1 (8Th Session) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

1 (8th 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

Wednesday, the 20th February, 2019

1. *Mr. Junaid Akbar:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony be pleased to state whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to give subsidy on Hajj; if so, the details; if not, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (Mr. NoorulHaq Qadri): No. Hajj being one of the pillars of Islam, is mandatory for only those Muslims who are financially and physically able to do so.

2. *Prof. Dr. Shahnaz Baloch:

Will the Minister for Industries and Production be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken by the Government to promote new industries including cottage in Balochistan;

(b) the steps taken by the Government for employment of the people of Balochistan in cottage and new industries;

(d) whether Federal Government has any plan in this regard?

Reply not received. 2 3. *Mr. Ali Gohar Khan:

Will the Minister for Industries and Production be pleased to state the reasons for not paying the outstanding amounts to the contractors who are supplying merchandise to the Utility Stores?

Minister for Industries and Production: The underlined idea for creating Utility Stores Corporation (USC) was to facilitate the low income group of the society by providing subsidized provisions and stores. The entire system of USC operates on the basis of subsidy provided by the Federal Government. The interruption in the release of Government support leads to financial chocking and organizational hiccups. Ministry of Industries & Production has already approached Finance Division for reclaiming the subsidy amount to offset the outstanding liabilities of the contractor/ vendors.

Besides, the business revival plan for USC is under formulation. The implementation of business plan will further require approximately Rs.6 billion in order to transform the corporation into a profitable venture.

4. *Mr. Kesoo Mal Kheeal Das:

Will the Minister for Maritime Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the number of licences issued during the last five years till date for fishing in the sea;

(b) the status of the fish export at present; and

Minister for Maritime Affairs (Syed Ali Haider Zaidi): (a)

Marine Fisheries Department

Marine Fisheries Department is an Attached Department of M/o Maritime Affairs, Government of Pakistan, which controls the fish and fisheries activities beyond territorial water in the sea, i.e. beyond 12 Nautical Miles and at present did not issue any license for fishing during the last five (05) years. 3 It is further mentioned here that Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Pakistan, has been divided into following 3 zones: —————————————————————————————— Zone I 012 Nautical Miles Is being controlled by Provincial Government ZoneII 1220 Nautical Miles Declared as Buffer Zone (Federal Jurisdiction) ZoneIII 20200 Nautical Miles Controlled under Federal Jurisdiction. —————————————————————————————— Pakistan has been allowed to catch Fish and Fishery Products for which MFC issues fishing licenses and this department has not issued any fishing license for the last five years to operation in ZoneIII.

Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority No fishing licenses issued by KoFHA during last 5 years as the subject of issuance of fishing licenses comes under the purview of DG (MFD).

(b) Marine Fisheries Department During the year 20162017 155,091 Metric Tons Fish and Fisheries products were exported and earned 394 Million US$. During the years 20172018 198,420 Metric Tons Fish and Fisheries products were exported (Increased 27% from the last year), and earned 451 Million US$ (increased 15% from last year). Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority Total fish exported from seven functional plants of KOFHA was 17.5 million US$ during the year 201718.

It is mentioned here that the Fish Industries have two Components : One is the Fisherman engaged in Fishing on Fishing Vessels in both the provinces (Sindh & Balochsitan) which are 400,000 while in other categories of Fish Industries (processing Industries, Fish Harbour and Transportation of Fish etc) personnel engaged are 600,000. 4 Korangi Fisheries Harbour Authority The individuals engaged in fish industry are either having their ancestral profession or entered in this business as investors / entrepreneurs. Some of them are crew members on fishing boats or some own fishing boats and Fish processing plants. Total number of people engaged in fishery at KoFHA is approximately 8000. 5. *Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state: (a) the names of hospitals financed from the Federal Budget; and (b) the estimated amount of expenditures being incurred on the said hospitals? Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (Mr. Aamer Mehmood Kiani): (a) There are four (04) Federal Hospitals namely Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital (FGPC), National Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM) and Federal General Hospital (FGH) which are working under administrative control of Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination. The said hospitals are financed from the Federal Budget. (b) The detail of estimated amount of expenditures being incurred on the said hospitals is as under:—

PIMS The estimated amount of expenditures; being incurred is at AnnexA. FGPC During the last financial year 201718, expenditure amounting to Rs. 2037,836,000/ has been incurred by this Hospital. NIRM The estimated amount of expenditures incurred in NIRM is Rs. 292,960,000/ (during the financial year 201718). FGH During the last financial year 201718, expenditure amounting to Rs. 220,716,501/ has been incurred by this Hospital. 5 A - x e n n A 6 6. *Syed Agha Rafiullah:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of cancer patients in the country at present; and

(b) the facilities being provided by the Government to them?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (Mr. Aamer Mehmood Kiani): (a) According to Global Burden of Disease Study 2017, the number of deaths occurring due to cancer is 12.07% in Pakistan.

(b) With the increase in number of populations the number of patients seeking healthcare has increased including patient with cancers. Cancer patients are being treated as per available resources in all tertiary care hospitals. Furthermore, there are 18 cancer treatment centers across the country under Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission.

7. *Syed Hussain Tariq:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether the number of cancer patients is increasing day by day in the country, whereas the infrastructure is not sufficient to meet the challenges; if so, the details and the reasons thereof; (b) whether the Government has also taken notice of expensiveness of medicines of cancer;

(c) whether the Government has conducted study in recent past to identify the reasons of increase in number of cancer patients in the country and how can the disease be prevented; if so, the details thereof; if not is there any proposal under consideration to conduct such study; and

(d) the steps being taken by the Government to ensure availability of cancer medicines at affordable/inexpensive prices, develop 7 sufficient infrastructure of treatment of cancer and prevention of the disease at initial level?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (Mr. Aamer Mehmood Kiani): (a) The number of cancer patients have been increasing in country as illustrated in table below: —————————————————————————————— Year Total Deaths (Pakistan) 2017 —————————————————————————————— 2010 10.11% 2011 10.11% 2012 10.42% 2013 10.94% 2014 11.48% 2015 12.07% —————————————————————————————— Source: Global Burden of Disease study, all ages, Pakistan (2017)

The increase in numbers is attributed to increasing population, progressive longevity and increasing risk factors in the society (like use of tobacco).

