(35Th Session) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

(35th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”

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

Monday, the 19th July, 2021

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

Will the Minister for Water Resources 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;

(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?

Minister for Water Resources: (a) The ECC of the Cabinet vide decision No. ECC/53/6/2021 dated 19-02-2021 has approved revocation of NJS @ Rs. 0.10/kWh with immediate effect as conveyed vide Ministry of Energy (Power Division) office Memorandum PF No. 5/29-NJS/ 2020-21 dated 24-03-2021. 2

(b) Yes, over and above collection was made from consumers after achievement of COD of the project since rescindment of NJS was subject to ECC decision.

(c) The ECC of the Cabinet on 12-12-2007 approved Rs. 0.10 surcharge per kWh on the consumption of electricity by every category of electricity consumer except lifeline domestic consumer and K-electric from 1st January, 2008. The then Ministry of Water and Power notified the same vide notification dated 04-01-2008.

(d) NJS received by NJHPC from Discos upto April 2021 after 28-12-2018 (the date of taking over all units) amounts to Rs. 1.402 Million.

(e) The matter relates to Ministry of Energy (Power Division).

17. *Ms. Shagufta Jumani: (Deferred during 31st Session)

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state:

(a) the amount, which has been collected under the heads of Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, for the Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams Fund at present;

(b) how does reconsolidate the amount, which is actually deposited in an account, which is managed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan;

(c) whether it is a fact that different individuals/institutions or functionaries, collected such fund; if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the said fund is used to visit abroad or within the country; if so, the details thereof; and

(e) time by which, utilization of such funds will be started?

Minister for Water Resources: (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) Supreme Court of Pakistan is the custofdian of Dam Fund. WAPDA has not yet taken any money from this fund, the information obtained from Supreme Court official website on 12-07-2021 is attached as Annex-A. 3

28. *Syed Hussain Tariq: (Deferred during 31st Session)

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state:

(a) the estimated cost of Diamer-Bhasha Dam;

(b) the amount, which has already been spent by previous Governments on the dam;

(d) the funds, which has been earmarked and released for the dam in the current fiscal year;

(e) the increase made in the cost of dam due to depreciation of the value of rupee against dollar during the tenure of present Government; and

(f) the details of plan of the incumbent Government with regard to construction of the dam?

Minister for Water Resources: (a) The estimated cost of Diamer Basha Dam Project is as under:

Rs. in Million

PC-I (Acquisition of Land & Resettlement) 175,436 PC-I (Dam Part) 479,686 PC-I (Power Generation Facilities) yet to be approved 751,000

(b) The detail of amount spent by previous Governments on the Dam is as under:

Rs. in Million

Description AL&R Dam Part Previous Governments since 2009-10 86,685 — Present Government 30,273 51,555 Total 116,158 51,555

(c) Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan is Custodian of Dam Fund and WAPDA has not taken any amount from this fund to-date. The information obtained from Supreme Court official website on 18-08-2020 is attached at Annex-I. The total amount up to 15-07-2021 is Rs. 12,934,008,868.

(d) The detail of funds allocation for current financial year (2021-2022) is as under:

Rs in Million  Dam Part = 15,500  Acquisition of Land & Resettlement AL&R = 7,000

Demand from WAPDA for release of funds awaited.

(e) PC-I (Dam Part) was approved @1US$ = Rs. 105.3. However, cost will be updated during the revision of PC-I in accordance with the guidelines of Planning Commission’s Manaual for Development projects.

(f) Plan for Construction:

 The Consultants for Main Works, M/s. DBCG have commenced their services w.e.f. 10-06-2020.

 The Contractor for Main Dam works, M/s. Power China- FWO (JV) have been mobilized at site after signing of Contract Agreement on 13-05-2020 with commencement date as 07-08-2020.

 32,073 Acres (89%) of land has been acquired so far out of total required Land of 35,924 Acres.

 The Project is expected to be completed by April, 2029.

Plan for Financing:

 Acquisition of Land & Resettlement is being financed by GoP. Rs. 106,897 Million has been released against PC-I (AL&R) amounting to Rs. 175,436 Million.

 Financing Plan of Dam Part is as under:

Rs. in Million - GoP Share 233,686 - Commercial Financing 144,000 - WAPDA Equity 100,000

 Financing Plan of Power Generation Facilities is as under:

Rs. in Million - WAPDA Equity 076,000 - Commercial Financing 429,000 - IDC 246,000 (shall be recovered through tariff)

30. *Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the Housing Foundation awarded contracts for Infrastructure and development of the land to the firms registered with Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC);

(b) if so, the details of the works, names of the firms, alongwith registration with the PEC; and

(c) the category of registration, field of specialization of the projects during the last ten years of Green Enclave Bhara Kahu etc.?

Deferred for answer on Next Rota Day.

31. *Mr. Ahmad Hussain Deharr:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the prices of drugs are controlled by Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP);

(b) whether it has directed to sell medicines with their generic names; and

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Under section 12 of the Drugs Act, 1976 (XXXI of 1976), Federal Government is empowered to fix Maximum Retail Prices (MRP) of Drugs. Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan notified a Drug Pricing Policy-2018 with approval of Federal Government which provides a mechanism for regulation of MRPs of drugs.

(b) Drugs are registered under Section-7 of Drug Act, 1976. Sub- Section 8 of Section-7 of aforesaid Act specifies that “All single ingredient drugs shall be registered generally by their generic names while compound drugs shall be registered generally by their propriety names.” 8

The Drugs (Labelling & Packing) Rules, 1986 also give provision of proprietary name stating that “3(b) if the registered name is a proprietary name, then immediately following the registered name, the generic name or other name, if any, approved by the Registration Board, for this purpose shall be printed within bracket with at least equal prominence as that of the brand name”.

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan has constituted a committee to comprehensively deliberate on matter to register the single ingredient drugs either with generic or brand name. The committee has forwarded its recommendations which were considered in 98th Meeting of DRAP Authority and decided inter alia that stakeholders shall be consulted for implementation of relevant provisions of Drug Act, 1976 to grant registration on generic basis for single ingredient drugs and to determine timelines for implementation. In this Pakistan Pharmaceuticals Manufacturers Association (PPMA), Pharma Bureau (PB) and Pakistan Chemist and Druggist Association (PCDA) was requested to furnish their comments for onward consideration of the DRAP Authority. The comments of the stakeholders have been received and are under process for consideration of Authority.

