.

221. *Ms. Aisha Syed:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state the number of illegal recruitments made in EOBI alongwith the reasons thereof and the steps taken to make it transparent?

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): 358 appointments made by the previous management of Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOB1), were declared illegal by the Supreme Court of Pakistan due to following reasons:- 20 (i) Non observance of prescribed rules and procedures while making the recruitment./ appointment;

(ii) Equal opportunities were not provided to all aspirants for the appointments;

(i) Non holding written test;

(ii) Non constituting appropriate Selection Committees; and

(iii) Making compromises on qualifications etc.

The steps taken to make fresh recruitment process credible and transparent were as follows:-

(i) Vacancies were advertised in the leading national newspapers as well as on the web-site of EOBI and NTS;

(ii) Recruitments managed through third party i.e M/s. National Testing Services (NTS);

(iii) Written tests conducted by NTS and up loaded the result on their web-site immediately; and

(iv) No weightage was given to interview.

222. *Ms. Aisha Syed:

Will the Minister for inter Provincial Coordination be pleased to state the detail of the Under 18 Teams which visited abroad during the period from 2013 to 2014 alongwith the names of the countries visited?

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada):

PAKISTAN SPORTS BOARD:

The detail of participation of Pakistan Under 18 Teams visited abroad during the period from 2013 to 2014 alongwith names of the countries is as under :— 21

During 2013

i. Ski Dream Program 2013 (Winter Sports Training Program) from 5-17 January 2013 at Korea.

ii. International Youth Ski Camp from 11-17 February 2013 at Austria.

iii. 2nd Boys U-16 Asia Hockey Cup from 4-7 April 2013 at Singapore.

iv. Pakistan U/16 Boys Hockey Team participated in U/16 Asia Cup - 2013 held at Singapore during April 2013

v. 2nd Girls U-16 Asia Hockey Cup from 5-9 June 2013 at China.

vi. 8th IAAF World Youth Athletics Championships from 10-14 July 2013 at Donetsk, Ukraine.

vii. Pakistan contingent comprising on 18 members participated in Youth Olympic Games held at Nanjing, China from 16-28 August 2014 in Hockey, Shooting, Swimming and Weightlifting.

During 2014

i. Pakistan Athletics team participated in the 16th Asian Junior Athletics Championships from 12-14 June 2014 at Taipei, Taiwan.

ii. Pakistan Taekwondo team participated in World Junior Taekwondo Championship from 21-24 March 2014 at Chinese, Taipei.

iii. 1st WTF World Cadet Teakwondo Championship at Baku, Azerbaijan.

iv. Pakistan Youth Ranking Tenpin Bowling Championship was held from 24-26 October 2014 at Karachi.

PAKISTAN CRICKET BOARD

During the period 2013-2014 only Pakistan Under-17 Cricket team visited England in August 2014. 22

223. *Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho:

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:

(a) the number of IDPs from FATA and Balochistan respectively;

(b) the amount spent on the relief of the said IDPs; and

Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen. (Retd) Abdul Quadir Baloch]: “A total of 450,941 NADRA verified families became TDPs from FATA due to military operations up to 2nd December, 2014 out of which 162,338 families have been returned to their areas of origin whereas 288,603 families are still living in displacement .The detail is placed at Annexure-I.”

(b) “Up to 31st October, 2014 a total of Rs. 8171.505 million has been spent on relief of TDPs. The detail is annexed at Annexure-II.”

(c) “Once the area is cleared by the Law Enforcing Agencies from the militants and de-notified by FATA Secretariat then return and rehabilitation process will be started.”

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

224. *Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to allow land rights for Indian wheat for transit to Afghanistan; if so, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): At present, there is no proposal under consideration of the Government of Islamic Republic of Pakistan to allow transit of Indian wheat through land route of Pakistan i.e. (Wagha Border). However, export of wheat in transit to Afghanistan through sea-ports is allowed. 23

225. *Mr. Imran Zafar Leghari:

Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Ministry has close liaison with the Provincial Government to control prices of essential commodities in the country;

(b) if so, the steps taken by the Federal Government in this regard?

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada): NO. Control of prices is a Provincial subject. As is evident from the allocation of Business, the Ministry of IPC is not mandated to have close liaison with the Provincial Governments to control prices of essential commodities in the country. A copy of the Rules of Business is attached as Annex. 24 25 26

226. *Mr. Imran Zafar Leghari:

Will the Minister for Textile Industry be pleased to state:

(a) the percentage of Pakistan’s cotton crop being sown under the cotton seed; and

(b) the steps taken by the Government to certify bt cotton seed?