(b) Yes, Government has taken notice but as such there is no proposal yet.

(c) Currently there is no national or populationbased cancer registry in Pakistan. The study of many tumors form different parts of the country over a thirty years period has brought out several significant and useful features. It is now reasonably certain as to which tumors are commonly present in the males, females and children in the Pakistani population. A cancer registry is under consideration at federal and provincial level.

(d) PCI has been submitted for treatment of cancer patients of ICT, AJK and Gilgit Balitistan through Public private partnership of which total project cost is 4,772,150,724 PKR.

Prime Minister Health insurance Programme is offing cancer treatment for poor patients. 8 Prime Minister Fatal Disease programme provided treatment to cancer patients(Breast Cancer)

Treatment of cancer being carried out in all major and public sector hospitals across the country.

8. *Ms. Shamim Ara Panhwar:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state whether the total land required for the construction of Mohmand Dam has been acquired/purchased?

Minister for Water Resources (Mr. Muhammad Faisal Vawda): The Land Acquisition, as per decision by the Implementation Committee on Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dams (ICDBMD), is being carried out through Customary Tribal System. The ICDBMD Committee for Land Acquisition for Mohmand Dam recommended the timelines as follow:

PhaseI: Priority Land (Essentially required to start the work at Dam site) 844 Acres.

It is likely that process of land acquisition will be completed by March 2019.

PhaseII: Irrigation Network (Canal Area) 1,159 Acres Completion, June 2019.

PhaseIII: Reservoir Area. 6,665 Acres Completion, December 2019.

9. *Ms. Nooreen Farooq Khan:

Will the Minister for National Health Services Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the steps taken to make up the deficiency of nutriment in children during last five years?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (Mr. Aamer Mehmood Kiani): Federal government is cognizant of the situation of malnutrition in the country especially among children less than 5 years of age, as revealed by National Nutrition Survey 2011 9 (NNS20 11). Since then multiple initiatives have been initiated through the Nutrition Wing, Ministry of NHSR&C in Collaboration with Provincial Departments of Health, UN Agencies and development partners as continued nutrition response to prevent and treat malnutrition among most vulnerable especially children.

These interventions include:

1. Stunting Prevention for chronic Malnutrition (supplementation of Wawa Mum, Mamta and RUSF)

2. Counselling and Supplementation for prevention (Supplementation of Iron, Folic Acid, MNPs)

3. Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices

4. Breast Feeding promotion and protection.

5. Food Fortification (Salt iodization, Oil/Ghee with Vit A & D& Wheat Flour fortification with Iron, Zinc. Folic Acid & Vit B12)

6. Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) (with Lipid based nutrients like RUSF, F15, F 100 etc)

10. *Mr. Abdul Majeed Khan:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state:

(a) whether seeds, pesticides and fertilizers will be distributed to the farmers from established points at Union Council level as per the Government policy in this regard; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to make farmers prosperous and they may get fertilizers, seeds and pesticides at lower rates as compared to market rates at their own Union Councils?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan): (a) Private registered seed companies and private fertilizer and pesticide networks distribute seed, fertilizers and pesticide. 10 (b) The Government is trying to reduce the cost of production through ensuring quality of seeds which will enhance productivity. Government is already providing subsidy in fertilizers. Ministry ensures quality at the time of imports. However, quality at distribution level falls in the domain of provincial governments.

11. *Ch. Muhammad Shahbaz Babar:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state:

(a) the reasons for late start of crushing season of sugarcane in 2018-19;

(b) the area on which wheat could not be sown; if yes, reasons thereof;

(d) the steps taken to start said crushing season on time in future?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan): (a) Due to controversy between Provincial Governments and sugar mill owners on the cost of production of sugarcane crop and pending subsidy claims. However, the subject is the responsibility of the Provincial Governments under the 18th constitutional amendment.

(b) As per initial estimates wheat crop has been sown on 8.765 million hectare, which is 99.23% of the target area. The less sowing is due to shortage of water and delay in cotton crop and rice harvesting.

(d) ECC of the Cabinet on 22112018 constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of the Minister for National Food Security and Research, comprising Minister for Planning, Development and Reform and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Textile, Industries and Production as members. The Committee will look into issues relating to sugar economy and profitability of sugarcane issues. This is, however a provincial issue after 18th constitutional amendment. 11 12. *Rai Muhammad Murtaza Iqbal:

Will the Minister for Industries and Production be pleased to state:

(a) the steps being taken to make Pakistan Steel Mills a profitable organization;

(b) the steps being taken to remove difficulties and hurdles of the said mill; and

Minister for Industries and Production: (a) The present Government has taken number of initiatives to make PSM functional. In this regard, the CCoP in its meeting held on 31st October, 2018 has delisted PSM from the active list of Privatization, while the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in its meeting held on 7th November, 2018 has directed MoI&P to submit a viable plan for operationalization of PSM. The Government has constituted an Expert Group to formulate a viable plan for reoperationalization of the Mill.

(b) M/o Industries &, Production and PSM Board/Management in consultation with Expert Group has been working to formulate a Rehabilitation/ Revival Plan of PSM to be presented before the Government by March,2019.

(c) PSM after becoming operational can save, millions of dollars presently spend on import of steel and steel related products. It will also be able to contribute billions of rupees to the national economy and create job opportunities for thousands of people.