Recommendations of Authority will be processed for amendment in the relevant rules by the Federal Government.

32. *Mr. Naveed Aamir Jeeva:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to refer to the Starred Question No.58 replied on 6-1-2020 and to state:

(a) whether the dengue patients are visiting Islamabad hospitals or it has been eliminated at present; and

(b) whether the dengue preventive measures are being taken by the Government for next season?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) A total of three patients have been reported in Islamabad during the year 2021 till to date. The Fouji Foundation 9

Hospital, IBN-E-SEENA a private lab, Holy family hospital reported these cases.

(b) All necessary preventive measure are being taken by the Government since January 2021 till to date to prevent the outbreak in the ICT Islamabad,

 The following dengue preventive activities have been carried out in Islamabad since Jan. 2021 till date. The officers and officials of ICT including, Entomologists, Assistant Entomologist, District environment inspector, District sanitary inspector, Sanitary Inspectors, Lady health supervisors, Fog machine operators, Lady health workers and Sanitary patrols carried out the following activities:

 No. of house visited: 206287  No. of patient Houses Visited: 3  No. of Houses Found Positive with Stagnant Water: 863  No. of Open Containers Found: 59325  No. of Containers Covered: 46909  No. of Potential Breeding Sites Eliminated: 59049  No. of Water Containers Destroyed: 12437  No. of Containers Found with Larvae: 660  No. of Larvae Collected & sent RHC: 157  No. of larva found positive: 169  No. of Placed Temphos 1% in Open Stagnant Water: 10271  Number of garbage dens Found: 1729  Number of junkyards visited & warnings given: 2438  Number of Factories visited & warning given: 1824  Number of tyre shop visited & warnings given: 2314  No. of Dengue Pamphlets Distributed: 33715  No. of Lectures Given: 207054

33. *Dr. Nafisa Shah:

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

(a) the status of cotton cultivation during last three years;

(b) whether cotton production has been declined; if so, reasons thereof;

(d) if not, then what steps have been taken or being taken by the Government to fill the gap?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed Fakhar Imam): (a) The Status of cotton during last three years

Year Area (000 ha) Production (000 mill bales) Punjab Sindh Pakistan Punjab Sindh Pakistan 2017-18 2053 612 2700 8077 3776 11946 2018-19 1888 448 2373 6826 2939 9867 2019-20 1889 599 2527 6336 2746 9178 2020-21 1546 615 2218 5044 1862 7064

(b) Reasons for decline in production:

1. Significant increase in area of competing crops. 2. High cost of cotton production. 3. Severe Pest attack. (Pink ball worm & White fly) 4. Low market prices during peak arrival season. 5. Lack of intervention price announcement by govt. 6. Reduction in cotton crop area. 7. Climate change. (last year rain damaged 1.8 mill bales) in Sindh.

No, Pakistan has imported 4.5 million bales of cotton to meet the country requirement from July 20 to May 21.

(d) Steps to increase Cotton production:

Government has taken several measures which includes:

i. Rs. 6 billion Subsidy on whitefly specific pesticides. ii. Rs. 2 billion Subsidy allocated for cottonseed during the crop season 2021-22. iii. Seed germination issues resolved with Seed Association of Pakistan. iv. Rs. 8 billion for Markup subsidy on agri-loans and Rs. 1.5 billion for tractor subsidy for farmers. v. Proposing the cotton hedge trading as market correction measure. vi. Improvement in the extension services by using technology like Tele Cotton.

34. *Choudhary Faqir Ahmad:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that in the first year of incumbent Government, it was decided to recover the amount of increased price of medicines from distributors and manufactures and required to be deposited the same in the accounts of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal;

(b) if so, the break-up of amount, which has been recovered so far and the amount which have been deposited to the accounts of Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal;

(c) the medicines of which prices have been reduced by the intervention of Government alongwith pre-and post price of each medicine; and

(d) what steps are being taken by the Government to make the prices of medicines at affordable rate to common man?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Under the provision of Drug Act, 1976, the Drug Court is empowered to assess the overcharged amount which is deposited in the Government Treasury. Accordingly, cases of four pharmaceutical companies are being filed in the Drug Courts after approval of their prosecution by the Federal Government on 5th June, 2021. Announcement of Prime Minister had been miss reported in some sections of media. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination had announced that overcharged amount deposited in Government Treasury will be channelized in special fund of Bait-ul-Mal for supply of medicines to patients of terminal illness.

(b) As stated above in (a).

(c) A consultative process was made with stakeholders with respect to price reduction of drugs after directions of the Prime Minister and prices of 78 drugs were reduced vide SRO. 577 (I)/2019 dated 24th May, 2019 after approval by Federal Government and same have been included.

(d) Following steps have been taken to reduce prices of medicines:-

(i) Reduction in MRP of Remdesivir 100mg Inj

(a) In October, 2020, MRP of Remdesivir 100mg Injection (to treat Covid-19 patients) was reduced from Rs. 10,873/1’s to Rs. 9,244/1’s and

(b) In December, 2020, MRP of the same drug was further reduced from Rs. 9,244/1’s to Rs. 5,680/1’s.

(ii) Reduction in MRPs of drugs.

Under the provisions of the Drug Pricing Policy-2018, MRPs of 562 drugs have been reduced and notified after approval by the Federal Government.

(iii) Reduction in MRPs of drugs on generic basis

In January, 2020, MRPs of 89 drugs have been reduced on generic basis vide SRO 09(I)/2020 dated January 3, 2020.

(iv) Public notice in newspaper:

DRAP has published public notice of reduced prices in national newspapers for information of public. Toll free number and email address have been given in public notice to lodge complaints, if any pharmaceutical company or retailer sells any drug at price more than notified prices.

(v) Encouragement of production of generics

(a) Manufacturing of generic drugs is being encouraged and facilitated, as by and large the generic products are cheaper than the branded drugs. Priority and all facilitations are being given to the manufacturers of generic drugs and to make their investment fruitful in the shortest possible time. For that purpose, meetings of the various boards are being held frequently.

(b) Priority is also being given to grant registration to new licenses/new sections to increase production of drugs which increase competition in the market which in turn results in the reduction of prices of drugs.

(v) Coordination with provincial health authorities to monitor prices in the market

Under Section 6 of the Drugs Act, 1976, the storage and sale of drugs in the market is regulated by the Provincial Governments, therefore, DRAP has advised the Provincial Health Authorities to take action under the law against the companies who increase prices of drugs more than approved prices.

