1 (32nd Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”

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

Wednesday, the 11th May, 2016

16. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan: (Deferred during 30th Session)

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

(a) the names of un-registered Dental and Medical Colleges in the country at present;

(b) whether it is a fact that the said Colleges have granted admission to male and female students; if so, the details thereof;

(c) the action taken by the Government against the said un-registered Colleges; and

(d) the steps being taken by the Government in respect of future of the said students?

Reply not received.

91. *Ms. Belum Hasnain: (Deferred during 30th Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the prices of cotton seed are different in Punjab and Sindh; if so, the reasons thereof; and 2

(b) the total quantity of cotton seed produced by the said provinces during the last three years alongwith the province-wise details thereof?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan): (a) Government does not regulate prices of seed. In general, there is no difference in prices of cotton seed in Punjab and Sindh provinces.

(b) —————————————————————————————— Year Punjab Sindh Total (Quantity MT) (Quantity MT) Pakistan (Quantity MT) —————————————————————————————— 2013-14 19145 1178 20715 2014-15 30720 3534 34521 2015-16 11114 2715 13828* ——————————————————————————————

109. *Ms. Munaza Hassan: (Deferred during 30th Session)

Will the Minister for Ports and Shipping be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of schemes launched by the Ministry for the welfare of Merchant Navy Seamen during the last three years alongwith the details thereof; and

(b) the benefits derived from the said schemes so far?

Minister for Ports and Shipping (Mr. Kamran Michael): (a) Within the last three years, no schemes for the welfare of merchant seamen have been launched by the Ministry. However, PNSC provides benefits to its seafarers as per National Maritime Board under national Laws effective (MLO Regulations) from 27-02-2001 as per Annexure-I.

(b) Nil

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library) ——————————————————————————————————————————— * The seed testing figure for 2015-16 are in progress. 3 157. *Ms. Suraiya Jatoi: (Deferred during 30th Session)

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the steps taken by the Government to improve health facilities in Islamabad?

Transferred to Capital Administration and Development Division for answer on next rota day.

31. *Dr. Fozia Hameed:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that no housing programme has been started by the present Government so far;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the manifesto/plan for housing sector of the Government is not being implemented;

(c) whether it is further a fact that cheap accommodation units are not being provided to shelter less citizens in the country;

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

(e) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister for Housing and Works (Mr. Akram Khan Durrani): (a)

(A) National Housing Authority

(a) No, the present Government under its manifesto / plan has initiated various housing schemes. Government has announced Prime Minister’s (Apna Ghar) Low Income Housing Programme, which includes construction of 1000 Clusters of 500 houses each for low-income families all over the country and to ensure cost-effective access to credit for housing, the government will be picking up a portion of the financing cost on behalf of the borrower over and above 8%. Provinces have 4 started allocating State Land for development of housing scheme under the said Programme. Ministry has completed initial planning work and finalized housing designs. Project execution work will started as soon as other codal formalities including release of funds is completed.

(b) As above at serial No. a

(c) Does not pertain to NHA. Reply may be sought from relevant departments.

(d) No the present Government has initiated a number of housing schemes. Details are at material for supplementary.

(e) As above at serial No. a

(B) FGEHF

FGEHF is also working suitably to provide developed plots to house the federal government employees.

(C) PHA-Foundation

No, it is not a fact that no housing programme has been started by the present Government so far. In fact during present Government regime, PHAF has launched following projects to provide apartments to low income persons including Federal Government Employees: —————————————————————————————— S.No. Project —————————————————————————————— 1. 3200 D&E-type apptts. at Sector I-12/1, Islamabad

2. 1584 (B&E-type) apptts. at Sector I-16/3, Islamabad

3. 8 executive apartments at plot near UET, Lahore

4. Construction of 116 B & D Type apartments at Section G-10/2, Islamabad —————————————————————————————— 5 (b) No, it is not a fact that the manifesto/plan for housing sector of the Government is not being implemented. Instead, PHA Foundation has successfully launched above mentioned new projects and has further planned new housing projects which shall be launched soon.

(c) No, it is not a fact that cheap accommodation units are not being provided to shelter less citizens in the country, instead PHAF has launched following project in 2015 to provide low-cost apartments to low-income general public and Federal Government Employees of BPS (1 to 16) on ownership basis:

i. 3200 D&E - type apptts. at Sector I-12/1, Islamabad

(d) Answers to parts (a), (b) and (c) above are not in affirmative.

(e) During present Government regime, PHAF has launched 04 housing projects as mentioned above in part (a) while planning of further 05 projects is complete to provide apartments to both Federal Government Employees and General Public.

32. *Dr. Fozia Hameed:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to control prices of veterinary drugs, vaccines and animal feed additives to improve production of said products in the country and avoid dependence on the imports thereof?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Prices of veterinary drugs, vaccines and animal feed additives are not regulated by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan and the Federal Government.

(b) The following steps were taken by the Government to improve production of veterinary drugs in the country.

(i) The DRAP Act, 2012, which is new legislation, encourages local production of medicines including veterinary medicines and vaccines.

(ii) The local manufacturing of veterinary drugs is generally encouraged by facilitating the processing of drug registration application. In 6 particular drug registration application for new manufacturing licenses/ new sections are processed on priority.

(iii) All veterinary producer and sellers are encouraged to observe good manufacturing and storage practices for maintaining quality of veterinary drugs.

(iv) As a result of encouragement for local manufacturing of veterinary drugs, almost 70% of registered veterinary drugs are manufactured locally.

33. *Ms. Munaza Hassan:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the Government has announced to provide Solar Tube Wells to the farmers during the budget 2015-16;

(b) if the answer to part (a) above is in the affirmative, whether it is also a fact that Government has failed to implement such announcement in letter and spirit; if so, the reasons thereof; and

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

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan): (a) Yes.

(b) The Government has not failed to implement the announced scheme but working on mechanism for its smooth implementation.

(c) The steps taken by the Government are as follows:—

“ Focal person of the scheme has been notified.