13. *Mr. Shahid Ahmad:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state the steps taken or being taken by the Government for agriculture production in the poverty stricken districts of Karak, Lakki Marwat and Tank?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan):  Ministry of National Food Security and Research through PARC has approved and is implementing a Mega PSDP Project titled “UpGradation of Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) D.I. Khan to the 12 level of Arid Zone Research Center (AZRC) and Establishment of New Adaptive Research Cum Demonstration Institute at, Wana (SWA), Miranshah (NWA) FATA Tank and Matora, Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa” for enhancing agriculture production in the poverty stricken/affected southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Karak, Lakki Marwat and Tank) including FATA with the total cost of Rs.691.564 Million.

 Ministry of National Food Security and Research is executing a PSDP project namely “Promotion of Olive Cultivation on Commercial Scale in Pakistan” through PARC. The project is being operated in KP province through Agriculture Research Institute (ARI), Tarnab and PARC National Tea & High Value Crops Research Institute (PNTHRI), Shinkiari. Karrak, Lakki Marwat and Tank districts are include in the said project area. 49,500 Olive plants are also provided to KPK Province. During the fiscal year Rs.300.00 million allocated for the said project.

 Other initiatives included, Human Resources Development (creation of awareness, trainings, workshops etc).

14. *Ch. Muhammad Shahbaz Babar:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state

(a) the hurdles faced in the preparation of Hybrid seeds at country level;

(b) the procedure of Inter-provincial Coordination to provide better seeds to farmers; and

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan): (a) PARC initiated indigenization of hybrid seed production through PSDP project. Twenty seven (27) tons of hybrid seed (Maize) was produced and MoU for distribution of seed in KP was signed with ALFarid Society of Swabi (KP).To cope with rising needs of food, feed and fodder the following steps needs are to be taken to increase per unit production. 13

 Proper Infrastructure and exclusive funds allocation for hybrid seed production

 Availability of diversified germplasm resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses

 Capacity building of existing manpower through high level training in hybrid seed production of cereal, fodder, oilseeds & vegetables.

(b) A pivotal role in seed development is playing especially for OPV (Open Pollinated Varieties) of wheat, rice, maize etc. Import and distribution of germplasm to provincial institutes, conduction of National Uniforrn Yield Trials (NUYT) in collaboration with provincial research departments and clearance of germplasm with disease incidence and selection of best parameters are the major role of various offices working in PARC. Public and Private institutes are benefiting these facilities. On the basis of these NUYT, PARC also recommend new varieties through Varietal Evaluation Committee (VEC) and presented in the respective Provincial Seed Council for approval.

(c) The establishment of “Plant Registry”, in wake of Plant Breeders Rights Act is in process. After its establishment investment opportunities will be harvested and the country would be in a position to sell better quality seeds internationally.

15. *Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state:

(a) the pay scales of the employees of Housing Foundation at present alongwith details thereof;

(b) the details of the employees, pay and allowances as well as prerequisites scale-wise thereof;

(c) whether it is a fact that biometric attendance system has not been installed in said Housing Foundation so far; if so, the status thereof; and

(d) the time by which it will be installed with details?

14 Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema): (a) The Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation registered with Security and exchange commission of Pakistan (SECP) as a Public Company limited by guarantee in 1990 under Companies Ordinance, 1984. The FGE Housing Foundation has adopted a Government Pay and allowances of their employees. The detail of employees pay and allowances is at ANNEXA.

(b) The detail of employees pay, allowances and prerequisites scale wise is at ANNEXA.

(c) A biometric attendance system has been installed in the Housing Foundation in order to observe attendance of employees since 2011.

(d) As above.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

16. *Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of employees working in Golengol Hydel Power Station; and

(b) the details of number of local and non-local employees separately alongwith the number of posts lying vacant presently?

Minister for Water Resources (Mr. Muhammad Faisal Vawda): (a) As conveyed by WAPDA, Presently 25 No. of employees are working in Golen GolHydel Power Station, Chitral.

(b) Number of Local Employees = 16 Number of Non Local Employees = 09 Vacant Posts = 90

Grade wise detail of Local and Non local employees: 15 —————————————————————————————— Sr. BPS Designation Working No. Local NonLocal —————————————————————————————— 1. 16 Foreman 1 2. 16 Operator 2 3. 15 Astt: Foreman 1 4. 14 Jr. Tech/ Attendant 2 7 5. 07 ASA 9 6. 09 Crane Operator 1 7. 09 Jr. Clerk 1 8. 01 Cooley 1 —————————————————————————————— Total 16 09 —————————————————————————————— 17. *Mr. Muhammad Farooq Azam Malik:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that water flow in Indus basin has significantly changed since 1991-Accord;

(b) if so, whether the Government has recently conducted an assessment to identify the real amount of change in water flow in the Indus basin alongwith causes thereof;

(c) if so, whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to review the said Accord in collaboration with provinces; if so, the details; if not, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Water Resources (Mr. Muhammad Faisal Vawda): (a) It is a fact that flows in rivers have significantly changed since 1991 Accord. It is evident from the attached sheet that during the PreAccord period, i.e., 197677 to 199091 the average Western Rivers inflows were 140.45 Million Acre Feet (MAF) and during PostAccord period, i.e., 199192 to 201718 the average inflows declined to 136.69 MAF. 16 If Eastern Rivers component is added to the Western Rivers (Western + Eastern Rivers), during the PreAccord period, i.e., 197677 to 199091 the average inflows were 149.52 MAF and during PostAccord period 199192 to 201718 the average inflows declined to 141.59 MAF.

It is to be noted that Eastern Rivers have already been allocated to India as per provisions of Indus Water Treaty (I WT) 1960, but uncontrolled/unavoidable flow escapages by India do occur which are efficiently utilized in integrated operation of the river system by IRSA. For the PreAccord period i.e., 197677 to 1990 91 the average Eastern River flows were 9.08 MAF and for the PostAccord period, i.e.,199192 to 201718, the average Eastern Rivers flows / declined to 4.90 MAF.

