1 (28th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”

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

Friday, the 22nd January, 2021

96. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb: (Deferred during 19th Session)

Will the Minister for Law and Justice be pleased to state:

(a) the name of cities of the country in which Model Courts are working at present; and

(b) alongwith total number thereof?

Reply not received.

30. *Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that when the installed transformers breaking down or becomes out of order, the local WAPDA authorities demand the local community to pay the amount of expenses incurred on the repair and maintenance of such transformers; and

(b) if so, whether it is a policy of Government and if not, what steps are being taken by the Government to stop such malpractice?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) In case of damage of a general distribution transformer, it is replaced at the cost of 2 DISCO, either with reclaimed or new one, but no cost is recovered from general public of the area. However, independent transformers of industrial / commercial connections are replaced on cost deposit basis, as the maintenance of such transformer is the liability of respective owner / consumer.

(b) There is no such policy issued for collection of funds for repair of a general distribution transformer. Hence, if any employee of a DISCO is found guilty of such practice, severe action is taken against the delinquent officials.

32. *Mr. Raza Rabani Khar: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that a ban has been placed on the extension of low-tension line, commonly known as LT line, to provide electricity to new/additional settlements; if so, the justification thereof;

(b) whether it is also a fact that such ban is depriving of the residents of new settlements to get the facility of electricity;

(c) if so, what corrective measures are being taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) As per policy in vogue, electricity to New / Additional Settlements is being provided under SDGs Program for which the funds are being allocated under PSDP. As, DISCOs do not provide Electricity to New Additional Settlements from their own development budget.

However, the already electrified abadies are facilitated by extending LT lines and additional transformers by generating LV proposals. However the permissible length of LT line in either side of a distribution transformer is to the limit of 1200 feet in urban areas and 1600 feet in Rural areas, so as to avoid excessive voltage drop to the tail end users, besides the limit of +5% voltage drop (as per abridge conditions of supply). 3

(b) New settlements such as housing schemes are electrified through sponsor of the scheme whereas villages are electrified after receiving funds from any funding agency i.e. Federal / Provincial / District Governments.

(c) As per reply of part­(a) above.

33. *Syed Mehmood Shah: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) whether concerned authority and departments have taken notice that a number of Balochistan districts particularly Qalat, Sorab and Mastung are facing extremely low voltage of electricity;

(b) if so, the steps being taken in this regad;

(c) the detail of amount of funds released during last two years to cope with this issue alongwith detail of amount which have been utilized from the funds; and

(d) the steps being taken by the Government to improve voltage in above areas/districts?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Yes, it is a fact that the voltage profile of some of rural & agriculture dominated feeders located at tail end of the system is not within permissible limits because of low Power Factor which prevails in QESCO’s network. The prime reason of this low Power Factor is the heavy inductive load (mostly comprising Tubewell load) and also owing to the lengthy feeders supplying power to population located at remote localities scattered all over Balochistan province.

(b) The following remedial measures are being taken for the improvement of the distribution network at the said areas:—

(i) The following two HT feeders have already been bifurcated under SAP / ELR from QESCO’s own source: 4 —————————————————————————————— S# Name of 11KV Sub Division F/Year Cost Feeder Rs. (M) —————————————————————————————— (i) Anjeeri Mastung 218­19 6.272 (ii) Shareefabad 03.987 —————————————————————————————— (ii) Construction of new 132KV Grid Station at Kapootu at District Kalat has been approved by DDWP on 21­2­2020 with an estimated cost of Rs. 603.808 million and expected to be completed by June 2022.

(iii) 220KV Grid Station at Mastung has been proposed by NTDC to bring 220KV Quetta Industrial Grid and 220KV Khuzdar Grid in ring system. The completion of the project will not only enhance the evacuation of power but will also improve the voltage profile. The project is expected to be completed by June 2023.

(c) No funds have yet been released to QESCO to cope up with this issue at the aforementioned areas.

(d) As elaborated at (b) above.

41. *Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) whether there is any proposal under consideration of PEPCO to revise its transfer/posting policy as regard to dislocation of officers on promotion; if so, the time by which the same will be implemented;

(b) the social and financial impact of dislocation policy;

(c) the details of officers transferred from one DISCO to the other locations during last three years on promotion and their dates of retirement; 5 (d) the details of officers transferred from one DISCO to the other stations during last three years other than those transferred/ dislocated on promotion giving justification/reason in each case also stating whether they are receiving dislocation allowance or otherwise and their dates of retirement; and

(e) the definition of term “transfer on administrative grounds”?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) No such proposal is under consideration by PEPCO BoD for revision of Transfer / Posting Policy for Officers issued on 30.07.2019. However, the officers dislocated upon their promotion, will be considered for transfer back to their parent company according to seniority on availability of vacancy before actualizing the recommendations of ensuing Selection Board meeting in due course.

(b) As part of conditions of service all federal employees are required to serve / move in areas across Pakistan.

(c) The details of officers so transferred from one DISCO to the other locations during last three years upon their promotion alongwith their dates of retirement is at Annex-A.

(d) The details of officers transferred from one DISCO to the other stations during last three years, is at Annex-B. However, it is clarified that only those officers are eligible for dislocation allowance who have either been transferred / dislocated upon promotion or through transfer in the interest of work. The officers transferred due to administrative reasons are not entitled to dislocation allowance.

(e) Administrative grounds means when an employee is transferred in public interest and to fulfill the operational / administrative requirements.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

42. *Ms. Shagufta Jumani: (Deferred during 27th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state: 6 (a) the price of electricity being paid by a consumer upon consuming 300 units per month at present and the break-up taxes, duties and other charges, which are charged upon such 300 units;

(b) detail subsidy which is provided to consumers, consuming 300 units and criteria by which such subsidy is distributed among them; and

(c) the rate of average bill of electricity of per month of 300 units, as on March, 2013 May, 2018 and also at present?

Reply not received.

43. *Syed Mehmood Shah: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the approval to construct grid station in Kapootu and Qalat was granted worthy Members on the recommendation last year;

(b) whether the funds have also been issued in this respect;

(c) if the answers to part (a) and (b) above are in affirmative, the details thereof and the time by which the work on it will be started and its date of completion?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Yes; the Construction of 132 KV Grid Station in Kapootu at District Qalat has been approved by DDWP in its meeting held on 21­02­2020.

(b) Yes, the funds amounting to Rs. 200.00 Million have been allocated in the current financial year 2020­21. Funds will be released after opening of Assignment Account which is in final stage in NBP Quetta. It will take one week for the process to be completed.

(c) The project is expected to be started in October 2020 and expected to be completed in June 2022, subject to 100% release of funds i.e. Rs. 603. 808 Million as per approved PC­I cost. 7 45. *Shazia Marri: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) whether an “agreement” or Memorandum of Understanding, signed between a group of power producing companies and Government, recently;

(b) if it is an agreement, as referred by the Prime Minister, the details thereof;

(c) if it is a MOU, the stage-wise details of measures, which need to do by both sides to reach an agreement at a later point in time;

(d) how did or will the matter of alleged “excessive profits” that is said to make by such power producing companies by misrepresenting their costs or their fuel consumption or their efficiency levels, address in the aforesaid agreement or MOU; and

(e) up to what extent, such agreement or MOU will be effective to reduce power bills of consumers alongwith its details thereof and the manner in which same will be worked out in terms of above?

Reply not received.

46. *Ms. Zille Huma: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) the steps being taken by the Government to make power sector efficient to avoid loss and implementation of anti theft campaign for transmission lines; and

(b) steps being taken by the Government for up-gradation of transmission lines of electricity?