Minister for Textile Industry (Mr. Abbas Khan Afridi):(a) The percentage area under BT cotton is as follow:— —————————————————————————————— Province Percentage —————————————————————————————— Punjab 82.65 Sindh 83.23 —————————————————————————————— Pakistan 82.99 ——————————————————————————————

The gene used in Pakistani varieties is Mon 531. or “Cry1AC”, its patent has been expired and is free to use. (b) Ministry of National Food Security & Research (NFS&R) has given reply that the Government has taken following steps to certify BT cotton seed.

i. A cotton seed production plan for cotton crop 2015 with main focus on BT cotton Varieties was prepared in collaboration with public and private seed sectors as well as concerned government institutes.

ii. A committee was constituted to monitor the progress on achievements in line with the cotton seed production plan 2015 on fortnightly basis.

iii. A brochure on improving germination of cotton seed including BT cotton seed was prepared and circulated among seed corporations /companies and cotton seed growers. iv. The Sindh Seed Council released Bt cotton varieties namely; MNH- 886 and FH-142 during Nov: 2014 to promote certified seed production of these Bt cotton varieties in Sindh Province. 27

v. A Training Programme on quality cotton seed production was organized at FSC&RD Lab: Khanewal in September, 2014 to increase professional capacity for certification of BT cotton seed.

227. *Ms. Asyia Naz Tanoli:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that 237 consignments of Pakistani mangoes were rejected in 2013;

(b) the steps taken by the Government to make mangoes free from all kinds of un-hygienic effects through hot water treatment; and

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) During the year 2013, 180 consignments of mangoes being exported to EU were intercepted. (b) & (c) The European Commission through its notification dated 27th March, 2014 banned imports from India and alerted Government of Pakistan about possible imposition of ban on import of these products if effective measures were not taken to ensure pest free exports in future. On receiving this alert, a meeting was convened in Ministry of Commerce on 8th April, 2014, experts of Ministry of National Food Security and Research and Department of Plant Protection also attended the meeting. It was decided.

• To make Hot Water Treatment (HWT) mandatory for all exports being made through all the ports. GAP certified orchards were initially exempted from HWT to facilitate exports.

• Department of Plant Protection will depute its own officials and experts at all three levels for mandatory inspections to prevent export of any consignment which did not meet the criterion.

Earlier In a meeting attended by the officials and experts from Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of National Food Security and Research and 28 Departments of Plant Protection on 9th May, 2014 an Action Plan was prepared, this provided for Pre Shipment Inspections (PSIS) of consignments at the following three levels:

o Orchard

o Packing

o Ports

Three PSI companies were enlisted by Ministry of National Food Security and Research and Department of Plant Protection for this purpose.

As per Trade Policy regulation, exports of mangoes from Pakistan started on 25th May, 2014 and on 17th and 19th June, 2014 two interceptions were made in EU on account of presence of fruit fly in the consignments of mangoes that had originated from GAP registered orchards. The European Commission warned that 5th interception would initiate imposition of ban on imports from Pakistan. Consequently HWT was mandatory even for consignments originating from GAP certified orchards. As a result of which no consignment of mangoes has been intercepted on the account of carrying harmful organisms till this date.

As a result of these efforts of the Government of Pakistan, the number of interception in 2014 has been brought down to 2 from 180 in 2013. (c) Interceptions were made in following 10 countries namely Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

228. *Ms. Asyia Naz Tanoli:

Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the main reason for decline of Hockey game is poor planning and non adoption of the state-of-the-art technology therefor; and

(b) whether it is also a fact that the Hockey Team could not qualify for Asian Games due to non-availability of funds; if so, the reason thereof? 29 Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada): Pakistan Hockey Federation is an affiliated body of Pakistan Sports Board. PHF is responsible for promotion of hockey sports in the country. The decline of hockey in Pakistan is a matter of serious concern as it was considered the game of our national pride. The decline set-in slowly and gradually due to application of scientific developments in European countries without Pakistan taking serious notice of those developments. The Europeans who once looked towards Pakistan to benefit from their expertise, now it is other way round. Various other factors have tremendously contributed. It is high time that the malaise should be rectified.