(vi) Regulation imposed:

Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, with the approval of Federal Cabinet notified a Drug Pricing Policy-2018 which provides as transparent mechanism for fixation, decrease & increase in MRPs of drugs. 14

35. *Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro:

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

(a) the steps being taken by the Government to curtail the price hike in the edible items since March, 2020 onwards; and

(b) the details of percentage of increase and decrease reported in those items already registered during the years 2019-20?

Minister for Industries and Production (Makhdoom Khusro Bukhtiar): (a) This Division is contributing to control price hike through Utility Stores Corporation by providing subsidy to general public on essential items. USC has maintained the prices of essential commodities since 8th January 2020. Prices of essential commodities at USC are as follows:

S# Commodity Price at USC 10. Atta 20 kg bag 800 11. Sugar 68 12. Ghee 170 13. Dal Channa (Bold) 145 14. Dal Masoor 130 15. White Gram 120 16. Super Basmati 140 17. Rice Sella (Kainat 1121) 139 18. Tota Basmati 84

(b) There is no change in prices of abovementioned essential commodities at USC outlets since 8th January 2020.

The price hike experienced in the past few months is, mostly, the result of increase in international commodity prices.

36. *Mr. James Iqbal:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state the number of days for which water is reserved at present in the water reservoir/dam in the country? 15

Minister for Water Resources: Current storage capacity of Pakistan is sufficient to meet water requirement of 30 days. The quantum of water in dams of the country at present (as on 12-07-2021) is as under:

Reservoir Storage Capacity (MAF) Gross Life As on 12-07-2021 Tarbela 6.621 5.882 0.907 Mangla 7.387 7.356 2.050 Chashma 0.341 0.278 0.122 Total 14.349 13.516 3.079

Keeping in view the current IRSA Indent from reservoirs, the water available in reservoirs/dams is sufficient to meet the irrigation requirements of the country for about 10-days.

Moreover, as the flood/monsoon season is going on and river inflows are depicting increasing trend, the reservoirs are likely to store more water in coming days, further improving water availability for the irrigation system of the country.

37. *Sheikh Fayyaz Ud Din:

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

(a) the quantity of Covid-19 vaccine available in the country at present;

(b) the number of persons to whom the said vaccine has been vaccinated/administered; and

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) As of July 12, 2021, there are approximately 9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines available in the country.

(b) As of July 12, 2021, a total of 19.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered. 16

(c) Pakistan airs to vaccinate all the eligible population who is 18 years and above (119 million). In this regard, to fully vaccinate all eligible population, Pakistan needs 238 million doses based on a two-dose regimen. As of July 12, 2021, Pakistan has received a total of 28.7 million doses. However, Pakistan will be receiving 23 million and 24 million doses in July and August respectively. Moreover, the Government is effectively mobilizing resources and engaging all possible forums to acquire the required number of COVID-19 doses in 2021-22.

38. *Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel:

Will the Minister for Maritime Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the criteria for the appointment of members in the Board of Karachi Port Trust (KPT);

(b) the details of members, who have been appointed in the tenure of incumbent Government, in the board alongwith qualification and experience of each in the field of Maritime;

(d) the details of perks and privileges of all kind, being received by each member from KPT; and

(e) the details of other appointments, made in KPT in the tenure of incumbent Government and whether such appointments have been made by observing all the codal formalities?

Minister for Maritime Affairs (Syed Ali Haider Zaidi): (a) The criteria for appointment of members in the Board of Karachi Port Trust (KPT) is defined in Section 7(1) of KPT Act 1886 which reproduced as under:-

“Nomination of other Trustees (1).—Of the remaining trustees, one shall be elected by the Chamber and Industry, Karachi, one shall be elected by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, one shall be elected by the Karachi Cotton Association, Karachi, one shall be elected by the Pakistan Ship owners Association, Karachi, one shall be elected by the Karachi Municipal Corporation and five of whom one shall be a 17

non-official associated with the Karachi Port Trust Labour Unions, shall be appointed by the (Federal Government)”.

“Any Trustee elected or appointed under this section may or may not be a public officer” (Annexure-I).

(b) The details of members of trustees appointed Federal Government vide Notification No. F. No. 12(3)/2020-KPT dated 17th May, 2021 in accordance of Section 7 of KPT Act 1886 (Annexure-II).

(c) The appointment of Board of Trustees were made vide Federal Government Notification No. F. No. 12(3)/2020-KPT dated 17th May, 2021 in accordance with Section 7(1) of KPT Act 1886.

(d) Section 16 of KPT Act 1886 defined the Remuneration of trustees which is reproduced as under:

16. Remuneration of Chairman to be fixed by Government.— (1) The Chairman’s remuneration and other conditions of service shall be determined by the (Federal Government).

“(2) Every trustees, other than the Chairman, who attends a meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present and business is transacted, shall be paid such fees as is admissible to Director of joint Stock Companies subject to a maximum of one thousand rupees”) (Annexure-III).

(e) 182 appointments were made (99 through advertisement and 83 through assistance package), in KPT on contract basis in the tenure of incumbent Government by observing all codal formalities. Appointment in secondments and deputation are made through Ministry of Maritime Affairs/ Establishment/ Cabinet Division observing all codal formalities (Annexure-IV & Annexure-V).

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

39. *Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khokhar:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan Medical Commission has allowed those applicants who were tested positive Covid-19, to appear on an allernative date;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether commission has taken notice of alleged appearance of some applicants on fake Covid-19 test; if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether commission did not verify Covid-19 test of those applicants who were appeared on alternative date of test; if so, the justification thereof?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) has approved the holding of the Special MDCAT Exam for Covid-19 positive candidates in order to facilitate the candidates who were suffering from Covid-19. The applicants who tested positive for Covid-19 were allowed by PMC to appear in Special MDCAT exam conducted on 13th December, 2020. Moreover, not allowing them to sit in the MDCAT-2020 exam conducted on 29th November 2020, was to contain the spread of Covid-19 infection to other candidates and to the invigilating (examination conducting) staff.

(b) A special MDCAT exam was conducted on 13th December 2020 for Covid-19 positive candidates in which 228 candidates appeared. The detailed list is attached at Annex-I.