“ The mechanism i.e. the SOPs /TORs and technical specification etc. have been finalized in consultation with Stakeholders, related federal organizations and consortium of Public sector Organizations. 7

“ The project titled “Establishment of PMU and Capacity Building under Prime Minister’s Mark-up Free Financing for Solar Tube wells Scheme in the Country” has been approved by DDWP. The project will assist in launching the scheme. Accordingly, Planning, Development and Reforms Division has also been approached for provision of funds for the project for early implementation of the Prime Minister’s Solar Tube Well Scheme.

34. *Ms. Munaza Hassan:

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

(a) the purpose of establishment of the Tobacco Control Cell;

(b) the total number of employees working in the said Cell at present; and

(c) the steps taken by the said Cell in terms of tobacco control activities in the country?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) The Government of Pakistan signed the Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (FCTC) in May, 2004 and ratified it in the same year. Under Article 5.2 of the FCTC, the Parties to the said treaty are mandated to put in place proper and effective national coordination mechanism for multi-sectoral coordination of tobacco control efforts. In order to fulfill obligations under this Article of FCTC, Tobacco Control Cell was established in Ministry of Health (Defunct) on 1st July, 2007. Currently, the Cell has been placed under Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.

The purpose of establishment of Tobacco Control Cell is to reduce prevalence of tobacco use in Pakistan by taking administrative, legislative and coordination measures for demand and supply reduction of tobacco products and implementation of FCTC Articles. The Cell is also mandated to achieve the target set in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) i.e. SDG 3 (a): Strengthen the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).

(b) At present, 03 employees are working in the Cell. 8 (c) Tobacco Control Cell, since its inception is taking demand and supply reduction measures to control epidemic of tobacco use in the country. Following steps have been taken by the Cell in the country:

Policy /Legislation Level Interventions:

a. Introduction of Pictorial Health Warning on cigarette packs and outers.

b. Ban on tobacco products advertisement in print, electronic and outdoor media.

c. Ban on free samples, cash rebates, discounts and sponsorship of events.

d. Ban on manufacturing and sale of cigarettes packs having less than 20 cigarette sticks.

e. Illegalization of “Designated Smoking Areas”.

f. Incorporation of tobacco control messages in curriculum.

Infrastructure development / Institutionalization:

a. Establishment of Tobacco Control Cell in KPK and Balochistan.

b. Formation of National Technical Advisory Group (TAG).

c. Formation of technical working group on tobacco taxation (Considering the recommendations of working group, FED on cigarette packs have been increased by 30.88% on lower slab and 19.87% on upper slab since July, 2015).

d. Formation and activation of Provincial Implementation Committees/ Taskforces for tobacco control in provinces.

e. Formation and activation of District Implementation and Monitoring Committees on tobacco control in project model districts.

f. Formation of district enforcement teams in project model districts. 9 Awareness and Enforcement Activities: a. More than 400 awareness and capacity building sessions for law enforcement agencies, authorized persons and general public in which about 12000 persons have been sensitized / trained. b. Dissemination of information materials on hazards of tobacco use, second hand tobacco smoke and tobacco control laws (1,100,000 units have been disseminated). c. Installation of plates / posters carrying “Smoking is an Offense” message in ministries, schools/universities, hotels, public service vehicles and other public places. d. Installation of 200 boards with tobacco control messages at public places in Islamabad. e. Launching of national anti-tobacco mass media campaign, to focus on the health harms of tobacco.

f. Multifarious awareness interventions:

i. 15 Radio Programs

ii. 120 FM Spots

iii. 4 TV Programs

iv. 20 Newspaper ads

v. Outdoor awareness activities g. Branding of buses with tobacco control messages in Islamabad/ Rawalpindi. h. More than 900 cases have been registered under various sections of “Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-smoker’s Health Ordinance, 2002”. 10 35. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the funds provided by the Government in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the replacement of overloaded transformers during the year 2014-15;

(b) the district-wise expenditure incurred thereupon alongwith the details thereof; and

(c) the details of foreign aid received in this regard during the said period?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) No funds have been provided by the Government for the replacement of over loaded transformers in Khyber PakhtunKhwa during the year 2014-15, however, PESCO issued proposals under ELR/DOP heads for the year 2014-15 at its own cost, detail is attached as Annexure-A.

(b) As above

(c) NIL 11 Annexure-A 12 36. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the total funds given to the Khyber Pakthunkhwa under the head of ELR during the year 2014-15 alongwith the district-wise details of utilization thereof; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Peshawar Electric Supply Company to improve the electricity system by replacing old wires, wooden poles and transformers?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) PESCO issued funds under ELR/DOP heads for the year 2014-15 at its own cost, detail is as under:

(1) HT proposals issued under ELR heads for the year 2014-15 are attached as Annexure-A.

(2) LV proposals issued under (ELR+DoP) heads for the year 2014-15 are attached as Annexure-B.

(b) Detail is attached as Annexure-C.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

37. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state the Power Generation Projects being launched in the country under the China- Pakistan Economic Corridor?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): Government of Pakistan signed the Intergovernmental China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Energy Cooperation Agreement with Government of the People’s Republic of China on November 08, 2014.

List of Energy Projects included in CPEC agreement having total capacity of 17045 MW is at Annexure-I.

These projects are under construction or likely to be started in near future under the CPEC. 13 Annex-I

38. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state the quantum of electricity being generated daily form Mangla and Terbella Dams at present separately?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): Per day electricity generation from Mangla and Tarbela Dams for a period of five days from 22-04-2016 to 26-04-2016 is as under: 14

————————————————————————————————————— Name of 22-4-2016 23-4-2016 24-4-2016 25-4-2016 26-4-2016 Power (GWh) (GWh) (GWh) (GWh) (GWh) Station ————————————————————————————————————— Tarbela 32.733 25.729 24.545 36.852 54.323 Mangla 19.872 19.872 20.477 21.834 21.322 ————————————————————————————————————— 39. *Ms. Sajida Begum: Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state the steps taken by the present Government to increase the production of tea and pulses in the country so far? Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan): National Tea and High Value Research Institute (NTHRI) Manshera established tea garden on 34 acres at the institute and 50 acres at farmer’s field in Manshera district. Presently, the following two development projects are underway for the promotion of tea in the country.