(b) The amount of change in Western Rivers to the extent of 3.76 MAF (140.45136.69=3.76) has been witnessed in River Inflows.

By considering combined Western + Eastern River flows, the amount of change is to the extent of 7.93 MAF (149.52 141.59= 7.93).

The major cause, as hydrological experts say, is ‘Climate Change’ which is badly impacting all over the World.

(c) There is no proposal current under discussion to review the Water Accord 1991, as the Water Accord is a comprehensive document which encompasses all the aspects of water distribution / management.

18. *Mr. Faheem Khan:

Will the Minister for Industries and Production be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan Automation Company had been merged in Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation in 2007 due to which the employees are suffering from mental torture without promotion and betterment of work; and

(b) the time by which Government will take positive steps against longstanding sufferings of said employees and to give them promotion and incentives equally alongwith details thereof?

17 Minister for Industries and Production: (a) No such company namely Pakistan Automation Company exists, however, Pakistan Automobile Corporation Limited (PACO), currently dormant, had been merged in PIDC in 2007. The following three (03) officers were transferred to PIDC w.e.f. 0101 2011:—

1. Mr. Muhammad Hussain, Dy. General Manager (Finance) 2. Mr. Khawaja Zahid Latif, Dy. Manager (Fin/Accts) 3. Mr. Wakeel Khan Swati, Assistant manager (A&P)

Subsequently, the final dues of aforesaid officers were paid by PIDC upon their retirement on the age of superannuation. Now, no employees are on the payroll of PACO and the company is awaiting for its Liquidation.

(b) Hence, the issue of employees, suffering from mental torture without promotion and batterment of work, does not arise.

19. *Ms. Saira Bano:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) the average estimated hospital waste being generated by various public and private hospitals, clinics and other health facilitates in the Islamabad Capital Territory;

(b) whether it is a fact that such waste is not being disposed of according to international standards as most of the hospitals, clinics and other health facilitates do not have proper facilitates to dispose of such waste;

(c) if so, what corrective measures are being taken to ensure disposal of such waste as per international standards in letter and spirit?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (Mr. Aamer Mehmood Kiani): (a) The average estimated hospital waste being generated by public hospital in the ICT i.e. Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Federal Government Polyclinic (FGPC), National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicines (NIRM), Federal Government Hospital (FGH) is as under: 18 PIMS

The average of 2298.4 kg per day hospital waste is being generated by PIMS.

FGPC

The average quantity / quantum of dangerous medical waste (composed of infectious / sharps / radiological waste) generated on daily basis approximately is 140 kg at FGPC.

NIRM

NIRM approximately generate 35kilogram of hazardous medical waste per day which is accordingly disposed of through the incinerator. NIRM has its proper and fullfledged sanitation department to combat the sanitation and hospital waste management issues.

FGH

The Federal General Hospital produce 25 KG infectious waste and 50KG noninfectious waste on daily basis.

However hospital waste being generated in the Private hospitals, clinics would be available after establishment of Islamabad Healthcare Authority which is in process.

(b) PIMS

Hospital waste including infectious (Hazardous) waste is being treated as per National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act and guidance according to international standard.

All steps of waste management are properly monitored and reported by infectious control nurses to Hospital Waste Management Committee.

FGPC

All waste generated on daily basis in the hospital is disposed off according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) provided by the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The waste is either incinerated in the hospital or moved to landfills on the outskirts of the city by the CDA. 19 A monthly report of all waste generated in FGPC is submitted to Pak EPA on regular basis for record purpose.

NIRM

The hospital medical waste is regularly collected by our sanitary staff under the supervision of sanitary inspectors and ward masters. The same is accordingly sent to incinerator for complete burning of the material and the ashes are dumped in the main dustbins kept outside the hospital premises by the CDA and regularly lifted by the CDA trucks to appropriate dumping place.

FGH

The Federal General Hospital is disposing infectious waste through incinerator and noninfectious waste is transported to land filled area of CDA.

All infectious waste is being disposed off at PIMS through recently installed incinerators in compliance with the (Environmental Protection Agency) EPA guidelines.

FGPC

The procedure of dumping / disposal of waste is categorically divided into:

 Noninfection Waste collected & transported separately to the waste bins of CDA placed outside the hospital.

 Infectious Waste separated at the site of generation. It is then collected & transported to specially allocated areas of the hospital by the hospital staff to be burnt in the hospital’s own incinerator on daily basis.

 Pharmaceutical Waste is either returned to supplier or placed in especially labeled yellow waste bags after being crushed & disposed under guidelines of federal drug inspector. 20 NIRM

Waste generated at NIRM is segregated at source into noninfectious (garbage) and infectious waste. The noninfectious waste in the form of leftover food, wrappers, papers, kitchen garbage, etc. is disposed off in the dumpers provided by CDA.

The infectious waste including used syringes, blood bags, soiled sheets, soiled clothes, and other items contaminated by blood and other body fluids are safely disposed of by burning them in the incinerating unit as per principles of infectioncontrol and community hygiene.

FGH

Yes, the Federal General Hospital is adopting all corrective measures for disposal of waste.

20. *Ms. Shazia Marri:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that in and outdoor patients in Federally Administered Hospitals are required to purchase number of medicines by themselves and get laboratories tests form private laboratories on regular basis;

(b) if so, whether a comprehensive study/strategy has recently been made to identify the exact quantum of medicines and laboratories tests required to be arranged by patients themselves from their own sources on daily basis;

(c) the steps being taken by the Government to remove such structural and administrative weaknesses and provide such services free of cost; and

(d) the annual funds, allocated, released and utilized for the aforesaid purpose during the last five years till date?

21 Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (Mr. Aamer Mehmood Kiani): (a) There are four (04) Federal Hospitals namely Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital (FGPC), National Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM) and Federal General Hospital (FGH) which are working under administrative control of Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination.