(d) The Commission could not verify the results/test reports of Covid-19 positive candidates before the MDCAT-2020 examination date because of time constraint and that the candidates belonged to far flung regions all over Pakistan. They had submitted reports from Labs located near their home towns, which made it practically impossible to confirm their Covid-19 test reports before the exam. Moreover, the priority before the Commission was to reduce the spread of Covid-19 and to save the candidates appearing in the examination from the Covid-19 positive candidates.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library) 19

40. *Mr. Muhammad Aslam Khan:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state:

(a) the number of persons recruited against vacant posts in Golen Gol Hydle Power Project during the year 2020-21;

(b) the credentials of the persons recruited alongwith the details of local and non-local persons; and

Minister for Water Resources: (a) Only 01 person has been recruited in Golen Gol Hydropower Project during 2020-21 against Deceased Employee Children Quota.

(b) Mr. Hassan Irshad, BS (Electrical Engineering) having domicile of Mardan has been appointed as Sub-Engineer (Electrical) since 13-04-2020 on Deceased Employee Children Quota.

Annex-I

Sr. No. Description BPS Vacant 1. Director (Civil) 19 1 2. Security Consultant 19 1 3. Dy. Director (Civil) 18 1 4. Dy. Director (Electrical) 18 1 5. Dy. Director (Security) 18 1 6. Junior Engineer (Electrical) 17 1 7. Sr. Superintendent 16 1 8. Account Officer 16 1 9. Account Assistant 15 1 10. Sub-Engineer (Civil) 14 1 11. Sub-Engineer (Mech) 14 1 20

Sr. No. Description BPS Vacant 12. Sr. Clerk 11 3 13. Naib Qasid 1 2 14. Sanitary Worker 1 2 15. Mali / Gardener 1 1 Total Number of Vacant Posts 19

41. *Mr. Saad Waseem:

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 that Pakistan’s automobile industry as uncompetitive and involved in malpractices;

(b) if so, whether the Ministry or any other institutions, which comes under its administrative control have taken notice of such report of CCI regarding automobile industry; if so, the details thereof;

(c) what remedial steps are being taken by the Government to make the automobile industry accountable on its malpractice; and

(d) what further steps are being taken by the Government to protect the rights of consumers and ensure a competitive environment in automobile industry?

Minister for Industries and Production (Makhdoom Khusro Bukhtiar): (a) No, Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has not recently submitted a report describing therein that Pakistan’s automobile industry as uncompetitive and involved in malpractices. However, CCP has compiled a report titled “opinion on competition concerns in the automobile sector” in September 2018, which is available on website of CCP. This Division has submitted views/comments to Ministry of Commerce and CCP vide letter dated 24-01-2020 on the said report.

(b) & (c) CCP itself has the mandate to address the issue of unfair market practices, deceptive marketing, abuse of dominant position, reducing production or sales, unreasonable price increases, tie-ins that make the sale of goods or services conditional on the purchase of other goods or services, predatory pricing, refusing to deal, and boycotting or excluding any other undertaking from producing, distributing or selling goods, or providing any service under Competition Act, 2010.

(d) Following steps have been taken by the Government to ensure a competitive environment in automobile industry:

i. The present government has provided certain incentives to introduce new models, increase competition and provide consumers better options by attracting new investors / players. Accordingly, under Category-A, twenty one new investors have been granted Greenfield status till date. In addition, approval has been granted for revival of two closed down units under Brownfield category. This increased competition under ADP 2016-21 is expected to improve availability and reduce prices.

ii. Moreover, Automotive Industry Development and Export Policy (2021-26) is also under preparation which will focus on quality and prices aspects in addition to market growth, indigenization and exports.

42. *Mrs. Shahida Akhtar Ali:

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

(a) the number of G-13 Tower Apartments which were allotted to Federal Government employees and have been cancelled due to non-payment of the dues alongwith the details of each;

(b) the time by which transfer of allotment will be opened for those members who had deposited the dues in time; and

(c) whether is there any proposal under consideration of the Government to provide concession to the allottees by selling the commercial area alongwith category-wise details?

Deferred for answer on Next Rota Day.

43. *Syed Agha Rafiullah:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the Prime Minister has approved a summary for special financial package for front line health workforce of Federal Government during the last financial year based on lists compiled by each of Federal Administrative hospital; if so, the hospital-wise list of such persons;

(b) whether it is also a fact that such lists approved by the Prime Minister and in particular in case of Federal Government Polyclinic, Islamabad were allegedly altered neither they were re-approved from the Prime Minister;

(c) if so, is there any discrepancy found between the lists approved by the Prime Minister and “the final lists of beneficiaries” among them, funds were distributed and in particular in case of Federal Government Polyclinic, Islamabad; if so, the details thereof; and

(d) what steps have been taken or being taken by the Government against the persons responsible for such alterations in the lists approved by the Prime Minister?

Reply not received.

44. *Ms. Mussarat Rafiq Mahesar:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the condition of trains plied in the country is extremely dilapidated and no proper arrangements are being made for cleanliness therein;

(b) whether it is also a fact that a number of boggies are in a very dilapidated condition which can cause an accident at anytime;

(d) time by which trains will be plied for Islamabad enroute from Kotri to Sehwan, Naudero to Rohri route?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a), (b), (c) & (d) It is apprised that Pakistan Railways was running Khush Hal Khan Khattak express (19-Up/20-Dn) between Karachi- Peshawar via Kotri- Sehwan– D.G Khan- Attock City. The said train was suspended on 25-3-2020 as all train operation was suspended due to COVID-19. Now Pakistan Railways is in the process of restoring all suspended trains depending upon the availability of coaches.

However, in order to provide the facility of transportation to the people of above mentioned areas, Pakistan Railways is running Mohenjo Daro Passenger between Kotri and Rohri via Sehwan and Naudero/ Shah Nawaz Bhutto. The said train reaches Rohri at 17:25 hours in the evening. All the passengers that are interested in going to Rawalpindi/ Islamabad and back can use this train as a connecting train. The trains available at Rohri for Rawalpindi/ Islamabad are Jaffar Express, Pakistan Express, Tezgam Express, Sir Syed Express and Green Line.

45. *Ms. Shahida Rehmani:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the number of train accidents occurred annually for the last five years alongwith number of casualties for each incidence;

(b) detail of accountability mechanisms regarding such incidents, if any; and

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a) During the five years 2016 to 30-6-2021 a total of 27 major & 712 minor accidents have been reported over the system with a total of 207 casualties. The detailed breakup of all accidents is attached as Annexure- A, of which the accidents listed at S. No. 1&2 are termed as major accidents.