“ Participatory Development of Tea Value Chain around Mansehra Area” under Agricultural Linkages Program (ALP)

“ Mechanization of tea production and promotion of green tea to improve profitability” under Research for Agricultural Development Programme (RADP) Pulses Government is making necessary steps to increase pulses production in the country by involving different federal and provincial research institutes to develop new high yielding varieties of different pulse crops. In this regard PARC acquired pulses germplasm from international institutes (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)) and other institutes to distribute among Provincial Research Institute for varietal development. In addition to that following two research & development projects on pulses are underway:

1. Introduction of Mungbean in Wheat and Rice cropping system 2. Enhancing Farm Productivity Improved Legume-Cereal Cropping System in Pakistan 15

40. *Ms. Sajida Begum:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state the steps taken by the present Government to increase the production of olive oil in the country?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan): The Government of Pakistan is taking necessary action to promote olive plantation in the country. In this regard PARC took the following initiatives:

“ PARC started a comprehensive work on olive in 2012 with the financial support of Govt. of Italy, through project entitled “Promotion of Olive Cultivation for Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation. Under this project 4479 acres of olive orchards have been planted in different districts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and FATA.

“ This is a coordinated project and provincial components of the project have established seven (7) olive nurseries (two in Balochistan, two in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, two in Punjab and one in FATA) to prepare indigenous olive plants.

“ More than 600,000 Plants through cuttings and air layering were developed in these nurseries for propagation purpose and 20% of these cuttings will be available after two years.

“ 1250 farmers and technicians have been trained though thirty four (34) trainings courses. These trainings were organized at district level in all provincial components.

“ Using GIS technology data of 500 olive orchards has been uploaded at PARC web which can be accessed through Google Earth.

“ To developed cottage industry in target areas, woman farmers are being trained to make olive products like pickle, jam, biscuits, murrabba, syrup and bakery items. These ladies will make products utilizing their own fruit and hence improve their standard of living. 16

“ A follow up PSDP funded project entitled “Promotion of olive cultivation on commercial scale in Pakistan” has been approved. Under this project PARC will plant olive on 50,000 acres.

“ 11 specialized olive nurseries will be developed in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, AJK and FATA.

“ During first year of the project olive plantation at 2687 acres has been completed.

41. *Mrs. Shahida Rehmani:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that violations of pre qualified documents and PPRA rules were made in awarding the contract of Nandipur Power Project;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the contract was given to an unqualified consortium and black listed firm of the World Bank;

(c) if so, the steps being taken by the Government to investigate the said violations to make the responsible accountable;

(d) whether it is further a fact that the contract of the said project was not given to the lowest bidder; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(e) the steps being taken by the Government to stream line the affairs of said project at an earliest?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) The contract for the implementation of Nandipur Power Project was awarded to M/s Dongfang Electric Corporation (China), which was the second lowest in the International Tender for Chichokimallain power project as per ECC decision dated. 27-12-2007.Ref. is at Annex-A.

(b) The EPC Contract Agreement for 425 MW, Combined Cycle Power Plant Nandipur was signed on 28-01-2008 to M/s Dongfang Electric Corporation Ltd.(China) which was not the blacklisted firm. 17 (c) As the firm was not black listed therefore there was no question of any investigation.

(d) The proposal for implementation of RFO based Combined Cycle Power Plant at Nandipur was considered on the basis of proceeds of International Tenders opened on 07-11-2006 for gas based 500 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant at Chichokimallian.

The prices for a gas based similar capacity combined cycle power plant were already available through International Competitive Bidding. Such low prices were not likely to be available even if recourse to further tendering was pursued. Rather, an ascending trend in the prices could not have been be ruled out due to international market situation, commensurating with the supply and demand of Combined Cycle Power Plant, which would not have been in the interest of the country.

(e) The matters of the Nandipur Power plant are streamlined and the plant has achieved COD w.e.f.23rd of July 2015.

Currently the plant is fully operational and generating electricity as per demand by NPCC. Further, to increase plant rehability and availability its O&M is being out sourced and bids are under evaluation. Gas conversion of the plant is also in process.

Annex-A

ITEM NO. 9

CASE NO. ECC-197/16/2007 425 MW COMBIND CYCLE POWE PLANT DATED: 27-12-2007 AT NANDIPUR

DECISION

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet considered the Summary dated 26th December, 2007 submitted by the Ministry of Water and Power on “425 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant at Nandipur” and approved the proposal in para 8 thereof as follows:

I. Combined Cycle Project Nandipur be implemented by GENCO-III under the overall management of PEPCO at an agreed cost of 18 US$ 329 million with DEC. In line with the decision of ECC dated 10-05-2007. GENCO-III/PEPCO will enter into contract with M/s DEC and undertake financing of project through bank’s best offer.

II. The approval is subject to Ministry of Finance agreeing to provide requsite GOP guarantee for the loan of US$ 329 million.

III. Provisions of Public Procurement Rules 2004 should be kept in view in the bidding process.

ITEM NO. 10

CASE NO. ECC-198/16/2007 GOVERNING LAW FOR THE DIRECT DATED: 27-12-2007. AGREEMENTS AND SOVEREIGN GUARANTEE UNDER THE 2002 POLICY FOR POWER GENERATION

DECISION

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet considered the Summary dated 26th December, 2007 submitted by the Ministry of Water and Power on “Governing Law for the Direct Agreements and Sovereign Guarntee under the 2002 Policy for Power Generation” and approved the proposal in para 3 thereof as follows:

42. *Mrs. Shahida Rehmani:

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

(a) the reasons of losses of Pakistan Steel Mills, Karachi; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to control the said losses?

Minister for Industries and Production (Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Khan Jatoi): (a) PSM sustained losses mainly due to the following reasons:—

{ Global recession and crash of steel products prices in international market cause decrease in sale of Pakistan Steel. High prices of imported raw material make product of Pakistan Steel uncompetitive that of corruption/ mismanagement makes the condition more worst. 19

{ Procurement of imported raw material on much higher prices (cost and freight) than the prevailing spot rates as Pakistan Steel was bound to procure their material through long term supply contracts.

{ Devaluation of Pak Rupees against the US Dollars which increased cost of production.