8 Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) The following steps are being taken by DISCOs to reduce the electricity line losses:—

 Construction of new Grids and up­gradation of existing grid stations.  Augmentation of Power transformers.  Replacement of undersized conductors.  Installation and replacement of defective capacitors.  Replacement of undersized conductors of 11 KV Feeders.  Replacement of old and defective meters.  Augmentation and addition of Distribution transformers.  Replacement of defective transformers.  Surveillance and theft control through anti­theft drive/night Chowkidara to reduce line losses.  Ensuring billing accuracy through Mobile Meter Reading (MMR).

(b) For improvement of transmission system reliability and enhancement of existing transmission capacity, the following measures, based on incorporating latest technological trends being adopted Worldwide, are being adopted:

i. Ultra­High Voltage (UHV) level of 765 kV is being implemented in transmission network with the help of funding from World Bank (WB), in order to enhance the capacity of transmission lines.

ii. Reconductoring of existing transmission lines to enhance capacity and avoid overloading:

a. Replacement of existing 220kV Tarbela­Burhan D/C transmission line with a new line on twin bundled Rail conductor Circuits I & II.

b. Reconductoring of 500kV Dadu­Jamshoro Circuit I & II.

iii. Series Compensation technology is being introduced on transmission lines. In this context, NTDC is conducting feasibility studies through independent consultant. 9 iv. Recently, installation works of numerical distance protection relays, event and fault recorders was carried out in the South region to avoid indiscriminate trippings and will also be helpful in fault / tripping analysis in case of system disturbance.

v. To ensure transmission of bulk power at long distances, HVDC system is also being introduced in the network at +500kV and +660kV voltage levels. In this context, the following two (02) mega projects are under construction:

a. Matiari­Lahore +600KV HVDC project.

b. Sangtuda (Tajiskistan)­Nowshera +500kV HVDC (CASA 1000) project.

Further, five­year expansion plan upto the year 2025 has also been prepared to remove the transmission system constraints by addition of transformers and transmission lines capacity.

47. *Sheikh Fayyaz Ud Din: (Deferred during 27th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state the names of agreements signed by Government with Independent Power Producers alongwith the conditions thereof in details?

Reply not received.

48. *Jam Abdul Karim Bijar: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) how long more, Neelum-Jhelum (NJ) surcharges will be collected or remain enforced alongwith date of collection;

(b) whether it is a fact that over and above collection is being made under the head of NJ surcharge from consumers; if so, the justification thereof; 10 (c) is there any legal statutes, which empowers the Government to make such collection up till now;

(d) the estimated over and above collection in recent years; and

(e) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to refund over and above collection of NJ surcharge; if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof?

Reply not received.

74. *Syed Hussain Tariq: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) whether the Ministry or any other relevant authority of the Government has taken notice of intimidations of fertilizer sector to increase the prices of fertilizers; if and when Government tries to collect outstanding amount of GIDC in light of the decision of Supreme Court; if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether it is a fact that fertilizer sector has already collected such amount of GIDC from farmers;

(c) if prices of fertilizers are increased in this way, this will tantamount to contempt of the Supreme Court Judgment, same is unjust with the farmers, put negative impact on our already suppressed agriculture sector and undermine the writ of the Government;

(d) if so, whether the Government has started such collection; if so, the details thereof; and if not, the reasons thereof; and

(e) what corrective measures are being taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Government reduced the GIDC rate for Fertilizer Sector to Rs. 5/MMBTU vide Case No. ECC­16/03/2020 dated 20­01­2020 (ratified by the Federal Cabinet vide Case No. 31/Rule­19/2020 dated 23­01­2020). 11 In light of the decision of the Supreme Court, Petroleum Division advise GIDC collecting companies to initiate recovery of arrear amounts accrued up to 31st July 2020 in 24 installments from all defaulting consumers .There will be no LPS on the arrear amounts except where the consumer defaults in a payment of installment. Further the gas bills for the month of August 2020 and onwards will not include or reflect GIDC rates and will remain unbilled till further orders. Many of the consumers (90 cases) have taken stay orders from Sindh and Lahore High Courts, where as consumers have filed review petitions in the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the judgment dated 13.08. 2020. The matter is in the courts again.

The price of fertilizer is deregulated, however, M/o Industries & Production would be in a better position to respond to this question.

(b) In accordance to GIDC Act, 2015, the cess collecting companies listed in the First Schedule of the Act, 2015 have billed the amounts to all sectors, however, there were court orders where gas companies were restrained to bill the amounts of GIDC.

The matter of fertilizer prices pertains to M/o Industries and Production. However, the annual audited accounts of fertilizer companies reflect the liability of GIDC.

(c) As stated above the matter of fertilizer prices pertains to M/o Industries and Production. (d) The Government has started collection from the Cess collecting companies listed in First Schedule of the Act, 2015 in the light of the decision of the Supreme Court. In this regard, GIDC recovery against first installment as given below Rs. in billion —————————————————————————————— Cess amount in 1st Installment Recovery Outstanding —————————————————————————————— 20.31 3.07 17.24 —————————————————————————————— (e) The Government is filing appeals against the stay orders granted by various courts as well as requesting the Attorney General for Pakistan to assist in the matter in the Supreme Court. 12 1. *Ms. Mussarat Rafiq Mahesar:

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

(a) the quantum alongwith rate of electricity purchased from Independent Power Producers during the year 2018-19; and

(b) the price fixed for said electricity which is being sold out to the consumers?

Reply not received.

2. *Mr. Sher Akbar Khan:

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

(a) the number of villages of District Buner to which electricity supplied under Khushal Programme-I;

(b) the number of villages out of these where the power schemes have been completed and number of villages there the power schemes of which are still incomplete up till now;

(c) the amount incurred on these schemes alongwith the detail thereof; and

(d) the amount of funds returned from total amount allocated for said schemes; if so, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) 75 villages of District Buner have been supplied electricity supplied under Khushal Programme­I.

(b) Villages where power schemes have been Completed = 75

Villages where power schemes have not been Completed = Nil

(c) The amount incurred on these schemes is Rs. 53.321 Million

(d) The total amount allocated was fully utilized in these schemes. 13 3. *Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel:

Will the Minister for Human Rights be pleased to state:

(a) whether, Ministry or Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has taken notice that large number of people languishing in jails as their appeals are pending in respective appellate forums;

(b) if so, the province and jail-wise number of such persons, who have been languishing in jails upon pendency of their appeals in respective appellate forums for the last three years or more; and

(c) what steps are being taken by Government to formulate a comprehensive policy with collaboration of Provincial Governments to pay fines of such persons and ensure their release from jails?

Reply not received.

4. *Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) the time by which construction of Motorway from Hyderabad to Sukkar would be started; and

(b) details of duration of its completion alongwith proposed number of lanes?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a) Process of Expression of Interest is underway which will be finalized very soon after fulfilment of all technical formalities and construction will be started.

(b) Construction period of the project is 30 months and M­6 Motorway is designed as 06 lane, motorway.

5. *Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state: 14 (a) whether it is a fact that Chakdara to Chitral Road is not included in CPEC whereas Chitral-Gilgit Road is a part of CPEC;

(b) if the answer to part (a) above is in affirmative, the reason for not including Chakdara-Chitral Road in CPEC?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a) During 8th Joint Working Group (JWG) (Transport), it was agreed by both Chinese side and Pakistan side to include Gilgit­Shandoor­Chitral road, Chitral­Chakdara road including Dir (Expressway) and Swat Expressway starting from Chakdara to Kernal Sher Khan Interchange as Alternate route to KKH and part of Western CPEC Corridor.