(b) After occurrence of accidents, inquiry committees of different levels are nominated keeping in view the gravity of the incident and ascertain the cause of accidents and fix responsibility. The officers/staff held responsible by committees are proceeded against for appropriate disciplinary actions under E&D rules 2020.

(c) Pakistan Railways is taking initiative to upgrade ML-1 at its own without further delay. Additionally a number of projects to improve the signaling/communication system and upgradation of rolling stock are also in the pipe line. Furthermore, a number of steps have been taken to protect Pakistan Railways track with trenches and rail fencing to discourage trespassing and to minimize the number of accidents on account of negligence of road users.

Steps taken to improve safety of train operation. —————————————————————————————— No. of No.of No. of No. of No. of unauthorized height FIRs unmanned unmanned locations gauges registered level crossings level closed installed proposed for crossings close down proposed for upgradation —————————————————————————————— 3481 329 655 65 95 ——————————————————————————————

Other preventive measures have also been taken to avert accidents including.

i. Trainings and refresher courses basis. 25

ii. Special attention is given to the training of locomotive crew, guards, station Masters and other staff engaged with train operations.

iii. Seminar/workshops are being arranged.

iv. Regular inspections in accordance with prescribed standards.

v. Special bulletins/instructions are issued on monthly basis to sensitize the staff about safety issues.

vi. Level crossings surfaces are being improved.

vii. Warning signs in local languages have already been erected.

viii. Vulnerable unmanned level crossings have been upgraded.

ix. Enhancement of punishments to road users, trespassing the Railway track in an un-authorized manner are being compiled.

x. Rigorous media campaign has been launched on electronic, print and social media.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

46. *Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak:

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

(a) whether the Government has decided to revive the defunct oxygen Gas plant of steel mills; if so, details thereof; and

(b) the time by which Pakistan Steel Mills would started the local production of oxygen cylinders in the country?

Minister for Industries and Production (Makhdoom Khusro Bukhtiar): (a) Industries and Production Division in compliance to the orders of the Honorable Supreme Court (Suo Moto Case No. 1 of 2020 regarding combating the pandemic of Corona virus (Covid-19), constituted a technical team for the evaluation and revival of Oxygen Plant at Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM). The technical team along with other representatives visited the Plant and submitted a final report wherein the 26 committee suggested that revival of One Unit of PSM Oxygen Plant would not be economically viable. Moreover, out of the designed capacity of 260 tonnes/day from the one available unit, only ten (10) percent of its produced liquid oxygen can be used for the envisaged purpose. However, other options i.e. establishment of stand-alone Oxygen Plant on PSM owned land or import of smaller Oxygen Plants can be a more economically viable solution. The timeframe for revival of One Unit of PSM Oxygen Plant will require a minimum period of 30 weeks which may also be longer. The same report has also been submitted to the Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan. However, the Government of Pakistan has been making efforts to ensure continuous supply of Oxygen during Covid-19 pandemic. The detail has been placed at Annex-I (Supplementary material).

(b) PSM cannot produce oxygen cylinders at the moment due to uneconomical revival viability of Oxygen Plant.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

47. *Syed Mehmood Shah:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state whether it is a fact that Balochistan is facing acute water shortage; if so, what steps are being taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister for Water Resources: It is a fact that Balochistan is facing water shortage. Federal Government has already accorded priority to water sector projects of Balochistan, which is witnessed by the fact that in financial year 2020-21, forty-five (45) water sector projects costing Rs. 91.666 billion were executed / initiated in Balochistan by Irrigation Department and PHE Department, GoB with Federal financing, aiming to increase 0.983 maf storage capacity of the country.

In PSDP 2020-21 allocation of water sector projects being executed by Irrigation Department and PHE Department, GoB was Rs. 14.769 billion which was further enhanced by the MoWR to the tune of Rs. 16.468 billion through re-appropriation. The MoWR has ensured release of 100% of the revised allocated funds to these projects. Consequently, total funds of Rs. 20.508 billion have been released to water sector projects of Balochistan in last financial year including the WAPDA’s project in Balochistan, which is 29.872% of the total water sector portfolio of MoWR. Owing to the above mentioned efforts of the 27

Ministry, 26 projects have been completed in 2020-21, increasing 0.16 maf water storage capacity of the province.

Further, the Federal Government has accorded top priority to water sector of Balochistan in the PSDP 2021-22 as well. Twenty-two (22) new projects costing Rs. 59.206 billion have been included in PSDP at an allocation of Rs. 7.063 billion with an implementation period ranging from 2022 to 2025. These projects will increase the water storage capacity of Balochistan by 0.44 maf. In addition to this, Rs. 12.117 billion have been allocated to ongoing project of Balochistan in financial year 2021-22.

48. *Mr. Sikandar Ali Rahoupoto:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to control the spread of the HIV/AIDs disease in the country, particularly in district Jamshoro and Dadu?

Reply not Received.

49. *Mr. Ahmad Hussain Deharr:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the locations from where several acres commercial and residential land under occupation of occupants of various departments particularly Railways and Evecue Trust Property Board have been recovered by the Government during the last three years;

(b) whether lands of these two institutions are still remained alongwith the detail thereof; and

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a) It is apprised that, an area of 442.90 Acres of commercial and residential land has been got retrieved form encroachers by Pakistan Railways during last 3 years in all over the Provinces. The location-wise detail is enclosed as Annexure-A (Khyber Pakhtunkwa), Annexure-B (Punjab), Annexure-C (Sindh) and Annexure-D (Balochistan). 28

The breakup is as under:- (Area in Acre) Area of Retrieved Railway Land all over the network. In Category last three (3) years. Total KPK Punjab Sindh Balochistan Commercial 43.172 140.343 138.337 6.085 327.937 Residential 2.534 31.971 74.448 6.01 114.963 Total:- 45.71 172.314 212.785 12.095 442.901

(b) Yes, the Railway land measuring 3044.68 acres are still un- authorized occupation of encroachers. The Province-wise detail is as under:-

Type of Encroachment Province Total (acre) Commercial Residential KPK 0193.91 62.77 256.68 Punjab 805.742 296.248 1101.99 Sindh 163 1015 1178 Balochistan 70.7 437.31 508.01 Total:— 1233.352 1811.328 3044.68

(c) Railway Administration carries out regular anti encroachment operations to retrieve its encroached lands however, due to the current law & order situation, operation in some of the areas has been stopped temporarily. Pakistan Railway’s efforts for removal of encroachments gained momentum on the strength of Supreme Court orders in Suo-Moto Case No. 18/2011, which directed Pakistan Railways and the provinces to get its land vacated from the un-authorized occupation of private as well as Government Agencies with the assistance of District administration.