{ Grant of piecemeal, delayed and below requirement bailout packages.

{ Low capacity utilization (low production).

{ Development of projects at stand still (PSDP).

{ Liquidity crunch in the country.

{ Import of identical Iron & Steel Products at low cost.

{ Closure / Low Production of re-rolling, line pipe & foundries due to load shedding.

(b) The following steps have been taken by the Government for the revival of PSM:—

(i) The Government of Pakistan had released an amount of Rs.13.448 billion (June 2013 -November 2015) on account of salaries to the employees of PSM.

(ii) The ECC of the Cabinet on 25th April, 2014 had approved the bailout package of Rs.18.5 billion, on account of “RESTRUCTURING OPTION OF PSM”.

(iii) Due to stoppage of gas supply since June 2015, presently the production of PSM is at zero. PSM has been offered by the Federal Government to the Government of Sindh, which has so far not been finalized. 20

43. *Ms. Aisha Syed:

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

(a) the location-wise total number of institutions established for the rehabilitation of drugs addicts in the country during the tenure of the present Government; and

(b) the year-wise total number of individuals benefitted therefrom during the said period?

Transferred to Narcotics Control Division for answer on next rota day.

44. *Ms. Aisha Syed:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state the names of agencies providing aid/assistance for food sector in the country alongwith the nature of assistance and area-wise details thereof?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan):

(a) Name of the Agencies providing aid/assistance for food sector in the country:

Two United Nations Organizations namely Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Program (WFP), United States USAID, Australian Government’s, AusAID and Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

(b) Nature of Assistance:

(1) FAO provides technical assistance regarding various aspects of agriculture sector like SPS issues and multilateral cooperation amongst regional countries to ensure compliance of OIE and IPPO. FAO’s major interventions include following projects: 21 i. Building provincial capacity of crop forecasting and estimation

ii. Support to increased sustainable livestock production and progressive control of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) of the livestock

iii. Control of Trans-Boundary Animal Diseases (TBAD)

2. AUSAID has launched an agricultural development project in Balochistan Border Areas.

2. WFP is supporting Zero Hunger Program (ZHP) for food security and it also carries out time to time Protected Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO).

3. USAID is currently not providing any assistance in the field of food and agriculture.

4. JICA is sponsoring a capacity development project for agriculture extension services in the KPK province.

(c) Area of Assistance

The above organizations are currently providing assistance in the following areas of the country: —————————————————————————————— Name of Agency Area-wise detail —————————————————————————————— FAO Throughout Pakistan

WFP Currently in FATA & Sindh

USAID Nil

AUSAID Border areas of Balochistan

JICA KPK —————————————————————————————— 22 45. *Ms. Naseema Hafeez Panezai:

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

(a) the districts of Balochistan where medical treatment facility is available under the Prime Minister’s National Health Programme;

(b) the total number of persons who have been registered in each district for the said purpose;

(c) the district-wise names of hospitals where the said facility is being provided to said registered persons under the said programme; and

(d) the steps being taken by the Government to further extend said programme especially with reference to Balochistan?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: Prime Minister’s National Health Program (PMNHP) has been launched by the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan on 31st December 2015. During its first phase the PMNHP will be implemented in 4 district of Balochistan including District Quetta, District Lasbela, District Loralai and District Kech. A total of 244,810 poor families (Exp 1.4 million individuals) will be benefiting from the program.

(a) District Quetta will be the first district in Balochistan where services will be provided to enrolled beneficiaries through Prime Minister’s National Health Program after its inauguration. It is expected that the district will be inaugurated by Honorable Prime Minister during the month of May 2016.

(b) In Balochistan the process of enrolment has been started from district Quetta. So far 26,000 families (Exp. 156,000 individuals) out of 76,000 families of Quetta have been enrolled in the PMNHP. The process of enrolment in Lasbela and Loralai will be started during month of May 2016.

(c) In District Quetta following hospitals are being empaneled in Prime Minister’s Noational Health Program. 23 1. Heart and General Hospital, Quetta. 2. Rahat Hospital, Quetta. 3. Gillani Hospital, Quetta. 4. Jilani Hospital, Quetta. 5. Sangeen Khan Memorial Hospital, Quetta. 6. CMH, Quetta (Under Process). The Process of hospital empanelment in other District is on its way.

(d) For the first phase of the program above mentioned 4 districts have been identified by Provincial Governmennt for PMNHP. Ministry is currently revising its PC-1 to incorporate additional districts in the first phase. The program is going to expand in all districts of Pakistan in subsequent phases.

46. *Ms. Naseema Hafeez Panezai:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the percentage of total areas in Balochistan deprived of electricity at present alongwith the same proportion in other provinces; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to provide electricity in the deprived areas in Balochistan?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) As per recent report of March 2016 by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) under Pakistan Social & Living Standard Measurement Survey (FY 2014-15), the province wise population using electricity in Balochistan & other provinces as source of lighting is given below: —————————————————————————————— Province %age of House Hold Using Electricity —————————————————————————————— Balochistan 80.73 KPK 96.20 Sindh 91.28 Punjab 94.82 Pakistan 93.45 —————————————————————————————— 24 (b) Two projects of 220 KV in Dadu-Khuzdar and D.G.Khan- Loralai, have since been commissioned/energized during June 2014 & August 2014 respectively. For further power dispersal/strengthening of network capability, work on 2 new 132KV double circuit transmission lines Loralai-Quetta Industrial-II & Khuzdar-Mastung is in full swing & expected to be completed during the current year. As regard provision of electricity to deprived area of Balochistan is concerned, it will be provided on the recommendations of Public Representatives as per SOP.

47. *Dr. Nafisa Shah:

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

(a) the growth rates fixed for manufacturing, agriculture and services sectors during the current year; and

(b) the overall growth rates/figures of said sectors as on 31-03-2016?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan): (a) —————————————————————————————— Sector Growth rate Growth Target 2014-15 2015- 16 —————————————————————————————— Agriculture 2.9 % 3.9% Manufacturing 3.17% 6.1% Services 4.95% 5.7% —————————————————————————————— Source: National Accounts, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics(PBS) and Annual Plan (2015-16),Planning Commission of Pakistan.