(b) N/A.

7. *Agha Hassan Baloch:

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

(a) the district-wise ratio of area of each district of Balochistan which has facility of electricity;

(b) whether it is a fact that most of areas of Balochistan does not have facility of electricity;

(c) if so, the reasons thereof; and

(d) what steps are being taken by the Government to provide electricity in such areas at earliest?

Reply not received.

8. *Ms. Shahida Rehmani:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) the number of crimes reported on Motorways throughout the country alongwith their geographical break-up for the last four years; and 15 (b) what steps are being taken to make Motorways safe for passengers in future?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a) Details of crime incident Occurred on M­1, M­2 (North & South) E­35, M­3, M­4 and M­5:—

(b) i. The number of patrolling vehicles has been increased in dark hours.

ii. Anti­Crime Squads have been deployed at crime infested areas in dar hours along with necessary equipments, sufficient arms/ ammunition to check the verge, underpasses, flyovers etc. 16

iii. To ensure effective patrolling of field formation in dark hours supervisory patrolling is carried out by Zone/Sector/Beat Commanders/AOs/Operation Officers in their area of responsibility.

iv. Zonal/Sector teams and concerned CPO lines HQ are also deputed to check the patrolling staff randomly and also takes part in different type of operational activities.

v. Commuters are being briefed not to stop on motorway unnecessarily during dark hours, except service/rest areas or besides NHMP patrolling vehicles, and in case of need, immediately inform NHMP through Helpline 130.

vi. Snap checking is being carried out randomly of the suspected vehicles especially at night hours. vii. Movie/video of each and every Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) is also being ensured at movie making points to avoid crimes in PSVs. viii. All stake holders i.e. NHA, FWO, Local Police, Rescue services have been taken on board.

ix. NHA, FWO has also been requested to direct the concerned quarters for cleanliness of the verge by trimming vegetation/shrubs etc.

x. NHA has been requested for early plugging of fence gaps on all motorways for safe travel of commuters.

xi. The FWO has also been requested to repair /install NPR cameras at the interchanges/toll plazas so that NHMP could seek assistance to trace out the movement (Entry/Exit) of suspicious vehicles. xii. Effective coordination is being carried out with Local Police for combing operations in adjoining areas of Motorway, as well as for patrolling. 17 xiii. Sargodha and Sheikhupura regions also have deputed elite police vehicle as requested by NHMP to counter the criminal activities along motorway.

xiv. Police Pickets established outside of the interchanges by concerned Police Stations are being coordinated for prompt availability/response in case of any untoward incident.

9. *Mst. Shaheen Naz Saifullah:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that almost three times extra amount is charged at rest areas hotels/cafes along Pakistan Motorways;

(b) the extent to which eatables are checked therein;

(c) if the answers to part (a) and (b) above are in affirmative, the detail of action taken by Government to check out eatables on daily basis, by imposing heavy fines on those who are charging extra amount thereof?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a), (b) & (c) It is to apprise that the rates at service/rest area are fixed by the concerned local Administrations/price control authorities, in line wills (he prevailing prices of commodities in the adjacent, towns & districts. Accordingly, check & balance over rates and quality also comes under the domain or the concerned District Administration through their respective food inspectors.

In order to curb the issue of overcharging at Service / Rest Areas, NHA has formulated teams for respective areas which ensured:

 Displaying of DC approved price lists at each outlets,

 Displaying of contact numbers of focal persons (NHA & Operator) for launching of complaints against overcharging, quality and cleanliness of site,

 Imposition of fines against the non­complaint operators under the provision of Contract ranging from PKR 10,000/­ to 100,000/­. 18

 Daily basis inspection / surprise visits.

Accordingly, NHA has imposed fines to the operators of Motorways i.e. M­1 M­4 and M­5 on account of overcharging and uncleanliness. In addition, respective District Administration are also taking necessary actions to ensure the price and quality control.

It is stated that, Lahore­Islamabad Motorway M­2 had been awarded under BOT concession agreement to M/s MORE (subsidiary of FWO), on 23rd April, 2014 for a period of 20 years. Hence, price and quality control mechanism at Service and Rest Areas on M 2 is being monitored and implemented, jointly, by the concerned District Government. Authorities and M/s MORE. Furthermore, check and balances being also implemented by NHA through coordination with M/s MORE.

10. *Mr. Ali Gohar Khan:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the pressure of Sui Gas in Tandlianwala District Faisalabad is equivalent to nothing and the people are facing inconvenience; and

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

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) SNGPL has informed that it is not a fact that gas pressure in Tandlianwala District Faisalabad is equivalent to nothing. A special survey team has carried measurement of gas pressures at Tandlianwala on 09 & 10­11­2020 where it has been observed that adequate gas supplies are available during peak/day hours; however, during off peak time when consumption has dropped, the gas pressure is set as per the system’s requirement.

(b) SNGPL is likely to face a serious challenge of supply­demand imbalance during the forthcoming winter i.e. the deficit in supply is anticipated at 350 MMCFD despite running both LNG terminals at optimum capacity. SNGPL shall endeavor to supply gas to its high priority domestic and commercial sectors. However, low pressure issues may surface especially in the areas at tail end of SNGPL’s distribution network in the upcoming winter. 19 11. *Sheikh Fayyaz Ud Din:

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

(a) the number of projects initiated by the Government at present in order to fulfill the demand of Gas; and

(b) the plan prepared by the Government to ensure un-interrupted supply of gas during winter season?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) SSGC has informed that following pipeline projects’ execution are in hand:

30" dia x 17 Km pipeline from CTS Bin Qasim to SMS Pakland which can carry additional 600 MMCFD gas. The Government is contemplating to construct 1.6 BCFD pipeline from Karachi to Lahore which would carry additional LNG from Port Qasim to meet the demand up country.

(b) Both the Sui Companies are dedicated to ensuring smooth gas supply to all categories of consumers on their network especially to high priority domestic consumers, especially during winter months.

In SNGPL’s network enhanced demand of high priority domestic sector is met through diversion of RLNG to domestic consumers. However, low pressure issues may surface especially in the areas at the tail end of SNGPL’s distribution network in the upcoming winter.

In order to cater for the winter load of Balochistan, SSGC is carrying out the project of installation of one new gas turbine driven Centrifugal. Compressor at HQ­Shikarpur. The project is planned to be commissioned before end of November 2020. In order to cater to winter load requirements of Karachi Region, the construction of 30" Dia x 17 Km pipeline from CTS Bin Qasim to SMS Pakland is in progress. The commissioning of the project is expected by January 2021.

Some LNG is being supplied in SSGC’s system primarily for KE and the export sector.

In the long term (5­7 years) through award of exploration blocks oil and gas prospects would be explored to explore and commercially develop 20 oil & gas sources. However, LNG is the only solution in the short term to cater for the growing demand of natural gas.

13. *Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khokhar:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that consumers are being charged with a specific amount in electricity bills under the head of differed amount;

(b) if so, the details thereof; (c) whether it is a fact that detail of such amounts is not provided to consumers to indicate that what nature of differed amount has been included in the bills; (d) if so, the reasons thereof; (e) how long more such payment will be charged from consumers; and (f) how does such payment is being reconciled with consumers?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Yes.

Amount was deferred due to COVID­19 i.e. was to be recovered in 9 Monthly installments.