It is further added that, Special Anti-Encroachment drive has been launched to clear scattered, soft & medium type encroachments. Remaining residential & commercial encroachments are mostly fall in hard & very hard category, which shall removed with the help of District Administration & Law Enforcement Agencies. On the other hand, strategy is to be devised with Provincial Government for removal of residential encroachments. It is difficult to predict the time frame for removal of such encroachments. The strategy has already been devised for removal of commercial encroachments and in the first phase. The remaining structures which infringe the operational zone shall be dismantled/ demolished and rail fencing shall be made to avoid trespassing and 29 encroachment in future. Following steps have been taken by the Railway Administration to retrieve the land:-

• Detailed survey was carried out in the context of Suo Moto case No.18/2011 to identify the encroached land, occupied by the individuals and under illegal occupation of Government departments.

• The campaign is being monitored by the Divisional Superintendents, Headquarters office and at the level of Ministry of Railways.

• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Joint Procedure order have since been issued for strict implementation of this policy. FIRs are being lodged and cases are registered and sent to courts for expeditious trial.

• The issue regarding illegal occupation/possession of Railway land by Government Departments/Institutions has also been taken up with concerned departments. It is an ongoing campaign which will continue till the elimination/ regularization of encroachments.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

50. *Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro:

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

(a) the number of polio cases reported in Pakistan by the end of year 2020; and

(b) the Government strategy to address the crisis of polio, especially in the Province of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Pakistan reported 84 Wild Poliovirus (WPV) Cases in 2020. During 2020, our Polio eradication efforts’ were seriously impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All Polio vaccination activities had to be suspended in mid-March 2020 (for four months) in line with recommendations of the Polio Oversight Board. The immunity gap in 30 children broadened during the period resulting in continued widespread transmission of Poliovirus during 2020.

As the Polio risks were escalating, the government decided and restarted Polio vaccination activities in July 2020. Since then, all planned Polio vaccination campaigns (including 4 nationwide & 3 sub-national campaigns) have been successfully implemented.

As a result of these successful vaccination campaigns and zealous Polio eradication efforts by the federal and provincial governments, the number of Polio cases during 2021 has declined substantially. Only one Wild Polio Virus (WPV1) case has been reported in 2021 compared to 61 cases during same point in time in 2020, indicating 98% decline in the number of cases. No Wild Polio Virus case has been reported from any area in Pakistan in last six months.

(b) The government is tackling Polio eradication as a national public health emergency. A National Emergency Action Plan (NEAP) for Polio eradication is accordingly being implemented all across the country. As per action plan (NEAP), following strategies & approaches are being used / implemented by the government in all provinces / areas including the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, to interrupt the transmission of Poliovirus as soon as possible:

 Series of national & sub-national door to door Polio vaccination campaigns is conducted as per campaigns schedule set in the NEAP, to give immunity boost to under 5- year age children against Polio virus. In the advent of any new Polio virus (case) detection, special targeted response rounds are also conducted.

 Special focus is given to the tracking and vaccination of children missed during first visit during Polio campaigns.

 Strong surveillance for Poliovirus is ensured in all areas for detection of all cases to ensure timely and appropriate response to Poliovirus circulation in the area.

 To ensure maximum vaccination coverage, community based vaccination approach utilizing local well-trained volunteers is implemented in the core reservoirs of Poliovirus. 31

 All children on the move are vaccinated at transit points established at key locations including international, inter- provincial & inter-district borders, railway stations, bus stands, airports, etc.

 Laser focus is given to the core reservoirs, high risk and vulnerable districts / areas for Polio, as well as to the KP tribal districts, to ensure high quality vaccination activities.

 Synergy & alignment of efforts with EPI is ensured to strengthen essential immunization coverage against all vaccine preventable diseases. Extended outreach EPI vaccination activities are conducted regularly.

 Close coordination and synchronized implementation of Polio activities with Afghanistan is ensured for optimal vaccination of children residing in bordering areas as well as the ones on the move between two countries.

 Strong oversight by the National, Provincial and District government leadership for Polio eradication activities is ensured.

 Extensive community mobilization and community awareness activities are conducted using all mediums to highlight the risks of Poliovirus and importance of Polio vaccination.

 Integrated health camps during Polio campaigns are also established in the highest risk UCs to provide additional health services to the communities.

 Strong coordination with Law Enforcement Agencies and Armed Forces is maintained to ensure safe working environment for the frontline Polio workers as well as to ensure access to all underfive children in, the security compromised areas.

As a result of the extensive / focused Polio eradication efforts and high quality implementation of the NEAP strategies and approaches by the government during last one year, the number of cases in the country has decreased by 98% during 2021. Only one wild poliovirus case has been reported during the current year with no case from any area in last six 32 months. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has not reported any wild poliovirus case in last one year.

The government will ensure that the recent gains / progress and current momentum of the efforts are sustained at every level, to reach the goal of Polio eradication as soon as possible. During remainder of 2021, the government will conduct one sub-national campaign (in August) and two nationwide campaigns (one each in Sep and Dec). Reaching and vaccinating all targeted children in scheduled campaigns holds the key to our ultimate success.

51. *Mr. Muhammad Aslam Khan:

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

(a) the number of diplomas holder or courses registered by Pakistan Nursing Council during the last three years alongwith the nature of the said diplomas;

(b) the procedure for registration of diplomas alongwith the registration fee thereof;

(c) whether there is any proposal under consideration to establish branches of Pakistan Nursing Council in the four provinces in order to facilitate the public; and

(d) whether it is a fact that the staff of Pakistan Nursing Council does not have such behaviors with the people who are facing trouble?

Reply not Received.