(b) Not available.

48. *Dr. Nafisa Shah:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to increase/promote the production of dates in the country?

25 Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan): For the research work for the improvement of quality and production of dates, the following institutes are continuously working.

- Date Palm Research Institute (DPRI), Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Sindh.

- Date Palm Research Center, Turbat, Balochistan.

- Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI), D.I Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

- Agriculture Research Institute (ARI), Ratta Kulachi, D.I Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

- Ayub Agriculture Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad.

Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) is executing the following three projects for the increase in production and improvement of quality and processing for export:

- Micro-propagation of superior National and International varieties of date palm on commercial level” at Date Palm Research Institute, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur.

- Packing innovations for quality and shelf life sustainability of Dhakki dates and the development of value added date products” at Agriculture Research Institute, Ratta Kulachi, D.I. Khan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

- Post-harvest Management and value addition of fruits in production catchment in SAARC countries: Pakistan component/ Dates and Banana” at Khairpur & Thatta.

49. *Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to recover arrears of electricity from big/influential defaulters;

(b) if so, the time by which it will be implemented? 26 Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) As approved by Cabinet Committee on Energy, running as well as disconnected defaulters of arrear above one lac having age more than one year have been referred to NAB for recovery by DISCOs.

DISCO-wise recovery against running/disconnected consumers through NAB ending 31-3-2016 is given below:

Running Consumers:

(b) Recovery process is ongoing in DISCOs through NAB.

50. *Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the steps being taken by the present Government to control increasing number of patients of Hepatitis A, B and C?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: Post devolution, the Federal government recognized the importance of disease prevention and took steps towards disease prevention 27 and strategizing its control. Following steps are being undertaken along with some achievements.

1. SovaIdi. the new oral drug for hepatitis C treatment has been registered in Pakistan on fast track and through special negotiations; its cost has been reduced by 99% as compared to that in USA. The drug is being given on special prescription to date but shall be available freely.

2. Birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine. has been sorted by making the Provincial program and the Federal EPI sit together and share the resources. The Provincial programs shall procure the vaccine and hand it over to Provincial EPI which shall store it in their cold rooms and give birth dose to new born children at health facility through their own EPI worker who also gives BCG and polio on day of delivery. There is no added cost and compliance report shall be sent to hepatitis program.

3. Infection control.Reuse of injections and improper sterilization of medical devices in health care is the major reason for hepatitis spread in Pakistan. These issues come under infection control, therefore WHO in collaboration with Pakistan Health Research Council (PHRC) has developed infection control guidelines, posters and small pocket book in Urdu for each health care provider and also supplied heavy duty WHO approved needle cutters and sharp containers to all BHUs, RUCs, DHQ and THQ of 25 high hepatitis districts of Pakistan. Materials have been sent, trainings done and now monitoring is being done.

4. Hepatitis B and C survey. was supported by the federal ministry of health in 2006 to see the exact situation of the disease. The figures of this survey are used on the world maps by WHO, CDC and all partners while referring to hepatitis situation in the world. The survey is widely referred by researchers.

5. Technical Advisory Group (TAG). on hepatitis has been gazette notified by the federal government. It has experts from all Provinces and from WHO and CDC. This group of hepatitis experts’ advice the - Federal and Provincial governments on issues related to hepatitis using scientific authentic references. 28

Future Strategies

1. Develop viral hepatitis strategy. TAG requested WHO and CDC USA to assist Pakistan in developing viral hepatitis strategy. Both partners agreed and the strategy is being developed in consultation with Provincial hepatitis experts and programs.

2. Create awareness about disease. The disease can be tackled once behaviors are changed. Very aggressive media campaigns are being planned to create awareness about risk factors of disease and how to prevent them.

3. Hepatitis C treatment guidelines. Guidelines are being developed through technical support of WHO and CDC to ease diagnosis and treatment of disease.

4. Working together. All related programs like National blood transfusion authority, HIV AIDS, EPI, MNCH etc. are being taken on board so that each program handles its component on hepatitis and reports back to program. This will reduce duplication.

5. Creation of Provincial infection control program. Provinces are being sensitized to have infection control program which shall cater for needs of all programs. All hospitals should have active infection control committees and regular monthly meetings with the hospital administration to check compliance to infection control by hospital staff. A cadre of infection control nurse needs to be created to make this functional.

1. For stopping the reuse of syringes and needles, auto-disable syringes are being used for all EPI injections. For other injections given in the public and private settings, it is strongly recommended that the syringe should be cut and disabled to prevent its reuse. Most reuse of syringes is occurring in the private sector whose practices are unregulated.

The act for using auto disable syringe for Sindh is approved but other provinces have not yet done anything. Syringe cutters are being used at almost all public health care facilities at the DHQ, THQ and tertiary care level at Provincial and Federal level. 29 2. For proper sterilization of invasive medical devises, the number of instrument sets should be equal to the number of patients seen in the OPD or operated so that each patient gets a sterilized set. If instruments are less than the number of patients then each instrument has to be sterilized properly before being used for other patient.

Generally all hospitals in the Federal and Provincial setting get their instruments sterilized from their central hospital sterilizer. To strengthen the wards for sterilization of devices, autoclaves were supplied to 50 DHQ hospitals all over Pakistan through the Federal Hepatitis Program in 2005.

3. Unscreened blood transfusion also causes hepatitis and HIV spread.

GIZ is supporting GoP in establishing blood transfusion authority in the capital city and all Provinces.

4. Dental treatments by quacks and dentists also spread hepatitis as their instruments are not properly sterilized.

For dental treatment by quacks, anti quackery law needs to be implemented in all provinces. Provincial hepatitis control programs are raising awareness in dentists and recommending soaking their instruments in bleach solution for quick sterilization if sterilizers are not available.