(b) a. For March­2020, the consumer electricity bill (including arrears) was divided into three installments. 1st installment was recovered in same month and the remaining two were deferred to be recovered in April and May, 2020.

b. For April­2020, the consumer bill amount was deferred and the same was to be recovered in three installment in June, July and August 2020.

c. For May­2020, the consumer bill was deferred as the same was to be recovered through 03­installments in September, October and November 2020. 21 (c) & (d) Detail is printed in the bill of the respective month with clear description “PM relief for Covid 19”.

(e) The last Installment (placed as deferred amount) will be recovered in November­2020.

(f) The consumers can check the payable amount with calculated assessment.

14. *Mr. Raza Rabani Khar:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that a person was died and another was injured due to electrocution while relocating electricity polls in NA-183, recently; if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether such relocation was approved from concerned authorities;

(c) whether safety measures were taken prior to make such relocation of polls;

(d) whether the aforesaid persons were employees of the relevant Sub-Division, where such relocation of polls was carrying out; if not, why were such employees allowed to work in another area of their duty place;

(e) whether such matter was investigated; if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether aforesaid persons have been compensated; and

(g) if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof?

Reply not received.

15. *Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khokhar:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state: 22 (a) whether it is a fact that irregularities of trillions of rupees, both administrative and financial, which have been pointed out in power sector by the Government’s auditors in the year 2019-20 are confirmed proof of poor administration and Governance of incumbent Government in the power sector;

(b) whether it is also a fact that public at large had to pay the price of such institutional negligence in terms of increasing electricity tariff;

(c) if the answers to part (a) and (b) above are in affirmative, whether the responsible held accountable by departments concerned; if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof; and

(d) what corrective measures are being taken particular with reference to not transfer or shift the burden of such institutional negligence to general public?

Reply not received.

16. *Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) the names of restuarants in rest areas on Motorway (M-1) found involved for providing sub-standard edible items the detail of action taken against those; and

(b) why the issue is only foreseeable on Motorway (M-1) from Peshawar to Islamabad?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a) & (b) It is to apprise that no complaint with respect to selling of substandard edible items at mini Service Areas of M­1 has yet been received to NHA. However, complaints regarding overcharging were received which have been addressed by imposition of fines against the culprits as per the provisions of the Contract Agreement. 23

It is further stated that to ensure price and quality control at Service / Rest Arecas, NHA as well as respective District administration have formulated teams which regulate the same through frequent and surprise inspection / visits of sites.

17. *Ms. Shahida Rehmani:

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

(a) what is the amount of circular debt at present alongwith the amount of circular debt for the last ten years on annual basis;

(b) whether it is a fact that the circular debt is growing 60% annually and would be doubled by 2025 as estimated by an independent study; if so, reasons thereof; and

(c) what steps are being taken by the Government to deal with this issue on permanent basis?

Reply not received.

18. *Ms. Nusrat Wahid:

Will the Minister for Human Rights be pleased to state:

(a) the number of child abuse cases reported/registered in the country during 2019-2020;

(b) the number of persons arrested in the said cases and details of punishment awarded to them; and

(c) the steps already taken or being taken by the Government to eradicate such heinous crime of child abuse from the country?

Minister for Human Rights (Dr. Shireen M. Mazari): (a) The matter pertains to the Ministry of Interior and Provincial Home Departments. Accordingly, these have been requested on 9th November, 2020 to provide information regarding number of child abuse cases reported/registered in their jurisdiction during 2019­2020; their response is still awaited. However, the 24 Ministry of Human Rights has registered cases of child abuse and accordingly taken following actions:

Cases dealt by Ministry’s Helpline 1099.

 410 legal advice provided to complainant  120 cases referred to concerned police stations  2 cases referred to lawyer for Legal Aid  4 cases referred to Education offices  10 cases referred to institutions working for child protection

Cases dealt by Ministry’s Regional offices.

During 2019­ 263 cases During Jan­June, 2020­ 125 cases

In addition, the Sahil (National NGO) reflected in its report that 2846 cases of child abuse were reported in 2019­20 which has been decreased by 26% as compared to 2018­19. Age­wise information shows that children are most vulnerable to abuse in the age group 6­15 years. More boys than girl victims were reported. The research shows that children as young as 0­5 years are also sexually abused. The major crime categories of the reported cases are 778 abductions, 405 missing children, 348 sodomy cases, 279 rape cases, 210 attempted rape, 205 gang sodomy, 115 gang rape, 35 child pornography, 104 child marriages.

(b) The matter pertains to the Ministry of Interior and Provincial Home Departments, therefore, these have been requested on 9th November, 2020 to provide information regarding the persons arrested and detail of punishment awarded to them however, their response is still awaited.

(c) The Government is cognizant of its national and international commitments with regard to protection of children from abuse. The key steps taken are as under:

 The Criminal Law (2nd Amendment) Act, 2016 has been promulgated which prohibits cruelty to a child, child sexual abuse, child exposure to seduction, trafficking in human beings and child pornography. 25

 National Commission on the Rights of the Child has been established on 28th Feb, 2020 under the National Commission on the Rights of the Child Act, 2017 which monitors child rights situation in the country.

 The ICT Child Protection Act, 2018 has been enacted to provide protection and care to children in Islamabad Capital Territory from physical or mental violence, exploitation and abuse. A Child Protection Advisory Board has also been established. Besides, a Child Protection Institute is being established soon.

 The Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act, 2020 has been promulgated which provides for protection of missing and abducted children. The Zainab Alert App has been linked with PMDU and launched on 15th October, 2020.

 The “Child Domestic Labour” has been inserted in Part­I (Occupation) of the Schedule of the Employment Children Act, 1991 as a result of a Summary moved by the MoHR which has been approved by the Federal Cabinet on 16th June, 2020 and notified on 30th July, 2020.

Other measures taken by the Ministry of Human Rights:

 The Minister for Human Rights led an awareness campaign on preventing child abuse. The Minister has visited public and private schools along with MNA of ICT. The parents, teachers and students have been sensitized on the issue of child abuse. Information, Educational and Communication (IEC) material has also been disseminated.

 15 Child Protection Committees have been established at ICT level to promote awareness and prevent child abuse. Orientation sessions have been conducted to sensitize the Committees on child protection related issues.

 The Ministry of Human Rights has launched a Public Sector development Project with title Human Rights Awareness Programme to create awareness of human rights at large scale including child protection/abuse. 26

 On the direction of the Prime Minister, a National Action Plan on Child Abuse has been prepared in consultation with the relevant stakeholders. The Plan provides for undertaking preventive, protective and rehabilitative measures for the protection of children from abuse. On the advice of Finance Division, a PC1 has been prepared with a total cost of 100 Million for submission to the Planning Commission.

 The Ministry of Human Rights in collaboration with UNICEF has started National Child Labour Survey on 25th March, 2019. The survey will provide data of children involved in labour. The survey will be completed in December, 2021.

 MoHR’s Toll Free Helpline 1099 is working for legal advice on human rights related issues including child abuse.

Measures taken by the Provincial Governments:

Punjab Destitute and Neglected Children Act, 2004 Punjab Destitute and Neglected Children Act, 2004 has been enacted. The said Act provides for care, protection, maintenance, reintegration and rescue destitute and neglected children including victims of abuse. Section 40 of this Act criminalizes child abuse/ exposure to seduction which makes it punishable with imprisonment of three years or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees or with both.

Sindh Child Protection Authority Act, 2011

The Sindh Child Protection Authority Act, 2011 was promulgated to provide for the establishment of an Authority known as the Sindh Child Protection Authority and to ensure the rights of the children in need of special protection measures including child abuse victims and provide for matters ancillary thereto. Section 2(c) of the said Act ensures the protection of child victims of abuse in the province.