Causes of decline of Hockey in Pakistan are as under:—

Introduction of artificial surface – completely changed the complexion of the game. Change of Rules frequently – mostly suit the Europeans. Economic factor – Hockey has become very expensive. Technological/scientific advancement. Professionalism in sports – qualified people. Lack of sporting culture. Silver lining – good things also taking place in PI IF.

Revival of Club Hockey – Inter Club Tournament.

Emphasis on Regional Hockey – Inter District Tournament.

Increase in revenue generation – sponsorship culture.

Three strings Pakistan Senior, Pakistan Whites & Pakistan Junior being maintained – enhancing base of hockey.

In the present PHF setup hockey revolves around 4 Provincial Hockey Associations and 13 Departments and the nucleus of national team players has 40 odd players around. There is no dearth of talent but for lack of system based on scientific lines and of the infrastructure, we are in the wilderness. 30 (b) It is not fact, Pakistan Hockey Team participated in the 17th Asian Games held in Incheon/South Korea from 19th September to 4thOctober 2014 and won Silver Medal.

229. Admissibility is being reconsidered.

230. *Mr. Abdul Majeed Khan:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of persons and assets insured with the State Life and other Public Insurance Companies at present; and

(b) the value of the assists of the said companies which have been purchased out of proceeds of public money so far?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) The total number of persons insured by State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan and assets insured by National Insurance Company Limited is as following:

State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC)

The total number of persons insured by State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan as at 31st October, 2014, through individual life business are 5,603,162. State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan is not involved in business of insuring assets. National Insurance Company Limited (NICL)

The total number of assets insured by NICL is 325.

(b) Following is the detail of value of assets of NICL which have been purchsed out of proceeds of public money so far: ———————————————————————————————— S. Property Year of Cost of No. purchase purchase ———————————————————————————————— 1. 06 units having different 2009 74,058,300 (In AEDs) office sizes spaces in DIFC Dubai

2. 20 Kanal plot at Airport 2009 Rs. 1,065 Million Road, Lahore 31

3. Commercial plot No. 128, 2008 Rs. 160 Million upper Mall Road, Lahore

4. Shah Din Building Mall 2003 Rs. 546.9 Million Road, Lahore

5. SIH Building Lahore 2005 Rs. 796.927 Million

6. NIC Building Karachi 1980 Rs. 146.254 Million

7. NIC House Karachi 1989 Rs. 4.6 Million

8. 10 Acre plot at Korangi 2009 Rs. 900 Million Township , Karachi

9. NIC Building, Islamabad 1992 Rs. 298 Million

10 Civic Centre, Larkana 2005 Rs. 208.045 Million —————————————————————————————— 231. *Mr. Abdul Majeed Khan:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the names of those Countries for which visa is not required for Pakistani citizens and the period for which they can stay in those countries ?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day. 232. *Ms. Shaista Pervaiz:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:

(a) the details of minimum wages fixed for the skilled semi-skilled and unskilled workers in the country;

(b) whether the Government intends to introduce a uniform system to fix wage rates for the workers of unorganized sector throughout the country; if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has received demands from various stakeholders urging to enhance minimum wage to the workers 32 of the unorganized sector, including agriculture and contract workers in various Government sectors;

(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the action taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): (a) & (b) Fixation of minimum wages for the skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers is not mandate of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.

(c) & (d) Under the Minimum Wages Ordinance, 1961, the Provincial Governments are empowered to formulate/fix minimum wages for all classes of workers (skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled etc.) working in the industrial and commercial establishments.

233. *Ms. Shaista Pervaiz:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the details of schemes being implemented and incentives offered to boost up exports at present;

(b) whether the Government provides assistance/incentives/facilities to the Provinces for creating appropriate infrastructure for the development and growth of exports; (c) if so, the details of the assistance/incentives/facilities provided to provinces in this regard during the last five years alongwith the names of implementing agencies in the provinces; and

(d) whether the Government has taken notice of the difficulties being faced by the exporters in availing the said facilities; if so, the complaints/irregularities reported alongwith the action taken by the Government in this regard so far? 33

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) Ministry of Commerce has announced Strategic Trade Policy Framework (12-15). The STPF provides a Medium term road map to address challenges and improve’ export competitiveness through institutional / governance reforms, trade facilitation measures and incentives for booing up exports.

The list of incentives announced in STPF (12-15), is at Annexe- A. The incentives announced in the Budget 2014-15 are at Annex-B.

Ministry of Commerce is in the process of implementation of these incentives.