5. Barbers also spread the disease as they reuse instruments without proper sterilization. For education to barbers, provincial hepatitis control Programs have the mandate to raise awareness in public and in barbers. Public should shave at home and barbers should replace blades in each case. 51. *Dr. Shazia Sobia:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state: (a) the factors on the basis of which minimum guaranteed cost of wheat is being fixe; and 30

(b) whether it is fact that the Government fixes minimum guaranteed cost for wheat only and not other major crops; if so, the reasons thereof? Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan): (a) Following major factors are considered for the analysis of the price policy of wheat crop: (i) Domestic Demand, Supply, Stocks and Price Situation (ii) World Production, Consumption, Stocks and Trade Situation (iii) International Price (iv) Export and Import Parity Prices (v) Cost of Production (vi) Comparative Economics of Competing Crops (vii) Nominal and Real Support and Market Prices (viii) Economic Efficiency of Wheat Production in Pakistan (ix) Producer Prices of Wheat in Selected Countries (x) Impact of Increase in Support Price of Wheat on Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Average Household Expenditure (b) Federal Government announces Minimum Guaranteed Price only for wheat. The prices of sugarcane are fixed by the Provincial Governments as per Sugar Factories Control Act 1951 of the Provinces, while the indicative/ intervention price of seed cotton and rice paddy are announced by the Federal Government on need basis. 52. *Dr. Shazia Sobia: Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state: (a) the quantity of wheat available in the country at present alongwith the province-wise break-up thereof; (b) whether it is a fact that the said quantity is sufficient to meet the requirements of the country; if not, the steps being taken by the Government to meet the said requirements and to control the hoarding of wheat in the country; and 31 (c) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to import/export wheat; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan): (a) According to initial estimates wheat production 2015-16 crop is estimated at 25.45 million tons. The public sector carry forward stocks are to the tune of 4.11 million tons. This makes the overall wheat availability in the country at 29.561 million tons. This shows that the country wheat availability is more than the estimated requirements of 26.5 million tons. The wheat carry forward stocks details as follows:

(In million tons) —————————————————————————————— Province/ Agency Current Wheat Stocks —————————————————————————————— Punjab 2.250 Sindh 0.376 Khyber -Pakhtunkhwa 0.070 Balochistan 0.125 PASSCO 1.290 —————————————————————————————— Total: 4.111 —————————————————————————————— (b) Yes.

(c) Government of Pakistan has allowed the export of wheat with the transport rebate of US$ 90/- per ton for export of surplus wheat of provincial Food Department of Punjab and Sindh.

53. *Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar:

Will the Minister for Ports and Shipping be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of Indian fishermen released during the last one year; and

(b) the maximum punishment given to those fishermen for violation of Sea Boundary of Pakistan?

Tranferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day. 32 54. *Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the details of support being provided by the United States of America (USA) to Pakistan for energy generation; and

(b) the total number of projects running under the Aid Programme of USA at present?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a)

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT BOARD (AEDB).

USA has supported Pakistan in development of wind power projects by providing financing / lending for the following wind power projects through its development finance institution Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC); 33 WATER AND POWER DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (WAPDA). The detail of hydel power projects for which support is being provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is as under:—

NATIONAL TRANSMISSION AND DISPATCH COMPANY (NTDC) USAID has provide grant amounting to Rs. 43 million for the following projects: Evacuation of power from wind power plants Jhampir Wind Cluster:

(b) 12 projects (Details are in part (a) above. 34 55. *Ms. Shakila Luqman:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the average transmission and distribution losses of LESCO and MEPCO at present separately;

(b) the impacts of such losses to the consumers of said companies; and

(c) the steps being taken by the Government to control the said losses?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) The progressive Transmission and Distribution (T&D) losses of LESCO and MEPCO upto March, 2016 are as under: —————————————————————————————— Average Transmission and Name of Company Distribution (T&D) losses from July, 2015 to March, 2016 (in %age) —————————————————————————————— LESCO 11.9%

MEPCO 14.8% ——————————————————————————————

(b) The impacts of line losses are taken into account while determination of Tariff by NEPRA. Above figures of T&D losses are under limit/target fixed by NEPRA. Hence, there is no direct/significani impact of such losses to the consumers.

(c) Steps taken by the Government to control the said losses are at Annex-A. Annex-A. STEPS TAKEN TO REDUCE THEFT/ LOSSES

“ Bifurcation of lengthy feeders.

“ Reconductoring of LT & HT feeders where required.

“ Installation of LT/HT Capacitors. 35

“ Augmentation of Transformers through System Augmentation programme.

“ Load balancing on distribution transformers.

“ Analysis/monitoring of losses on various feeders & taking appropriate action to control theft and technical loss.

“ Ensuring proper installation of energy meter in order to record correct reading.

“ Combing of high loss feeders with regard to replacement of defective energy meters and replacement of sluggish/defective & low range meters.

“ Billing of new connections within one month.

“ Earthing of neutral point with Meter Security Boxes.

“ Special efforts for checking of high consumption i.e. Industrial and Commercial.

“ Vigilance on rise and fall of consumption.

“ Keeping watch over the working and performance of Meter Readers and Meter Inspectors.

“ Routification and proper allotment of Batch No. to Ref. Nos.

“ To ensure that each disconnection order is followed by a reconnection order, so as to avoid chances of unauthorized use of supply.

“ Speedy replacement of defective meters.

56. *Ms. Shakila Luqman:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to provide maximum facilities to the pilgrims during the Hajj 2016 and 2017?

Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony (Sardar Muhammad Yousaf): Following arrangements would be made for facilitation of Hujjaj for Hajj 2016: 36 i. Hajj scheme 2016 implemented through Government Hajj Scheme and private Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) in the ratio of 50:50

ii. The experience of 2015 of selection of Government Hajj Scheme pilgrims through balloting was widely appreciated for its transparency. This practice will continue in 2016.

iii. All the Hujjaj will be provided five (05) liters Zam Zam (in a specially packed bottle) upon their return to Pakistan in KSA.

iv. Hujjaj Mohafiz Scheme based on the concept of “Takaful” will continue in Hajj Policy 2016, in this regard, each Haji has to contribute Rs. 500/-.

v. Round the clock transport facility through new model buses was provided to pilgrims from their residential buildings to Haram Sharif in Makkah Mukkaramah in 2015. This practice will continue during Hajj 2016. Buses including 2016 model will be used for this purpose.