KP Child Welfare and Protection Act, 2010

The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has enacted the KP Child Welfare and Protection Act, 2010 which provides for the care, protection, maintenance, welfare, training, education, rehabilitation and reintegration of children at risk including orphan children. 27 The Balochistan Child Protection Act, 2016 The Balochistan Child Protection Act, 2016 has been enacted which provides the protection of children in Balochistan from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse. 20. *Ms. Shams Un Nisa: Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state: (a) the progress and details of Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) tax recovery from the consumers; (b) plan of utilization of GIDC amount collected so far; and (c) the reasons for blocking of further cess tax recovery thereafter?

Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Overall collection from the date of inception of GIDC till September 2020 is Rs. 310 Billion. Out of this, an amount Rs. 278 E3illion was collected under previous governments. Subsequently, the collection dropped on account of stay orders by courts. Details of Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) tax recovery from the consumers after the Supreme Court’s order dated 13­08­2020 is attached at Annexure I.

(b) The GIDC is to be utilized as per the Section 4 of the GIDC Act 2015. However as per the Supreme Court’s Order dated 13­08­2020, the Government has planned to utilize the collection on various projects including North South Pipeline project which has a completion timeline of 3 years from the date of financial close.

Details of funds released from GIDC and so far transferred to TPCL are attached at Annexure II.

(c) Many of the consumers/sectors as listed in the Second Schedule have time and again challenged the levy of cess in various courts of law. The prolonged/protracted litigations have limited the ability of the companies listed in the Second Schedule to collect and deposit the cess in the Government exchequer. Now the final adjudication has been done by Supreme Court as of 2nd November, 2020.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library) 28 22. *Ms. Rubina Irfan:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) the detail of projects of road sector, which were part of CPEC for the province of Balocahistan alongwith present status of each;

(b) whether each of above project is going on as per its schedule; if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof; and

(c) the total estimate of each of above project and budget reserved, released and utilized thereon after the inception of each financial year?

Minister for Communications (Mr. Murad Saeed): (a) The projects of road sector, a part .of CPEC for the province of Balochistan are as under:

(i) Construction of two lane highway from Basima to Khuzdar (106 km). It’s to­date progress is 36% and will be completed by October, 2021.

(ii) Dualization of Yarik­Sagu­Zhob including Zhob bypass (Western Route). PC­I Approved by ECNEC on 2nd March, 2017 at a cost of Rs. 76,486. 231 million. Procurement of subject project will be started after finalization of funding arrangements from Chinese side.

(iii) Construction of road Zhob to Kuchlak (CPEC­Western Corridor). Procurement for Construction Works as well as Consultancy services for Design Review and Construction Supervision for the subject project is in process.

(b) The project construction of two lane highway from Basima to Khuzdar is going as per schedule and will be completed by October, 2021.

(c) The PC­I cost for the Construction of two lane highway from Basima to Khuzdar is Rs. 19.19 billion and the contract cost is Rs. 11.75 billlion. Detail of releases of utilization is at Annex-A.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library) 29 23. *Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak:

Will the Minister for Human Rights be pleased to state:

(a) the names and details of those laws, regulations and well as policies of the Government that deal with the protection and rehabilitation of street children all over the country at present; and

(b) the detail of those which are presently enforced in ICT?

Minister for Human Rights (Dr. Shireen M. Mazari): (a) The Government is cognizant of its national and international commitments with regard to protection of street children. The key steps taken are as under:

 The ICT Child Protection Act, 2018 has been enacted to provide protection and care to children in Islamabad Capital Territory from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, neglect, maltreatment, exploitation and abuse. Rules of the said Act are being framed. A Child Protection Advisory Board has also been established. Besides, a Child Protection Institute is being established soon.

 National Commission on the Rights of the Child has been established on 28th Feb, 2020 under the National Commission on the Rights of the Child Act, 2017 which monitors child rights situation in the country.

 The Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act, 2020 has been promulgated which provides for protection of missing and abducted children by raising alert, respond and recover missing and abducted children. The Zainab Alert App has been linked with PMDU and launched on 15th October, 2020.

 The “Child Domestic Labour” has been inserted in Part­I (Occupation) of the Schedule of the Employment Children Act, 1991 as a result of a Summary moved by the MoHR which has been approved by the Federal Cabinet on 16th June, 2020 and notified on 30th July, 2020.

 The Criminal Law (2nd Amendment) Act, 2016 has been promulgated which prohibits cruelty to a child, child sexual abuse, 30 child exposure to seduction, trafficking in human beings and child pornography.

 Pakistan Bait­ul­Mal has established 159 schools for rehabilitation of child labour/street children. Children between the age of 5­14 years are weaned away from hazardous labour and enrolled in these centres where they are provided free education, clothing, footwear and stipend as well as subsistence allowance to their parents.

Measures taken by the Provincial Governments:

Punjab Destitute and Neglected Children Act, 2004 has been enacted. The said Act provides for care, protection, maintenance, reintegration and rescue destitute and neglected children including victims of abuse. Section 40 of this Act criminalizes child abuse/ exposure to seduction which makes it punishable with imprisonment of three years or with fine which may extend to fifty thousand rupees or with both.

The Sindh Child Protection Authority Act, 2011 was promulgated to provide for the establishment of an Authority known as the Sindh Child Protection Authority and to ensure the rights of the children in need of special protection measures including child abuse victims and provide for matters ancillary thereto. Section 2(c) of the said Act ensures the protection of child victims of abuse in the province.

The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has set up a Provincial Commission for the Welfare and Protection of Children under the KP Child Welfare and Protection Act, 2010.

The Balochistan Child Protection Act, 2016 has been enacted which provides the protection of children in Balochistan from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse.

(b) The ICT Child Protection Act, 2018, the National Commission on the Rights of the Child Act, 2017, the Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act, 2020 and the Criminal Law (2nd Amendment) Act, 2016 are Presently enforced in ICT. 31 24. *Ms. Nusrat Wahid:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to resolve power related issues, modalities for its reforms?

Reply not received.

26. *Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak:

Will the Minister for Human Rights be pleased to state the names and details of all those laws and regulations which have been enacted or formed so far by the Government for protecting the rights of Orphan children all over the country?

Minister for Human Rights (Dr. Shireen M. Mazari): The Government is cognizant of its national and international commitments with regard to protection of orphan children. The key steps taken are as under:

Federal level:

Islamabad Capital Territory Child Protection Act, 2018

The Act provides for the protection and care to children in Islamabad Capital Territory including orphan children. Section 2 (v) of the Act defines “unattended child” who are orphan, abandoned, neglected and destitute.

National Commission on the Rights of the Child

National Commission on the Rights of the Child has been established on 28th Feb, 2020 under the National Commission on the Rights of the Child Act, 2017 which monitors child rights situation in the country including the situation of orphan children.

ICT Free and Compulsory Education Act 2012

This Act caters to the educational needs of orphan and poor children as well as the children on the street and entitles them to receive free education. 32

Dar-ul- Ehssas Programme

The Government of Pakistan has launched Dar­ul­Ehssas Programme to provide care to Orphans. Pakistan Bait­ul­Mal is proving residential accommodation and necessary facilities to the destitute and orphans throughout the country.