PIMS

PIMS has extensive list of available medicines in all components for outdoor and indoor patients. These medicines fulfill maximum needs of the patients. Time and again doctors are directed to prescribe drugs available in hospital formulary.

Generally, laboratory tests are done inside PIMS. However, those tests which are not available in PIMS and are necessary for diagnosis, are got done by patients from outside PIMS.

FGPC

Majority of the essential list medicines and laboratory tests are available in the FGPC and provided to all indoor & outdoor patients free of cost basis. However, a few specialized lab tests as the need arises are referred to NORI or NIH (the Govt. Institutions).

NIRM

NIRM is meant to provide health care and rehabilitation facilities to the disabled patients. All disabled patients are provided medicines and lab services free of cost.

FGH

Available medicines and laboratory services to patients are provided free of cost.

(b) No such comprehensive strategy or study has been made by the said Federal Hospitals to assess the quantum of medicines and the lab tests to be done from the outside. 22 (c) The Government is planning to make optimum utilization of resources to provide these services free of cost.

(d) The detail of annual funds, allocated, released and utilized by the said hospital for the aforesaid purpose during the last five years till date is as under:

PIMS in million Rupees —————————————————————————————— S.No Financial Allocation Utilization Year (in million) (in million) —————————————————————————————— 1. 201314 445.315 445.310 2. 201415 456.210 454.745 3. 201516 559.153 559.032 4. 201617 663.916 663.929 5. 201718 658.104 658.058

6. 201819 658.523 —————————————————————————————— FGPC in Rupees —————————————————————————————— S.No Years Allocated/ utilized —————————————————————————————— 1. 201415 530,000,000 2. 201516 550,601,000 3. 201617 550,601,000 4. 201718 550,041,000 5. 201819 635,048,000 —————————————————————————————— 23 NIRM in Rupees —————————————————————————————— S# Financial Year Total Budget Expenditure —————————————————————————————— 1 20132014 13,652,900/ 13,649,721/ 2 20142015 15,000,000/ 14,995,855/ 3 20152016 16,000,000/ 15,988,367/ 4 20162017 16,066,000/ 16,061,293/ 5 20172018 13,000,000/ 12,998,798/ —————————————————————————————— FGH in Rupees —————————————————————————————— Total funds allocated Expenditure incurred for the last five years during last five year (201317) (201317) —————————————————————————————— Rs. 158,989,000 Rs. 158,031,604 —————————————————————————————— 21. *Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state:

(a) whether Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation conducted assessment prior to making collection from the employees of Government against those housing schemes launched without having land therefor; if so, the details thereof;

(b) the justification to launch and make collection for such schemes without having land therefor;

(d) the amount of interest gained thereon and utilization of both principal collection and interest thereon separately?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema): (a) The Housing Foundation is a selffinanced organization and is not in receipt of any funds from the Government. The projects, wherein, land is acquired through Land Acquisition Collector (LAC) under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, the LAC announced Award of Cost of Land as well as built up properties and convey to the Housing Foundation. On the basis of amount assessed by the Collector for cost of land and built up properties, the Housing Foundation accordingly collect the said amount from the allottees.

However, all JV projects are assessed in the light of JV Policy duly approved by the Federal Cabinet.

(b) The mandate of the FGE Housing Foundation is to provide shelter to the shelterless Federal Government employees and other specified groups on “No Profit No Loss basis”. In line with its aim and objective, the Housing Foundation has launched several housing schemes from time to time, to eradicate shelterlessness among Federal Government Employees. Since, no funds are to be provided to it from Government. Therefore, Housing Foundation does not possess sufficient funds for purchase of land in advance. Hence, down payment is to be collected from its members at the time of launch / announcement of housing schemes. The amount, so for, collected is utilized for partial payment of raw land. On receipt of installments, the balance amount of land is paid.

(d) AnnexA 25

22. *Mr. Mohammad Aslam Bhootani:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that ground breaking of Winder Dam in Lasbela District was made by the then President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari on 1st January, 2010;

(b) if so, the reasons of non-commencement of its work till date; and

26 Minister for Water Resources (Mr. Muhammad Faisal Vawda): (a) Yes, it is a fact that ground breaking of Winder Dam in Lasbela District was made by the then President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari on 1st January 2010.

(b)  Original PCI of this project amounting to Rs. 1,695 Million was approved by ECNEC on 03092009. The bids of Winder Dam Project were invited by WAPDA and the letter of acceptance (LOA) was issued to the lowest bidder M/s Techno Engineering Services RSWI JV on 15022010. However, the same was cancelled by WAPDA Authority due to the writ petition filed by unsuccessful bidder in Lahore High Court on 11072011.The successful Bidder did not submitted 10% Performance Guarantee as per contractual provisions and kept on extending validity of bid security and requesting WAPDA for extending the submission date of Performance Guarantee on the pretext of proceeding of Writ Petition of one bidder in the court of law.

 WAPDA Authority in its meeting held on July, 2011 annulled the bidding process and cancelled the Letter of Acceptance (LoA) issued to M/s TechnoEngineeringRSWI JV for construction of Winder Dam Project.

 Accordingly, WAPDA on 02112011 apprised Honourable Lahore High Court regarding cancelation/withdrawal of Letter of Acceptance (LoA)issued to successful Bidder and the Honourable Court disposed of the Writ Petition.

 WAPDA reinvited bids for the construction of Winder Dam Project on 13062013. However, the same was postponed due to change of priority conveyed by GoB for construction of Naulong and Badinzai Dam Projects (AnnexI).

 1st Revised PCI amounting to Rs. 12,904 Million was resubmitted by WAPDA in August, 2014 to the then Ministry of Water & Power. The Ministry linked the approval with consent / priority of GoB for implementation of the Project.