(b) Ministry of Commerce does not provide any assistance to the provinces for creating appropriate infrastructure for the development and growth of exports. However, Ministry of Industries and. BOI provide assistance to the provinces for infrastructure development through establishment of Export Processing Zones (EPZ), working under Ministry of Industries and Special Economic Zones (SEZ), working under Board of Investment.

(d) Ministry of Commerce takes necessary action on any complaints or difficulties, faced by exporters within its purview. However, Provincial Governments, Ministry of Industries, BOI etc. may be able further elaborate regarding complaints falling within their purview.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library) 234. *Mr. Iftikhar Ud Din:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the names of contractors/companies awarded import contract by Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) for import of Urea during the period 2008-2014; and 34

(b) the value of the bid per ton given by each contractor/company for the said period?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) . Name of the contractors/companies to whom import contracts were awarded by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan for import of Urea during the period 2008-2014 is at Annex-I.

The value of bid per ton given by each contractor/company for the, specified period is at Annex-II.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

235. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the names of the countries with which Pakistan has diplomatic relations at present?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: The reply is attached as Annexed “A”.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

236. *Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar:

Will the Minister for Textile Industry be pleased to state:

(a) the Improvement made in the textile exports of the country to Europe after having been given GSP+ status; and

(b) the status of Pakistan with regard to textile exports to Europe as compared to textile industries of other countries like India and Bangladesh? Minister for Textile Industry (Mr. Abbas Khan Afridi): (a) The Pakistan’s textile exports to EU increased by around 21.4 % during Jan.-Aug. 2014 as compared to Jan.-Aug. 2013 i.e. after having been given GSP+ Status.

(b) The Indian textile exports to EU increased by around 9.3% during Jan.-Aug. 2014 as compared to Jan.-Aug. 2013. 35

The Bangladeshi textile exports to EU increased by around 5.5% during Jan.-Aug. 2014 as compared to Jan.-Aug. 2013.

237. *Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar:

Will the Minister for Textile Industry be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to revive textile industry and enable it to compete with textile industries of India and Banglach etc.?

Minister for Textile Industry (Mr. Abbas Khan Afridi): The Government approved Textiles Package in Budget 2014-15. The package is comprised of following important initiatives:

Drawback of Local Taxes

Draw-back for local taxes and levies would be given to exporters of textile products on FOB values of their enhanced exports on an incremental basis if increased beyond 10% over previous year’s exports

Easy Finance

Mark up rate for Export Refinance Scheme of State Bank of Pakistan is being reduced from 9.4% to 7.5% from 1st of July 2014.

Textile industry units in the value added sector would be provided Long Term Financing Facility (LTFF) for up gradation of technology from State Bank of Pakistan at the rate of 9% for 3-10 years duration.

Tariff on Machinery Imports

Duty free import of textile machinery for the period of two years. 36

Vocational Traininq

A new vocational training programme will be launched to train 120,000 men and women, over the five year period, for skills required in the value added sector such as garments and made ups, etc.

MOHAMMAD RIAZ, Secretary. ISLAMABAD: The 7th December, 2014.

PCPPI— 1374(14) NA—7-12-2014—650. ARSHAD—1374(14)NA(US) PC-9 1 (16th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Monday, the 8th December, 2014

20. Ms. Munaza Hassan: (Deferred on 28-11-2014)

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state the total amount allocated for development programs/betterment of educational standards and health of women in FATA during the year 2013-14 and 2014-15 alongwith the head-wise utilization thereof?

Reply not received.

121. Dr. Nisar Ahmad Jatt: (Deferred on 28-11-2014)

Will the Minister for Textile Industry be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Korean Government donated two vehicles for the Pakistan Korea Garments Training Institute, Karachi; and

(b) whether it is also a fact that the said vehicles are being misused; if so, the action taken by the Ministry to prevent the same?

Reply not received.

24. Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan: (Deferred on 28-11-2014)

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state: 2

(a) whether it is a fact that four Pakistanis have been beheaded in Saudi Arabia during the last few days; if so, the detail of crimes; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to prevent such kind of incidents in future?

Transferred to Narcotics Control Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

31. Ms. Shaista Pervaiz: (Deferred on 28-11-2014)

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:

(a) the percentage of women out of the total number of workers employed both in the organized and unorganized sectors in the country;

(b) whether the Government is aware of the huge disparity in wages and the denial of equal minimum wages to women workers in spite of the same nature of work and longer working hours; and

(c) the steps taken by the Government to address the issue of wage differences and to safeguard the interest of women workers?