Provincial level:

Punjab Destitute and Neglected Children Act, 2004

The Act provides for care, protection, maintenance, reintegration and rescue of the destitute and neglected children including orphan children. The Section 3 (k) of the Act defines the “destitute and neglected child” who has lost his parents or one of the parents and has no adequate source of income.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Act, 2010

The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has enacted the KP Child Welfare and Protection Act, 2010 which provides for the care, protection, maintenance, welfare, training, education, rehabilitation and reintegration of children at risk including orphan children. Section 2 (e) (ix) of the Act Provides that a child who “has lost his parents or one of the parents and has no adequate source of income.

The Sindh Child Protection Authority Act, 2011

The Government of Sindh has enacted the Sindh Child Protection Authority Act, 2011 to ensure the rights of children who are in need of special protection are protected including of the orphan children. Section 2 (vii) of the Act defines “child in need of special protection” as a child without primary care givers.

The Balochistan Child Protection Act, 2016

The Act provides for protection of children including orphan children from physical or mental violence, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse. Section 2 (b) of the Act Provides for alternative care which includes 33 extended family care, placement with a guardian, or placement in an institution established or regulated by the State, or any other arrangement in the best interests of a child and authorized by the Court in accordance with this Act.

The above mentioned Laws are enacted for the protection of rights of children exclusively including orphan children.

27. *Jam Abdul Karim Bijar:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the names, post and place of posting of each employee serving in the Foreign Affairs at present, who have acquired citizenship of another country after joining the service in Foreign Affairs;

(b) the names, post and place of posting of each employee who had dual nationality before joining the service in the Foreign Affairs and did each of the above employees disclose his/her dual nationality before joining service in Foreign Affairs; and

(c) how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is implementing the decision of Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding posting of dual nationals?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi): (a) According to the updated record available with the Ministry, there is no officer/ official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs serving at present who has acquired citizenship of another country after joining the service in Foreign Affairs.

(b) The collection of such information was not previously in practice which has now been defined through the judgment of the Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan dated 15­12­2018 in Suo Moto Case No. 3 of 2018 and Civil Petition No. 53­K of 2018 regarding employment of dual nationals in government service.

(c) This Ministry has noted decision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan in its judgment dated 15­12­2018 in Suo Moto Case No. 3 of 2018 and Civil Petition No. 53­K of 2018 regarding employment of dual nationals in government service. Currently, the Establishment Division is formulating guidelines/instructions/rules in pursuance of the Supreme Court’s decision. 34 28. *Syed Agha Rafiullah:

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

(a) the disco-wise number of either new schemes of electrification or extension in existing set up electricity have been or to be carried out during the financial years 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21, separately;

(b) the exact location of the area, where such electrification or extension has been or to be made and the name of the National Assembly Constituency, in which such area falls;

(c) the entity, who provided the required funds for such electrification or extension; and

(d) the role of sitting MNA in such electrification or extension?

Reply not received.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN, The 21st January, 2021 Secretary.

PCPPI—3074(2021) NA—21­01­2021—500. 1 (28th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Friday, the 22nd January, 2021

4. Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur: (Deferred during 13th Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that Peshawar High Court through its directions in 2011 and a decisions of the Federal Cabinet asked for dissolution of PEPCO; if so, the reasons for non- implementation of the above said decisions for dissolution of PEPCO;

(b) the legal status of PEPCO at present;

(c) the role and mandate of PEPCO in the energy sector;

(d) how far PEPCO has been successful in overseeing management of DISCOs;

(e) the specific role of PEPCO in the light of “Regulation of Generation, Transmission and Distribution of Electric Power Act, 1997 and amended Act of 2018 when GENCOs, NTDC, CPPA & DISCOs have their independent BoDs;

(f) the role of Power Division, PEPCO & BoDs of DISCOs in appointment and transfers of CEOs of DISCOs; and

(g) the role of NEPRA as a Regulator in DISCOs?

Reply not received. 2 72. Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur: (Deferred during 18th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state the details of disciplinary cases not yet finalized during last one year in WAPDA, PEPCO, GENCOs NTDC and DISCOs after lapse of prescribed period as per rules, their impact on the promotion and retirement of such officers and the time by which these cases will be finalized?

Reply not received.

4. Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto: (Deferred during 20th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state: (a) detail of increase made in the electricity bills during the last one year; and (b) the detail of domestic and commercial consumers separately? Reply not received.

5. Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur: (Deferred during 23rd Session) Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state: (a) the names of XENs DISCO-wise who have raised objections over their sonorities to seniority list circulated by PEPCO on 09-12-2019 and the time by which these objections will be attended/resolved/finalized; (b) the names of XENs DISCO-wise who have preferred appeals to Chairman PEPCO against the decisions taken by M.D, PEPCO in disciplinary cases and the time by which final decisions on their appeals will be taken; (c) the name of XENs DISCO-wise whose cases for L.P.R in DISCOs are under process and the time by which the same will be finalized; 3 (d) the names of XENs DISCO-wise whose cases for revision in their dates of up-gradation are pending in DISCOs and the time by which the same shall be decided; and (e) the names of XENs DISCO-wise whose cases for deciding intervening periods are pending with PEPCO and the time by which the same shall be decided?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) DISCO­ wise names of Sr. Engineers (XENs) who raised objections over Revised Seniority List of Sr. Engineers (BPS­18) circulated on 09­12­2019 are given as Annex­A. All the objections on the subject seniority have already been assessed / scrutinized by the Scrutiny Committee and final Seniority List will be circulated within 15 days after finalization of the minutes of the meeting of the Scrutiny Committee. (b) ————————————————————————————— Name & Company Appeal Time by which Designation Status appeal will be decided —————————————————————————————— Mr. Ghulam GEPCO As per record, The appeal will be decided Sarwar Dars the appeal has been on clearance of the status then XEN preferred against the of the officer being absent (Operation) penalty of Censure from duty. HESCO now imposed upon him under GEPCO by MD (PEPCO). —————————————————————————————— (c) Only one case of Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Dars, XEN GEPCO is pending for LPR. Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Dars was transferred from HESCO after reinstatement in service vide Managing Director PEPCO’s Office Order and reported arrival in GEPCO on 9­3­2020. Instead of joining at his new place of posting, he applied for LPR with immediate effect vide his application dated 29­1­2020. Again vide application dated 20­2­2020, he requested for premature/ voluntary retirement stating that option for proceeding on LPR was to be exercised 15 months prior to date of superannuation. Later on, he Joined GEPCO on 9­3­2020 and abruptly dropped application for LPR w.e.f. 10­3­2020 and absconded from duty without waiting for outcome of his application for LPR. His application (in original) regarding option for pre­mature / voluntary retirement was sent to GEPCO vide letter dated 25­3­2020 for further necessary 4 action as per rules. As per report of GEPCO his application for LPR is still under process for completion of procedural requirements and has not formulized as yet. (d) DISCO­wise detail of names of XENs whose cases for revision in their dates of Up­gradation are pending is placed at Annex­B. —————————————————————————————— DISCOs No. of Cases —————————————————————————————— IESCO 14 GEPCO 02 LESCO 05 MEPCO 08 FESCO Nil PESCO Nil TESCO Nil HESCO 03 SEPCO Nil QESCO Nil —————————————————————————————— (e) —————————————————————————————— Name & Company Appeal Status Time by which Designation appeal will be decided —————————————————————————————— Mr. Ghulam Sarwar HESCO As per record, Matter will be decided Dars the then XEN request for on clearance of the (Operation) HESCO deciding the status of the officer now under GEPCO intervening being absent from period from duty. 06­05­2019 to 26­05­2019 is pending for decision. —————————————————————————————— Note: Mr. Ghulam Sarwar, XEN on his posting in GEPCO, submitted his arrival in GEPCO on 09-03-2020 and then absconded from duty till todate.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library) 5 13. Mr. Sher Akbar Khan: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) the time by which funds will be allocated for provision of 150 yards 4 core cable to provide electricity connections to the remaining part of Qureshi Gali from Shafique Cotton Store to Raja Khuram Shahzad Home, Mohallah Afzalabad, central Jail Area, Haripur; and

(b) the time by which work will be started?