 WAPDA and the Ministry repeatedly requested GoB for obtaining requisite priority for construction of the Winder Dam. However, the same was not furnished by Government of Balochistan. 27 On 31082017, GoB conveyed that Chief Minister of Balochistan has desired that Irrigation Department of Balochistan may take initiative on the project for its approval from the competent forum and requested the Ministry of Water Resources to advice WAPDA to handover necessary record of the project to Govt. of Balochistan.

 Accordingly, Irrigation Department, Government of Balochistan submitted PCI of the project to Ministry of Water Resources for approval of the competent forum on 23042018. The Chief Engineering Adviser and the Ministry of Water Resources pointed out serious technical deficiencies in this document and requested GoB to resubmit the same after removal of the said deficiencies. Accordingly, amended/updated PCI of this project costing Rs. 15,230.76 million was received by GoB on 04022019. The same is under process and will be submitted to the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform shortly for approval of the competent forum.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

23. *Mr. Raza Rabani Khar:

Will the Minister for Industries and Production be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Competition Commission of Pakistan has recently submitted a report describing therein Pakistan’s automobile industry as uncompetitive and involved in malpractices;

(b) if the answer to part (a) above is in affirmative, the details of the report and whether Government has taken notice thereon; if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the steps being taken by the Government to make the automobile industry accountable for its malpractices, protect the rights of consumers and ensure a competitive environment in automobile industry? 28 Minister for Industries and Production: (a) Yes, it is true that Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has given opinion on competitive concerns in Automobile Sector.

(b) The report is attached at AnnexA. However, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), itself has the mandate to address the issue of cartelization, malpractices and protect rights of consumers. These matters do not relate to Mol&P/EDB. EDB’s mandate is only limited to monitoring of imports of CKD for assembly of vehicles under concessionary regimes. In view of CCP’s opinion about fragmented regulatory regime, it may please be noted that Automotive Sector is being regulated through well defined regulatory regimes i.e. Tariff Based Systems (TBS) and predefined Tariffs under Automotive Development Policy (ADP) 201621. The standard formulation falls under purview of Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) which would be in a better position to comment on the issue thereon.

(c) The steps taken by Mol&P/EDB to ensure a competitive environment and protect right of consumers in automobile sector are as under: o Automotive Development Policy (ADP) 201621 was approved by Federal Government of Pakistan to create competition by attracting new companies, improve availability of cars, reduce prices, and offer vehicles to the public that have quality, safety and environmental features. o Under Automotive Development Policy (ADP) 201621, 13 new companies have been awarded Greenfield Status i.e. new investment in new make. In addition, two closed down units have been revived. o In order to reduce delivery time, the ADP 201621 announced consumer welfare initiative under which “Price and delivery schedule, not exceeding two months, has been firmed at the time of booking. Any delay over two months results in discount @ KIBOR+2 percent prevailing on the date of final delivery/settlement from the final payment, which is an effort to shorten delivery lead time. Under the ADP 201621, the assemblers are paying KIBOR+2% to the customers on late deliveries beyond 60 days. The matter was discussed with the OEMs. The OEMs perspective with reference to late delivery is at AnnexB. (Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library) 29 24. *Mr. Saad Waseem:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation launched a housing scheme, namely, Park-Enclave, Islamabad; if so, the details thereof alongwith category wise seniority-list of the scheme;

(b) whether it is also a fact that serving employees have been allowed to change their category upward; if they get promotion to next higher grade in due course of time; if so, details of those employees who have applied for higher category so far;

(c) whether it is further a fact that seniority-list has not been upgraded so far; if so, the justification thereof; and time by which the names of those employees, who have applied for change of category, will be incorporated in the seniority list; and

(d) the plan of the Government to execute the scheme expeditiously?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema): (a) FGE Housing Foundation has not launched Park Enclave Housing Scheme, Islamabad. However. the Housing Foundation has launched a scheme in the name of “Park Road Housing Scheme” in Mouza Tamma and Morriyan, Islamabad in 2017 for Lawyers of Supreme Court Bar Association and FG employees. The detail of consent letter and POL issued in Park Road Housing Scheme is at ANNEXA & B.

(b) Yes, the Executive Committee in its 150th meeting held on 15022018 allowed upgradation of membership subject to the condition that such members will be placed at the bottom of the members already registered in that category; for which additional registration fee has been paid; irrespective of the date of their original membership. Those who have been duly upgraded will be issued allotment in the up gradation category and quota on their turn. The up gradation is still going on. The tentative upgraded list is available at Web site of Housing Foundation i.e. www.fgehf.gov.pk. 30 (c) The tentative Membership list as well as tentative upgraded list of upgrade applicants is available at the web site of Housing Foundation i.e. www.fgehf.gov.pk. However, up gradation is still going on and last date to change their category upward is 21022019 Upgraded members will be placed at the bottom of the members already registered in that category. Inter seniority among the up gradated members will be settled after 7closure of the up gradation of the applicants.

(d) Park Enclave Housing Scheme, Islamabad is not a project of Housing Foundation. However, the process of acquisition of Land in Park Road Housing Scheme is presently under litigation in the Supreme Court. As soon as, the issue is decided by the Supreme Court, the acquisition and development work will be started.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

25. *Ms. Ghulam Bibi Bharwana:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state:

(a) whether any subsidy is being provided by the Government to farmers on urea at present; if so, the details thereof;

(b) if not, is there any proposal under consideration of the Government to provide subsidy on urea; if so, the time by which same will be provided?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan): (a) Subsidy on domestic urea is provided in the following forms:

 Feed gas is being provided at cheap rate (Rs. 185 per MMBTU) where as price of fuel gas is Rs. 780/ per MMBTU. In this way subsidy of Rs. 714/ per bag which is around Rs. 78/ billion per annum.