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): (a) In the aftermath of the 18th Consfitutional Amendment, the subject relating to labour has been devolved to the Provinces. Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development does not maintain gender based data relating to employment.

(b)&(c) The matter relating to fixation of minimum wages under the Minimum Wages Ordinance, 1961 is in the ambit of the Provinces. Therefore, Provinces issue notification specifying minimum wages for their workers. It has been clearly provided in the notifications that the minimum wage will be applicable to all workers including female for work of equal value. 3

32. Shaikh Rohale Asghar: (Deferred on 28-11-2014)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the detail of the efforts made by Pakistan at diplomatic level in the wake of recent Israeli attacks on Ghaza?

Reply not received.

34. Mr. Muhammad Nazir Khan: (Deferred on 28-11-2014)

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:

(a) the category-wise recruitments/appointments made by all the line departments in North Waziristan during last two years alongwith the criteria adopted therefor; and

(b) the total number of posts lying vacant in the said department at present?

Reply not received.

113. Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the total amount of expenditure incurred on privets and official visits made in the country and abroad alongwith the names of places visited by the President during the last one year?

Reply not received.

114. Ms. Shagufta Jumani:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state whether it is a fact that the Pakistani Missions abroad have been authorized to issue the Passports or CNICs to Overseas Pakistanis; if not, the reasons thereof? 4 Minister for Foreign Affairs:Pakistan Missions abroad are authorized to issue manual passports to Pakistani nationals living abroad in accordance with rules/regulations. The machine readable passports, however, are only processed for biometric data collections at Missions where the MRP system is operational. The Machine readable passports therefore, are printed in Islamabad by the Immigration & Passport Office, Islamabad and forwarded to the Missions for delivery to applicants. Pakistan Missions abroad also process/facilitate the issuance of CNIC/NICOP to the overseas Pakistanis. These identity cards are made by the NADRA office Islamabad and sent to concerned Mission for delivery to the applicant.

115. Ms. Asyia Naz Tanoli:

Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state whether inter-national events of squash and other games will be held in Pakistan in future?

Minister for Inter provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada):

PAKISTAN SPORTS BOARD

Yes, Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) has been authorized by the Professional Squash Association to hold 04 international squash tournaments in Pakistan during 2015. Recent past, PSF organized the Serena Hostels- CAS International tournament at Islamabad. Beside Pakistan, international players and officials from England, UAE, Egypt, Austria, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordon attended the event.

Pakistan Squash Federation has also scheduled Pakistan International Circuit-I Squash Championship during March 2015 at Lahore and Circuit-II during June 2015 Islamabad.

As regards other federations Pakistan Handball Federation is holding IHF Handball Challenge Trophy South and Central Asia Zone II (Men and Women) from 3-7 December 2014 at University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The teams from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Yemen and India are expected to participate.

National Rifle Association of Pakistan has scheduled SARC Shotgun Championship at Islamabad during December 2014/January 2015. 5 PAKISTAN CRICKET BOARD

After the unfortunate event which took place in Lahore in 2009 on the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team, no International Cricket Board was willing to send its National Cricket Team to play in Pakistan because of the security situation prevailing in the country.

However after negotiations, Cricket Kenya (CK) has agreed to send its National Cricket Team to Pakistan and they will be arriving in December 2014 to play a series of Cricket Matches in Pakistan.

PCB is also currently negotiating with different International Cricket Boards to play in Pakistan and the visit of the Kenyan National Cricket Team is a shining step in reviving International Cricket in Pakistan.

116. Syed Asif Hasnain:

Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state the number of persons recruited in the attached departments of the Ministry by the previous Government alongwith provincial quota and merit observed therefor?

Minister for Inter provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada):Presently, no Attached Department is working under the administrative control of Ministry of IPC, as reflected in the list of Schedule III of the Rules of Business, 1973 (List of attached departments declared as such by the Federal Government).

117. Syed Asif Hasnain:

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

(a) the total number of persons recruited in the attached departments of the Ministry during the last five years; and

(b) the province and merit-wise quota observed therefor?