Reply not received.

14. Mr. Sher Akbar Khan: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) the time by which 100 KV transformer approved by PESCO proposal No. 6411171 under work order No. 11-64464 will be installed in front of Raja Shamrooz Home, Qureshi Gali, Mohallah Afzalabad, Central Jail Area, Haripur; and

(b) the time by which work will be started?

Reply not received.

18. Shazia Marri: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that transformer installed in Patoyoun, Tehsil Jam Nawaz Ali, District Sanghar have been overloaded, consequently, residents of the area have been facing problem of low voltage; 6 (b) whether it is also a fact that in addition to overloaded transformer, the transmission lines/cables and joints thereof have not been made as per laid down standards in the aforesaid locality;

(c) if the answer to part (a) and (b) above is in affirmative, is there any proposal under consideration of the Government to rationalize the load of transformer by installing an additional transformer and rectify the technical faults of transmission lines; if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Yes, it is a fact that 100 KVA Transformer installed in Patoyoun, Tehsil Jam Nawaz Ali, District Sanghar is insufficient to cope up with the increased demand and population.

(b) The Transmission Lines / Cables are in a good condition. Thus, there is no need of Rehabilitation of the installed lines / cables etc.

(c) The proposal for installation of an additional 100 KVA Transformer has been initiated for the said area, keeping in view over loading of the existing Transformer of 100 KVA. The new transformer will be transferred at the site by the end of October, 2020 after completion of codal formalities.

19. Mr. Naveed Aamir Jeeva: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that FESCO had first installed electricity meter at Chak No. 338-JB, Nia Lahore, Tehsil Gojra, District Toba Tek Singh against the consumer ID No. 13031123697 and later removed; if so, the justification or reasons thereof; and

(b) what steps are being taken by the Government to reinstall the meter at an earliest? 7

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a)  The new S/P Meter having consumer ID No. 13031123697 bearing A/C No. 15­13334­0969419/AI (now 26­13334­0963159) was installed on 21­06­2018 in un­electrified area named “Ittefaq Colony” from 25­KVA Independent Transformer.

 Later, discrepancies were observed during checking of NIA Lahore Sub Division by Vigilance Team of PEPCO and same were conveyed by PEPCO to FESCO.

 In the light of the recommendations of SE (Op) FESCO Jhang Circle all illegal meters which were sanctioned illegally in Ittefaq Colony from the 25­KVA Independent Transformer were removed and ERO of the said A/ C No. 15­13334­0969419 effected.

 Based on proper investigations, disciplinary actions have also been taken against the delinquent employees of FESCO, in this case. (b) The Sponsor of the colony has been asked to get the Ittefaq Colony electrified through proper channel for restoration of his supply in the light of the Departmental SOPs for electrification of residential colonies. 28. Ms. Nasiba Channa: (Deferred during 27th Session)

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state the total number of complaints regarding over billing received in the country alongwith the break-up as the names of the province and district from which the most complaints were received alongwith the number of complaints which have redressed? Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): Province­wise detail / break up of overbilling complaints received and redressed (w.e.f. 1­1­2020 to 25­9­2020) in Ex­WAPDA / DISCOs is given below: —————————————————————————————— Province Total Resolved Pending —————————————————————————————— Punjab 18,201 18,122 79

Khyber 1,143 1,141 02 Pakhtunkhwa —————————————————————————————— 8 —————————————————————————————— Province Total Resolved Pending —————————————————————————————— Sindh 3,348 3,220 128

Baluchistan 164 161 03 —————————————————————————————— Grand Total 22,856 22,644 212 —————————————————————————————— DISCO­wise detail of overbilling complaints received and redressed (w.e.f. 1­1­2020 to 25­9­2020) is attached as Annex-A.

This report does not include WAPDA, as the same is under administrative control of Ministry of Water Resources. (Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

1. Mr. Muhammad Jamal-Ud-Din: Will the Minister for Law and Justice be pleased to state:

(a) the number of LDCs and UDCs and Assistants working presently in Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat, Islamabad alongwith their names, domicile and qualification thereof; (b) whether promotion was granted to those LDCs, UDCs and Assistants of the above said department who has completed the required length of service for promotion; if not, the reason thereof; (c) how many LDCs and UDCs and Assistants out of the above said have been promoted up till now and how many cases of the promotions are in process; and (d) whether DPC meeting is scheduled for consideration of promotions of above; if so, when will they be promoted/ upgraded?

Minister for Law and Justice (Dr. Muhammad Farogh Naseem): (a) The detail of LDCs, UDCs and Assistants working in FTO Secretariat is under:— 9 Assistant: 18 UDCs: 12 LDCs: 11

A statement containing their names, domicile & qualification is enclosed at Annex-I.

(b) The following numbers of Assistants, UDCs and LDCs have completed the required length of service for promotion. However, their promotion will be made on seniority cum fitness basis on recommendation of Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC­1) after revision of existing Staff Service Rules, 2006. Revision of Service Rules is in process:—

Post No. Assistants 01 UDCs 12 LDCs 10

(c) The required list of employees is placed at Annex­I. It may be stated that staff strength of FTO Secretariat is being rationalized keeping in view the load of work in the FTo Secretariat. Further, FTO Staff Service Rules, 2006 are being reviewed which will be notified / published after approval of the authority as per Section 36 of the Establishment of the Office of Federal tax Ombudsman Ordinance, 2000 (Annex-II).

After determining the rationalized staff strength and approval of the revised service rules, the case for promotion of eligible employees shall be placed before the Departmental Promotion Committee for consideration.

(d) As Above.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

3. Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir:

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

(a) the detail of Sui Gas pilferage during the last five years; 10 (b) the steps taken by the Government to control Gas pilferage; and

(c) whether the incidents of Gas pilferage have been stopped?

Reply not received.

4. Syed Agha Rafiullah:

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

(a) the performance of Sangjani Grid Station is very poor due to which the consumers are facing great trouble especially the residents of Cabinet Division Cooperative Housing Society, E-16/E-17, Islamabad are facing undeclared loadshedding daily four hours, moreover, fluctuation, low and high voltage flow of electricity usually damages electric appliances;

(b) if so, the steps taken or being taken by the Government for the smooth supply of electricity to consumers?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) As reported by Superintending Engineer (Opr) IESCO Circle Attock, E­16 /E­17 Cabinet Division Cooperative Housing Society with an expected load of more than 5MW is currently supplied power by an interim arrangement for only 1200KVA of load through 220/132KV Sangjani Grid Station which is operating smoothly. However, continuous load growth has been observed in the said housing society and this interim arrangement cannot cater for the demand efficiently. To resolve the issue, management of Cabinet Division Cooperative Housing Society is required to approach P&E IESCO to get the society electrified on cost deposit basis as per standard design of IESCO to redress the grievances of the residents of the society. IESCO assures to cooperate promptly in this regard. It is further added that currently IESCO is carrying out its annual maintenance program (consumers are informed in advance through media) due to which power outages are being faced by the locals of the society. No scheduled load shedding is being carried out by IESCO.