 Subsidy in the form of tax relief as GST for urea was reduced from 17 percent to 5 percent and recently to 2 percent in the federal budget 201819. 31  About 100 thousand tons of urea import was allowed to avoid the shortage of urea. The price of imported urea is much higher than the local urea price. Hence the difference in price between the imported and local urea is picked up by the Government as subsidy.

 Recent Government has proposed the reduction of 50% Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) in the mini budget @ Rs. 200/bag of Urea.

(b) Government is already incentivizing Urea manufacturers.

26. *Mr. Shahid Ahmad:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state the names of Model Climate Smart Agriculture Villages established or being established in the country?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan): There is no model climate smart agriculture village extablished in the country.

27. *Ms. Mussarat Rafiq Mahesar:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony be pleased to state whether it is a fact that Government is increasing rates of charges for Hajj under Government scheme; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony (Mr. NoorulHaq Qadri): Charges for Hajj 2019 have been increased due to the following reasons:

(i) Enhancement in exchange rates – Rs. 63,110/ (ii) Increase in other Hajj items i.e. accommodation, food, Compulsory Hajj dues, Mashaair charges, train etc. Rs. 76,865/ (iii) Increase in Air fare– Rs. 17,000/ Total Rs. 156,975/ (56.00%) 32 28. *Ms. Nusrat Wahid: Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state the number of MOUs made by the Ministry and its statutory bodies with other States from the year 2016 to 2018 indicating also the name of country and nature of agreements in each case? Minister for National Food Security and Research (Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan): (a) Following is the detail of Agreements signed by the Ministry of National Food Security & Research during the years 2016 to 2018 indicating name of country and the detail about the nature of Agreements: (a) Number of Agreements made during last five years: i. Four Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with other states were signed by the Ministry of NFS&R while one MOU was made by Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), an autonomous research organization of the Ministry of NFS&R. Detail is given in Para (b) below. ii. An Agreement on Cooperation in Agriculture between the Governments of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was ratified/acceded. iii. An Agreed Technical Procedures was also signed by the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) for export of Mango Fruit to Iran. (b) Name of Countries and Nature of Agreements: 33 34 29. *Ms. Munawara Bibi Baloch:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that both the International Donors and the Ministry helped out the province of Balochistan particularly in the Health Sector; if so, the details thereof; and

(b) whether benefits of the said help has been provided/received by the needy and deserving people in the far flung areas of the province or it is limited only to few people housed in grand hotels of Quetta?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (Mr. Aamer Mehmood Kiani): (a) 1. Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination works with all the major bilateral and multilateral organizations to improve healthcare in country including Balochistan.

2. Prime Minister’s National Health Programme, enables poor, living below poverty line to access needed healthcare services, free of cost, without any financial constraint and in a dignified manner in 5 districts of Balochistan (Quetta, loralai, Lasbella, Kech, Gawader). Soon, it will going to cover all the districts of Balochistan.

(b) The people of far flung areas of Balochistan get the benefits regarding their healthcare either directly or indirectly. Total 1,18000 families in 5 Districts of Balochistan to be included in Prime Minister’s National Health Program and out of these 50,000 families availed these services. It is not the fact that it is limited only to few people.

30. *Ms. Shahida Rehmani:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the estimated production of potato is 45 lac tons during the current year while the consumption of potato is 25 lac tons in the country; 35 (b) if so, whether or not the Government has made arrangements for the export of potato?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan): (a) Yes it is fact that estimated production of the potatoes is about 4.5 million tons whereas the consumption of potatoes is 3.2 million tons. It is also important to mention that about 0.7 million tons of potato is used as potato seed from the same crop to be harvested.

(b) (i) During last year Pakistan has exported 0.570 million tons of potato to the different countries whereas during this year from 1st July, 2018 to 11th February, 2019, 0.255 million tons has been exported to different countries.

(ii) Ministry of Commerce has directed its Commercial Counsellor for timely export of potato in the countries where as potationals demand is from like China, Philippine, Vietnam and other countries.

(iii) Ministry of National Food Security & Research has established its temporarily out post at Okara to facilitate exporters for examination inspection and certification of potatoes consignments for export purpose to reduce the cost of doing business.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN, The 19th February, 2019 Secretary.

PCPPI—3295(2019) NA—19022019—650. 1 (8th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Wednesday, the 20th February, 2019

8. Mr. Muhammad Aslam Khan: (Deferred during 7th Session)

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that a letter No.P.Sectt.(Public)’s U.O.No.2(2791)/Dir(A-II)/07 dated May 9th, 2008 was written by the President Secretariat (Public) to Ministry of Housing and Works to determine position of the case pertaining to the allotment of Government owned quarters in Sector G-6, Islamabad to the existing occupants on ownerships basis;

(b) if the answer to part (a) above is in the affirmative, the details thereof?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema): (a) Efforts have been made to trace President Secretariat u.o No. 2(279)/Dir(AII)07 dated 09/05/2018 but the same appear to have not been received. Informally the President Secretariat has been approached to provide the copy of the said reference but to no avail. However, the written communication to the President Secretariat has been made. As of now, the reply of the Question part ‘a’ is ‘No’.

(b) None.

1. Mr. Nisar Ahmed Cheema:

Will the Minister for Industries and Production be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Wazirabad is famous for its cutlery, knife and sword making industry for many centuries; 2

(b) whether it is also a fact that more foreign exchange can be earned by encouraging and exporting the said products;

(c) if the answer to parts (a) and (b) above are in the affirmative, the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

Reply not received.

2. Syed Amin Ul Haque:

Will the Minister for Industries and Production be pleased to state:

(a) since when the salaries of the employees of Pakistan Steel Mills and Pakistan Steel Fabricating Company Limited (PSFCL) have not been paid alongwith the reasons thereof; and

(b) whether it is a fact that PSFCL is 100% sub-organization of Pakistan Steel Mills?