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (Mr. Muhammad Berjees Tahir): (a) & (b) According to Rules of Business, 1973, the Ministry of 6 Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit Baltistan has no Attached Department. However, J&K State Property is the Subordinate office of the Ministry of KA&GB and their detail regarding the recruitment are as under:— —————————————————————————————— S. No. Name of Post No. of BPS Date of Post Appointment ————————————————————————————————————— 1. Deputy Manager 02 16 01-04-2013 (LD&R)

2. Security Officer 01 14 01-04-2013

3. Protocol Officer 01 16 18-03-2013

4. Assistant (LD&R) 04 14 01-04-2013

5. Assistant Security 01 11 01-04-2013 Supervisor

6. Rent Collector 01 10 26-07-2011

7. Rent Collector 01 10 14-01-2013

8. Assistant 01 14 14-01-2013

9 Lower Division Clerk 02 07 14-01-2013

10. Lift Operator 01 05 14-01-2013

11. Security Guards 08 02 22-03-2013

12. Chowkidar 01 01 25-07-2011

13. Naib Qasid 01 01 26-07-2011

14. Naib Qasid 01 01 25-01-2013

15. Naib Qasid 01 01 26-01-2013

16. Naib Qasid 01 01 14-01-2013

17. Naib Qasid 01 01 23-03-2012. Appointed on contract basis through Prime Minister of Pakistan’s Family Assistance Package.

18. Sweeper 01 01 14-01-2013 ———————————————————————————————— 7

Quota system was not applicable in case of posts of Rent Collector BS-10 and Lift Operator Bs-05, being “Isolated Posts”. It was not applicable for the post of Assistant and LDC being the single vacancy of both caders. Post of Sweeper and Naib Qasid are also exempted from quota system.

9 (nine) candidates (S.No.1-5) were appointed on contract basis for a period of one year, their contract were not extended furthermore in the light of Prime Minister’s Office U.O No. 10(557)/ESTAB-1/2013 dated 15-01-2014.

118. Mr. Shahab Ud Din Khan:

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of families affected by militancy were approved for compensation by FATA Disaster Management Authority;

(b) the total number of individuals compensated so far; and

Reply not received.

119. Mr. Shahab Ud Din Khan:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the bribery and visa scams are being faced by our workers in the gulf at the hands of their Kafeels/ sponsors; if so, the details thereof; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Ministry to lessen the delay in dispatching the dead bodies of Pakistani workers by the Saudi Government at present?

Reply not received. 8

120. Alhaj Shah Jee Gul Afridi:

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state whether it is a fact that President of Pakistan announced the Jamroad and Landi Kotal, Degree Colleges as Post Graduate Colleges during his recent visit to Peshawar; if so, the progress made in the regard, so far?

Reply not received.

121. Sahibzada Tariq Ullah:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources Development be pleased to state:

(a) the details of SROs Memos/Notifications issued by the Ministry relating to its attached departments to regulate and administer for the welfare of the public and for other purposes during the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014; and

(b) the purpose of issuing those SROs Memos/Notifications alongwith copies thereof?

Reply not received.

122. Sahibzada Tariq Ullah:

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:

(b) the purpose of issuing those SROs Memos/Notifications alongwith the copies thereof?

Reply not received. 9 123. Mr. Sher Akbar Khan:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(b) the purpose of issuing those SROs Memos/Notifications alongwith the copies thereof?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: The details of SROs Memos/Notifications issued by the Ministry relating to its attached departments to regulate and administer for the welfare of the public and for other purpose during the years 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 is Nil.

It is submitted that Foreign Service Academy and The institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad are the attached department of the Ministry which are specialized institutions for proving issue-oriental inputs to not only those at the helm of state affairs; but also for creating a broad-based and informed public understanding of vital issues of peace and security affecting Pakistan, through regular publications, conferences, seminars, in-house meetings, open talks, briefings and brain storming with similar institutions in Pakistan and abroad. However, these Institutions are not specifically for welfare of the public.

124. Mr. Ibadullah:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the total number of officers/staff working in the Ministry holding dual nationality at present?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: There is no officers/ staff working in the Ministry holding dual Nationality at present.

125. Mr. Ibadullah:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the total number of employees of Foreign Service who have left service during 10

foreign posting and adopted the citizenship of that country during the last two years?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: The details of the number of employees of Foreign Service who have left service during foreign posting and adopted the citizenship of that country during the last two years are as follows:— ————————————————————————————————————— Name of Official Designation Mission Reason ————————————————————————————————————— Mr. Gada Additional Assistant Stockholm Did not return back Hussain (Sweden) to the Ministry and applied for asylum. Subsequently, he was dismissed from service w.e.f 08 February, 2014 —————————————————————————————————————

MOHAMMAD RIAZ, Secretary. ISLAMABAD: The 7th December, 2014.

PCPPI— 1374(14) NA—7-12-2014—650.