52. *Ms. Shams Un Nisa:

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

(a) when Pak Vac vaccine is expected to be available for masses; and

(b) the details of the vaccine regarding its type, storage temperature, efficacy rate/immune response, estimated cost (per dose), approval and trials and estimated capacity?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad collaboration with CanSino Bio China has started the manufacturing of Covid-19 vaccine PakVac at Biological Production Division (BPD) from concentrate bulk in the month May, 2021.

After having extensive training of forrnulation and quality control testing from Chinese vaccine experts, BPD has so far prepared more than one million doses and supplied to Expended Programme Immunization (EPI) for vaccination of the general public free of cost.

(b) Type: Recombinant Adenovirus vector 5 (single shot) Storage temperature: 2°C to 8°C Efficacy rate/immune 74.7% response: Cost (per dose): 13 USD/dose Capacity 2-3 million doses/month

53. *Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) has not purchased the land for the Green Enclave and Thallian Inter-change under the Land Acquisition Act; if so, then the details of the procedure adopted for acquiring the land other than the prescribed rules;

(b) names of the owners of the land, names of the Mozas and numbers of khasras, cost of the land per kanal of malkiati, shamlat etc.; and

(c) details of the agreement signed with other irrelevant persons instead of the actual owners alongwith reasons and under whom authority had allowed please?

34 Deferred for answer on Next Rota Day

54. *Mr. Naveed Aamir Jeeva:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the head-wise and year-wise total amount spent by the Government so far on Federal General Hospital Chak Shehzed Islamabad in current regime?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: The Federal General Hospital is 200 bedded hospital located in rural Islamabad. According to NIS issued by Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation & Coordination the head-wise and year-wise detail of amount spent is given as under during current regime.

Financial Year 2018-19: Total Budget: 201,582/- Million PKR Total Expenditure: 256.41/- Million PKR

Head-wise detail Expenditure A01- Employee Related Expense113.84/-Million 170.7/-Million PKR PKR A03- Operating Expense 70428/- Million PKR 69046/-Million PKR A04- Employee Retirement Expense 5000 PKR 00/- A05- Grants & Rights of Loans 1000 PKR 00/- A06- Entertainment and Gifts 50000 PKR./- 24000 PKR/- A09- Physical Assets 162.59 Million PKR 15.728 Million. PKR A13-Repair & Maintenance 1.23 Million PKR 0.9 Million PKR

Financial Year 2019-20: Total Budget: 316.302/- Million PKR Total Expenditure: 304.223/- Million PKR

Head-wise detail Expenditure A01-Employee Related Expense 225.289/-Million PKR 215.188/- Million PKR A03- Operating Expense 720.99/ Million PKR 713.59/- Million PKR A04-Employee Expense 160.4 Million PKR A05- Grants & Rights of Loans 1000 PKR 00/- A06- Entertainment and Gifts 00 PKR. 00 PKR/ A09- Physical Assets 15.606 Million PKR 15.461 Million PKR Al2- Office Building 1,00,000 PKR 000 PKR A13- Repair & Maintenance 0.6 Million PKR 0.54 Million PKR In addition the hospital executed PSDP project titled “Construction of triple story OPD building” through Pakistan Works Department (PWD) amounting to Rs.59.00 million which has been completed in fy -2019-20.

55. *Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that a specific amount is charged to every passenger under the head of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams Fund by Pakistan Railways;

(b) if so, the total amount which has been collected by Pakistan Railways under the aforesaid fund since its establishment till the filing of the answer of instant question;

(d) the law, which authorizes to Pakistan Railways to collect a special amount from passengers under the aforesaid head;

(e) the authority, who approved such collection from passengers; and

(f) if such collection of amount is being made without any legal authority, what corrective measures are being taken in this regard?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a) Pakistan Railways is charging an amount from the passenger under the head of Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Diamer-Bhasha & Mohmand Dams in terms of Chief Marketing & Manager’s office letter No.2- M7R/8029 (Rates pass) dated 17-09-2018 at the following rate.

(i) From the Economy class passengers

 Rs.1/- per passenger on fare upto Rs.100/-  Rs.2/- per passenger on fare over Rs.100/-

(ii) From the Air Conditioned class passengers

 Rs.10/- per passenger from ACC class passengers. 36

(b) An amount of Rs.191,383,492/- has been collected from the passengers as Dam Fund contribution from 25-09-2018 to 31- 05-2021.

(c) An amount of Rs.17,603,883/- has been transferred to the Dam Fund so far. Balance amount Rs.173,779,609/- will be transferred shortly to Prime Minister and Chief Justice of Pakistan Fund for Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dam.

(d) On the directives of Federal Minister for Railways dated 8th September, 2018, DAM Fund charges were levied, due to severe shortage of Water & Power in the country as assessed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

(e) As above, accordingly Chief Marketing Manager vide letter No.2-M&R/8029 (rates pass) dated 17-09-2018 issued by the directives (copy enclosed)

(f) As above, accordingly Chief Marketing Manager vide letter No.2-M&R/8029 (rates pass) dated 17-09-2018 issued by the directives (copy enclosed)

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

56. *Mr. Sikandar Ali Rahoupoto:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state whether the Government has taken steps in respect of preparation of corona vaccine in the country; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: Government of Pakistan has made extensive efforts to arrange the Corona Vaccine and initiated agreements with different vaccine manufacturers such as Sinopharm, Sinovac, Astrazenica, CanSino and Pfizer. Free of cost vaccination is being extended to all citizens. National Institute of Health (NIH) has signed an agreement with CanSinoBio China a developer of Covid-19 Vaccine (Covidecia) for Transfer of Technology (TOT) to co-manufacture corona vaccine at Biological Production Division (BPD), NIH to be implemented in two phases. 37 First Phase has been implemented Chinese experts provided extensive training of formulation & quality control testing to scientists/engineers of BPD, NIH. As a result BPD NIH has started shared production from concentrate bulk and so far has successfully produced one million doses by the name of PakVac which are available for vaccination through Expended Programme Immunization (EPI) after getting lot release certificate from DRAP. The next target is to prepare three million doses per month which are under manufacturing process. 57. *Dr. Nafisa Shah