(b) As explained above. 11 5. Choudhary Faqir Ahmad:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that 11 KV Line of electricity passing at feet distance over the houses in residential area of Dhowk Kotha, Senue, Tehsil Murree, District Rawalpindi usually causes electrocution in case of rain, storm;

(b) whether it is also a fact despite of multiple complaint made to Sub Divisional Officer by residents, Sub Divisional staff is unable to relocate aforesaid area 11 KV Line; and

(c) steps being taken by concerned authority in terms of precautionary protective measures from electrocution and to relocate 11 KV Line which passing over houses in best interests of inhabitants of aforesaid area?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) It is fact that as per site LT line is (insulated PVC cable) crossing over the house instead of HT line at Dhowk Kotha, Senue, Tehsil Murree District Rawalpindi.

(b) On the consumer complaint an estimate amounting to Rs. 37015/­ has been prepared for removal of public safety hazard and approved by the Executive Engineer (Operation) Division IESCO Bhara Kahu Islamabad.

(c) Material is being arranged from the store and the work will be completed within 10­days subject to no right of way problem.

6. Mr.Sher Akbar Khan:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the number of Pakistani killed in Saudi Arabia in road accidents;

(b) whether insurance is paid to the families of those victims; and 12 (c) whether any diyat is paid to the legal heirs of those; if not, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi): (a) There are a total of 15,294 Pakistanis killed in accident cases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the period from 2015­2020.

(b) As per local laws, the legal heirs of the deceased are entitled to claim payment of insurance of the deceased from General Office of Social Insurance (GOSI) if the worker has passed away on duty. In order to claim insurance payment, the legal heirs of the deceased have to give Power of Attorney to any person of confidence or the Consulate General/Embassy to pursue the case of insurance payment.

(c) According to prevailing Sharia laws in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the legal heirs of a deceased expatriate are entitled to blood money upto SAR 300,000/­ or according to the percentage of responsibility of the accident fixed by the concerned Traffic Police. In case of 100% responsibility on the part of the deceased Pakistani, his legal heirs are not entitled to claim any amount of Diyat. The blood money is recovered through a lengthy process of litigation including attending scheduled hearings of the Shariah Courts in various cities. Despite human resource constraints, Pakistan’s Missions pursue such cases free of cost by deputing its officials, who are well­versed in Arabic language and local laws. As a result of our efforts, around SAR 18.9 million on account of dues / diyat of deceased Pakistanis have been recovered during past five years.

7. Mr. Sher Akbar Khan:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that electricity has not been provided to residents of Dera Jamal Wala, Mega Road, Jhawarian, by pass Tehsil Shahpur, District Sargodha; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) is there any proposal under consideration of Government to provide electricity to the residents of aforesaid locality; if so, when it will be provided; if not, the reasons thereof? 13 Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) Yes, it is a fact that electricity has not been provided to Dera Jamal Wala Mega, Jhawarian by pass Tehsil Shahpur District Sargodha yet due to non­identification / non provision of funds from any development forum.

It is further added that there is no HT/LT line of FESCO system existing at said location; therefore, it is not possible to prepare the LT proposal for the said Dera for the provision of electricity.

(b) At present, no proposal for the provision of electricity is under consideration. DISCOs are only the executing agencies and village electrification of such abadies (identified by Hon’ble Senator, MNA/MPA of the respective jurisdiction) carried out only on receipt of required funds from any sponsoring agency (i.e. Federal/Provincial Government).

9. Ch. Muhammad Hamid Hameed:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that electricity polls have been installed in Officer Colony, Lahore Road, Sargodha , however electric wires are yet not fixed thereon; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) time by which electric wires will be fixed to provide electricity on polls for the above mentioned colony?

Minister for Power Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) The aforesaid poles had been erected by the Sponsor since 1987 and FESCO has neither erected these Poles nor processed any case regarding electrification. Therefore, the FESCO has not executed any type of work at the said location and no handing / taking over of the record is found, in this regard.

(b) As the case was not processed by the FESCO and sponsor has erected electric poles, the electricity will be provided at the said location on receipt of formal application from the sponsor and work will be executed after deposit of due payments as per FESCO SOPs / rules. 14 10. Ch. Muhammad Hamid Hameed: Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state: (a) the last date till which connections of natural gas have been installed in Toba Tek Singh against the applications of ordinary consumer on merit basis; (b) number of applications out of above are pending at present; and (c) time by which rest of consumers will be provided the gas connections? Reply not received.

12. Syed Agha Rafiullah:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that sui gas facility has not been provided to village Razi Dero, Tehsil Gambat, District Khairpur Mirs which is adjacent to Larkana Khairpur bypass situated very near to gas pipe line and the sui gas facility is available to its nearby villages vicinity;

(b) if so, whether any survey had been conducted for the provision of gas facility to the said village; if so, the detail thereof; if not, the reasons thereof; and

(c) the steps being taken by the Federal Government to lay natural gas pipe line in the aforesaid village and to provide sui gas connections to the local people as early as possible?

Reply not received.

13. Syed Imran Ahmad Shah:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state: 15 (a) whether it is a fact that the Gas scheme for the domestic consumers has been approved for the villages adjacent to Chak No. L-11/14, Tehsil Chechawatni, District Sahiwal but the aforesaid villages have been deprived of such facility; if so, the reasons thereof; (b) when was the survey carried out for the supply of Gas to the domestic consumers in the aforesaid villages; and (c) the time by which Gas approval will be accorded for supply of Gas to the above villages? Minister for Petroleum Division (Mr. Omar Ayub Khan): (a) SNGPL has informed that a project for supply of gas to various villages namely Chak No. 112/12­L, Chak No. 103/12­L, Chak No. 104/12­L, Chak No. 102/12­L, Chak No. 101/12­L and Tender, Chak No. 100/12­L, Chak No. 105/12­L, Chak No. 106/12­L, Iqbal Nagar and Chak. No. 11/14­L was approved in Fiscal Year 2017­2018 at an estimated cost of Rs. 303.00 million out of which Rs. 197.640 million was (in direct) Government funding and Rs. 105.360 million was (direct) Government funding. (b) The survey was carried out in Fiscal Year 2017­2018. (c) The project can be undertaken by SNGPL subject to release of funds amounting to Rs. 105.360 million.

14. Syed Imran Ahmad Shah: Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state: (a) detail of residents, who applied for installation of meters of natural Gas on urgent basis of Chak No. 108/G.B, Tehsil Jaranwala, District Faisalabad since 2nd February, 2019; (b) whether it is a fact that relevant department of SNGPL has failed to issue Demand Notices to the aforesaid residents even after the lapse of almost two years; if so, the reasons thereof; and (c) the time by which the gas connections will be provided to above? Reply not received. 16 15. Ms. Mussarat Rafiq Mahesar: Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that the domestic electricity consumers of Mahera Ali Khan, Tehsil and District Haripur neither receive monthly bills timely nor the said bills are sent on their residential addresses causing inconvenience to the consumers in depositing their bills in time; (b) if so, the time by which the concerned office staff will be directed by the Government to deliver monthly bills in time to consumers at their already provided residential addresses? Reply not received. 16. Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi: Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state: (a) details of residents of village Musapur, Tehsil Pasrur, District Sialkot have deposited the amount of demand notices of Rs.6,000/- for installation of meter of natural gas since January, 2018; (b) the present status of each of above applicant; (c) whether it is a fact that several residents, who have deposited the aforesaid amount, could not the given connection of natural gas; if so, the reasons thereof; and (d) time by which, each of above will provide connection of natural gas?

Reply not received.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN, The 21st January, 2021. Secretary.

PCPPI—3074(2021) NA—21­01­2021—500.