Minister for Industries and Production: (a) The salaries upto the month of November, 2018 has been released to Pakistan Steel Mill (PSM) employees. For the salaries of December, 2018, the case has been taken up with the Finance Division. PSM is facing severe financial crunch and its production activity has been suspended since June 2015 due to reduction in Gas pressure by M/S. SSGC. As a result PSM is not in a position to generate revenue for its working capital requirement.

The salaries of employees of M/s Pakistan Steel Fabricating Company (Private) Limited PSFCL employees have been paid up to April 2018. PSFCL being the subsidiary of Pakistan Steel relies mostly on its business, through work orders of fabrication work and Purchase Orders of Paints of huge amounts from Pakistan Steel Mills, while the present position of PSFCL is very critical and even not in a position to pay the salaries regularly.

(b) PSFCL is a subsidiary of Pakistan Steel Mills established under Companies Ordinance. The business of PSFCL is run and controlled by its Chief Executive and the Board of Directors. 3 3. Mr. Saad Waseem:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state whether present Government intends to establish Pakistan Agriculture Research Center, Research Station in Sukkar; if so, when it will be established?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan): At the moment there is no proposal is under consideration of Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, (PARC) for establishment of Agriculture Research Station/Center in Sukkar. Whereas PARCAZRI Technology Field Station, District Khairpur, Sindh is already performing research activities in the vicinity.

4. Mr. Saad Waseem:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state:

(a) the name of cities in which research stations of Pakistan Agriculture Research Centre are working for research in the field of agriculture throughout country alongwith the locations thereof; and

(b) whether it is a fact that such research centres are being closed permanently in some cities; if so, the reasons alongwith the names thereof?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan): (a) Presently, PARC has 31 research establishments i.e. 5 Centers, 18 Institutes and 8 SubStations. These research establishments are performing research activities throughout the country. The details of Center and name of Cities is given as Annex-I.

(b) There is no plan/proposal under consideration to close any Research Center, Institute or Station. Keeping in view the future food security demand of the fast growing population of the country PARC is keen to strengthen the above mentioned Centers/ Institutes/ Stations. However, only PARC Liaison Office, Lahore in Agriculture House of Provincial Government (Punjab) was closed by the approval of BoG. 4 5 5. Syed Agha Rafiullah:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether new hospitals are being constructed by the present Government in Islamabad; if so, the number thereof; and

(b) the time by which said hospitals will be constructed?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (Mr. Aamer Mehmood Kiani): (a) At present two new hospitals are being constructed in Islamabad. The detail is as under:—

(i) Construction of 200 beds King Sulman Bin Abdul Azeez Alsaud Hospital at Taramri Chowk, Tarlai, Islamabad extendable to another 300 beds.

(ii) Construction of 01 MCH center at Barakahu.

(b) The detail of the completion of the said hospital is as under:—

(i) King Sulman Bin Abdul Azeez Alsaud Hospital will be completed up to 31122020 subject to provision of demanded fund by Saudi Development Fund.

(ii) 01 MCH Center will be completed up to 31122019, subject to availability of SARRC fund.

6. Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state when forensic audit of housing societies will be conducted and details of any audit if conducted before alongwith the punishment awarded to the persons who are involved in corruption?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema): The question pertains to Housing Societies and their audit. Whereas, Ministry of Housing & Works does not deal with these societies, therefore NIL reply may be treated from Ministry of Housing & Works. 6 7. Ms. Shams Un Nisa:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state whether the Government has any plan for recharging water aquifers for groundwater management and to develop the economical and sustainable technology for aquifer recharging to cope with water crises?

Reply not received.

8. Ms. Mussarat Rafiq Mahesar:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that a number of children are dying daily due to shortage and non-availability of ventilators in many hospitals; if so, the authority/department responsible for the death of these innocent children; and

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

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (Mr. Aamer Mehmood Kiani): (a) There are four (04) Federal Hospitals namely Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital (FGPC), National Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM) and Federal General Hospital (FGH) which are working under administrative control of Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination. The hospital wise reply of the question is as under:

PIMS

Children’s Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences was made functional in 1985. Paediatrics Intensive Care Unit started functioning at the same time. Paediatrics Intensive Care Unit has got 9 intensive care beds with facility to ventilate up to 5 children and four steps down beds. Currently 5 ventilators are functioning in Paediatrics Intensive Unit and 15 ventilators are functioning in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. 7 FGPC The facility of Ventilators is available in Federal Government Polyclinic, Hospital. There are no reported deaths of children due to nonavailability of Ventilators. NIRM Currently the institute has no facility of ventilators as we neither deal / treat the cases of acute emergency nor have any emergency department.

FGH The Federal General Hospital is a secondary care hospital and does not have facility of ventilators in Peads Department.

(b) The detail of steps being taken by the said hospitals in this regard is as under:—

PIMS Since the establishment of Children’s Hospital in 1985, the population of Rawalpindi / Islamabad, Jehlum, Chakwal, Murree has increased manifolds. Secondly, Children’s Hospital also caters for children coming from AJK, Khyber Pakhtunkhawa and Gilgit Baltistan.

However, there is a PCI under submission for expansion of Children Hospital and MNCH of PIMS being provided by JICA

Dedicated intensive care ward of 10 beds will be constructed in addition upgradation of existing facilities.

FGPC

The case is under process to purchase more ventilators.

9. Ms. Mussarat Rafiq Mahesar:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Government has launched New Pakistan Housing Scheme for the construction of 50 lac houses 8 for the people and have started as a first step the process of Registration in seven districts which continued till 21st December 2018;

(b) if so, the number of persons registered in each district and the time by which the Government will start the construction of houses; and

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema): (a) Yes, the Govt. has initiated a program for construction of 5Million affordable houses with the name of “Naya Pakistan Housing Program”.

(b) The Program is in its initial phase of deliberation with the relevant stake holders.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN, The 19th February, 2019. Secretary.

PCPPI—3295(2019) NA—19022019—650.