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state the current status of the dairy industry of Pakistan and on expanding this important sector?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed Fakhar Imam): Officially, the dairy sector of Pakistan is not declared as an industry. However, Pakistan is one of the leading milk producing country in the world with estimated annual gross milk production of 63.7 million tons during 2020-21. Generally fresh/ loose milk is consumed in the country and around 6% of-total gross milk production is being processed by 25 milk/ dairy processing plants in the private sector. These dairy plants are producing diyersified processed products including UHT milk, pasteurized milk, flavored milk, yogurt, butter, dry milk powder, tea whiteners/ dairy liquids/ dairy drinks etc. Dairy sector in Pakistan is catering the domestic demand of milk. However, the predominance of dairy sector by subsistence farming (90%) is the major impediment to its development characterized by poor marketing and scale of business. To expand dairy sector, the Federal Government has provided number of incentives to this sector for promoting the value addition and development of dairy sector including: i. Allowed import of high yielding dairy cattle breeds of Holstein Friesian & Jersey from BSE Negligible Risk countries like USA, Netherlands & Australia for enhanced milk production in the country; ii. Allowed import of genetic material (semen/ embryos) of high yielding dairy cattle breeds for insemination in our non- descript low producing cattle for genetic improvement; 38 iii. Allowed import of Calf Milk Replacer at concessional tariff to save premature slaughtering of calves and to save the milk for human food chain and value addition; iv. Allowed import of quality cattle feed premixes for enhanced milk production and improved health of our dairy herd; v. Allowed import of dairy processing machinery at concessional tariff to promote and establish value addition of milk/ dairy products in the country; vi. Launched Livestock Loan Insurance Schemes in 2013 which covers all livestock loans up to Rs. 5 million for purchase of animals to mitigate financial risk to the farmers. 58. *Syed Agha Rafiullah:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan neither produces a single vaccine of any kind nor the country has a single FDA- approved lab of international gold standard; if so, the reasons thereof;

(b) whether it is also a fact that pharma industry is being charged tax in the name of “research” the Central Research Fund (CRF), equivalent to one percent of its gross sales; if so, the purpose of charging of suchs fund alongwith details of its spending for the last eight years;

(c) what corrective measures are being taken by the Government to use CRF for the purpose, which is actually meant for, and reserve more funds for research, incentivize pharma industry to produce vaccines; and

(d) what further steps are being taken to establish state of the art lab, which met international standards?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (A) No. it is not a fact that Pakistan neither produces a single vaccine of any kind. The fact of the matter is that at present three pharmaceutical units are manufacturing vaccines locally. About fifteen vaccines are being manufactured. Pakistan at present has three WHO approved Labs. Whereas one more lab is under process of accreditation. 39 (b) Yes, as per Drugs LR&A Rules 1976, under Rule 14, the Licensee shall, by the 30th June and the 31st December each year, whichever is immediately after the annual financial closing of the company contribute one per cent of his gross profit before deduction of income-tax towards the Central Research Fund to be maintained by the Federal Government and utilised by it in accordance with the Drugs (Research) Rules, 1978; Rule 8 of the Drugs Research Rules 1978 amended from time to time provides the constitution of committee of experts on drug research, responsible for the utilization of CRF to conduct research and development in the field of drugs. The contributions made towards the Central Research Fund under sub-rule (14) shall be kept in such bank as the Federal Government may specify and shall be utilised in accordance with the Drugs (Research) Rules, 1978. To constitute committee under Rule 8, the nominations were provided by the Provincial Governments. Accordingly, Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, have approved the said nominations of the committee and forwarded to M/o NHSR&C for approval by Federal Government. After notification of the committee by the Federal Government, code of conduct will be prepared by the committee under Rule 8 (3) of the Drugs (Research) Rules, 1978. As per the records of Budget & Accounts, there has been no utilization of CRF in the last eight years. (c) The utilization of Central Research Fund (CRF) was being carried out under the Drugs (Research) Rules, 1978 of the Drugs Act 1976. After the promulgation of DRAP Act 2012, there was need to enforce new rules under the DRAP Act and SRO 272/2014 was introduced, which still requires further review as the changes made vide this SRO are not satisfying practical needs. The Policy Board in its 23rd meeting held on 13th March 2018, referred the proposed Drug Research Rules to the Authority for further processing under the DRAP Act 2012. The Drug Regulatory Authority in its 61st meeting held on 7th November 2018 considered and decided for further deliberation on the drafted rules. 40 These new Rules are under consideration of the Authority, which after finalization will be placed before the Federal Government for approval. After notification by the federal government the research projects will be invited, evaluated and processed. Committee of experts on drug research (which is under constitution) can recommend the utilization of research fund. (d) Central Drugs Laboratory, Karachi is a state-of-the-art facility. Salient features of CDL Karachi are given as under: • Updated, sophisticated and 21 CFR Part-11 compliant equipment integrated with Laboratory Information Management system (LIMS). • Sample management and complete record of sample custody. • State-of-the-art building with latest safety features, temperature and humidity-controlled environment and 24 hours surveillance. Moreover, pre-assessment of CDL Karachi for achieving ISO 17025:2015 is completed and full audit is expected to be conducted in the next month. Furthermore, CDL Karachi is in the process of WHO prequalification. CDL Karachi has submitted Laboratory Information File (LIF) to WHO which has been approved and WHO audit is expected soon.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN, The 18th July, 2021. Secretary.

PCPPI—3939(2021) NA—18-7-2021—500. 1

(35th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Monday, the 19th July, 2021

13. Syed Mehmood Shah:

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

(a) the number of applications pending with the Pakistan Nursing Council for renewal of Nursing licence over six months;

(b) particulars of such applications along-with reason of delay in renewal of each case; and

Reply not received

14. Syed Agha Rafiullah:

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

(a) what steps are being taken by the Government to check/stop to increase the corruption cases in the Federal Government Polyclinic, Islamabad; and

(b) number of complaints received against corruption cases and action taken thereof?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) The FGPC has taken steps to check/ stop to increase the corruption cases through established different types of dedicated 2 committees i.e. Complaint Committee, Vigilance Committee, Technical Committee, Procurement/Purchase Committee, Grievance Committee, Price Verification Committee, and Harassment Committee. Further for check and balance the Internal Audit is being conducted by the M/o, NHSR&C, External Audit by the D.G. Audit and Pre-Audit system by the AGPR. All these steps have been followed to avoid any kind of unfairness.

(b) No such complaints have been received.

15. Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel:

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

(a) the details of doctors who are working in the Federal Government Polyclinic, Islamabad on deputation basis from other hospitals; and

(b) reasons of appointments on deputation in each case?

Reply not received.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN, The 18th July, 2021. Secretary.

PCPPI—3939(2021) NA—18-7-2021—500.