vi. VIP buses of model up-to 2016 will be provided to all Government scheme pilgrims for inter-city (Makkah Mukkaramah Madinah Munawarrah) travelling as per practice of the last year. vii. Ministry also intends to provide new model luxury buses from Jeddah Airport to Makkah Mukkaramah, to redress the complaints received last year. viii. In Makkah Mukkaramah, the successful practice of last two years will be followed and accommodation will be provided in Azizia and nearby areas with availability of round the clock Salawat transport for going to Haram Sharif for prayers and coming back.

ix. In Madinah Munawwarah, about 80% pilgrims were accommodated in Markazia (area around Masjid-e-Nabvi) in 2015 causing hardship to remaining 20% pilgrims. This time Ministry aims to accommodate 100% pilgrims in Markazia.

x. Food will be provided to the Hujjaj three times a day and for Hajj 2016, the food menu will be upgraded with cold drinks, fruits, yogurt, etc. 37

xi. A comprehensive awareness campaign and training to intending pilgrims will be launched.

xii. Efforts will be made to transport fifty percent of Government Scheme Hujjaj directly to Madinah from Pakistan and vice versa as it will reduce the journey time for pilgrims as well as the cost of travelling.

xiii. Monitoring and supervision mechanism for Hajj operation in Pakistan and KSA shall be strengthened based upon feedback of Hajj 2015. Complaints of pilgrims of both private and government scheme will be attended through call center, email and special monitoring teams.

xiv. For the welfare services, Welfare Staff-Medical, Welfare staff- Moavineen, Welfare Staff-Ministry and Welfare Staff-Local KSA based as per requirements are expected to be deputed in KSA for Hajj 2016.

New Initiatives for Hajj 2016:

xv. Each Haji will be given a welcome snack on arrival at the airports in KSA on their arrival.

xvi. Air cooler at Arafat will be provided to the government scheme Hujjaj due to scorching heat.

xvii. In 2015, pilgrims complained about old model buses provided by Saudi organizations for carrying pilgrims from Jeddah airport to Makkah Mukarramah. In 2016, it has been decided to hire better buses, as is being done in case of Inter-city tavelling,for convenience of pilgrims, subject to approval from KSA authorities. xviii. In order to facilitate pilgrims on their journey back home, efforts are being made, through city check-in, to collect their luggage from their residential buildings by Saudi companies and book in the respective flights directly. Pilgrims will travel to airport with hand-held luggage only. 38 57. *Rai Hasan Nawaz Khan:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that officers/officials working in the Estate Office (EO) are involved in corruption; if so, the total number of employees of EO against whom actions taken during the last three years; and

(b) whether it is also a fact that the said employees are convicted; if so, the details of punishments given to them so far?

Minister for Housing and Works (Mr. Akram Khan Durranni): (a) Yes, it is a fact that some complaints against the officers / officials working in the Estate Office were received reportedly involved in corruption, the total number of said employees against whom actions taken is enclosed at Annex-A.

(b) Yes, it is a fact that out of said employees some were convicted. The detail of punishment and proceedings against each individual is also reflected in Annex-A.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

58. *Rai Hasan Nawaz Khan:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that “D” and “E” types apartments are being constructed in Sector I-16/3, Islamabad for low paid Government employees at present; if so, the present status thereof; and

(b) the time by which the construction work of said apartments will be completed?

Minister for Housing and Works (Mr. Akram Khan Durranni): (a) Yes, it is a fact that “D” type apartments are being constructed in Sector I-16/3, Islamabad for low paid Federal Government Employees at present.

“ Present Status: Award of infrastructure works and tendering of building works is in process. 39 (b) The construction work of the said apartments shall be tentatively completed as per following details:—

i. Infrastructure work; 12 Months ii. Building works; 30 months

59. *Ms. Amra Khan:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to make commercial use of Solar Power cost effective?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): The Government is promoting the use of solar power for meeting electricity generation in commercial, industrial and domestic sectors. In order to make the use of solar power cost effective the Government has taken several steps which include:

(a) Step-wise reduction in upfront tariffs of large scale solar power projects to benefit from the declining prices of solar equipment.

(b) Import of solar equipment exempted from customs duty and sales tax in order to promote the use of solar technology in the country.

(c) Introduction of quality standards on import of solar equipment in the country in order to restrict the import of sub-standard equipment.

(d) Promoting Net-Metering based solar installations in the country. In this regard, NEPRA has already announced NEPRA (Alternative & Renewable Energy) Distributed Generation and Net Metering Regulations, 2015. Through net-metering, the users of the solar systems would be able to provide / sell their excess electricity generation to the national grid / DISCOs.

(e) The State Bank of Pakistan has also been requested to establish regulatory regime for soft financing schemes for promoting use of solar power.

60. *Syed Waseem Hussain:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony be pleased to state: 40 (a) whether it is a fact that the office of the Ministry is being shifted to other place;

(b) if so, the facilities to be provided to the general public during the Hajj season therefrom?

Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony (Sardar Muhammad Yousaf): (a) it is fact that office of the Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has been shifted from Plot No. 20-C Civic Centre Melody to ETP Complex near Marriot Hotel Islamabad and the remaining office will be shifted in the said building after completion of the renovation of office building.

(b) All necessary available facilities will be provided to the general public during the Hajj season at the new building.

ISLAMABAD: ABDUL JABBAR ALI, The 10th May, 2016 Secretary.

PCPPI—0797(2016) NA—10-5-2016—650. 1 (32nd Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Wednesday, the 11th May, 2016

39. Ms. Khalida Mansoor: (Deferred during 20th Session)

Will the Minister for Water and Power pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken by the Ministry to prepare subject wise list of titles of all laws and rules made thereunder with reference to business allocated to it and its attached departments under the Rules of Business, 1973;

(b) the subject-wise details thereof;

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

(d) the steps taken by the Ministry to determine the anomalies, inconsistencies and difficulties in the administration of said laws and rules; and

(e) the details of Officers/Branches designated therefor?

Reply not received.

31. Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani: (Deferred during 27th Session)

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state: 2

(a) the total number of Flour Mills in Islamabad at present;

(b) whether monthly quotas have been prescribed by the Government for the said Flour Mills; if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the month-wise quota received by said Mills separately during the years 2010 to 2015?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

22. Ms. Shaista Pervaiz: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to refer to Un-Starred Question No.36 replied on 25-11-2015 and to state:

(a) the role of Government for allocation of funds for allignment of LT and aerial electricity wires, transformers and other works; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to do the said work by itself instead of relying on sponsoring agencies/functionaries?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) This is a fact that funds under PSDP are allocated by the Government of Pakistan which are further utilized for rehabilitation of LT Networks and augmentation of transformers under ELR/DOP (Maintenance heads).

(b) The work for shifting of line to an appropriate route at Village Darkali Sher Shahi, Tehsil Kallar Syedan District Rawalpindi is not covered under maintenance head being contrary to Section 70 of Electricity Act 1910. It is a deposit work for which an estimate amounting to Rs. 207,483/- has been prepared by Sub Division Kallar Syedan, IESCO. The same is pending due to non-deposit of estimated cost either by the affectees or allocation of funds by MPA or MNA of the respective constituency. 3 75. Ms. Sajida Begum: (Deferred during 29th Session)

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the names of doctors presently working in the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad to whom NOCs have been issued by the Ministry for private practice during the tenure of the present Government?

Transferred to Capital Administration and Development Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

35. Mr. Siraj Muhammad Khan: (Deferred during 31st Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan is a member of the Medical Device Manufacturers Association/Medical Equipments Manufacturers Club;

(b) if not, the steps being taken by the Government to obtain its membership which will promote local industry and generate revenue therefrom?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA) is a trade association, based in Washington DC providing educational and advocacy assistance to innovative and entrepreneurial medical technology companies. While the ambit of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, established under the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan Act, 2012 is to regulate therapeutics goods including medical devices. However, Pakistan is member of Asian Harmonization Working Party (AHWP) which is working for harmonization of medical device regulations in Asia and other regions. AHWP is affiliate organization of International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF).

(b) Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA) offers three types of membership for manufacturers of medical devices, non manufacturers such as law firms, venture capital firms and consultants and contract manufacturers and distributors of medical devices. The firms interested for membership can contact directly with MDMA. 4

11. Ms. Munaza Hassan:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state whether it is a fact that construction work of Diamer Bhasha Dam has been stopped due to its boundary dispute; if so, the loss suffered to the construction company of the said Dam therefrom?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif):

“ Construction of main Diamer Basha Dam Project has not started due to lack of financial commitments by any International Financial Institution / Government of Pakistan, however, preliminary works and land acquisition are in progress.

“ As far as boundary dispute is concerned, it exists only in a reach of 8 km at the boundary of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This boundary dispute is causing hindrances particularly in the construction of KKH Bypass and construction of WAPDA Colony at Thor.

“ A boundary commission has been formed headed by a former Judge of the Supreme Court. The commission has submitted its final findings to the competent authority for a final decision.

“ As the construction of main dam has not yet started, therefore, no direct loss to the construction of main dam has occurred. However, boundary dispute is indirectly causing loss to preliminary work (i.e. KKH Bypass and WAPDA Colony at Thor)

12. Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Industries and Production be pleased to state the total number of private and public sectors cars manufacturing factories in the country at present?

Minister for industries and Production (Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Khan Jatoi): The total number of private sector car manufacturing companies in the country at present are as under:— 5 —————————————————————————————— Sr. No. Name ——————————————————————————————______1. Pak Suzuki Motor Company, Karachi

2. Indus Motor Company (Toyota), Karachi

3. Honda Altas car Ltd. Lahore ——————————————————————————————

There is no public sector car manufacturing company in the country.

13. Ms. Sajida Begum:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that there is an acute shortage of electricity at Muhammadi Town, Sohan, Islamabad;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the transformers have not been installed according to the requirements of said area; and

(c) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to upgrade the electricity supply system in the said Town; if so, the time by which it will be implemented?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) It is a fact that there is low voltage problem at Muhammadi Town, Sohan, Islamabad.

(b) At is also a fact that the existing 100 KVA distribution transformer in the said area is overloaded.

(c) LT proposal for augmentation of existing 100 KVA transformer to 200 KVA transformer was generated and same was approved by Chief Engineer (P&E) IESCO Islamabad under World Bank Loan Phase-II vide work order No.WB2-41135 but the work was not executed due to non-availability of funds. The XEN-I had requested the Chief Engineer (P&E) for conversion of proposal from World Bank Loan to ELR, which is under process.

6 14. Ms. Aisha Syed:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state the date on which the construction work was started on Madian Grid Station, Swat alongwith the date on which the construction work will be completed thereupon?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): Construction work of 132 KV Grid Station Madian was started on June 30th, 2014. Work is in progress and all possible efforts are being made to complete the project by end of June, 2016.

15. Dr. Nafisa Shah:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state the province-wise targets fixed for wheat procurement by the Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Services Corporation Limited for the current year/season?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan): Province-wise, breakup is as under:—

—————————————————————————————— Province Target (Metric Tons) —————————————————————————————— Pubjab 875.000 Sindh 100.000 Balochistan 25.000 —————————————————————————————— Total 1.000.000 —————————————————————————————— 16. Dr. Shazia Sobia:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken by the incumbent Government to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation in the country; and

(b) the milestones achieved therefrom? 7 Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) & (b) Water and sanitation is being dealt-with the respective Provincial Organizations like WASA. However, WAPDA deals with Surface Water of Indus Basin Rivers including main rivers tributaries and storages. The status of storage projects by WAPDA is as under:

“ Recently WAPDA raised Mangla Dam and added 2.88 MAF storage capacity in the system

“ Gomal Zam Dam completed (Storage capacity 0.89 MAF).

“ Darawat Dam completed (Storage. capacity 0.089 MAF).

“ Nai Gaj Dam Project is under construction (storage capacity 0.16 MAF) and upto date progress is 47.65%.

WAPDA has already initiated construction of preparatory works and land acquisition of Diamer Basha Dam Project (storage capacity 6.40 MAF). Construction of main Diamier Basha Dam Project has not started due to lack of financial commitments by any International Financial Institution. Design studies of Mohmand Dam Project are underway and will be completed in the current year. Useable storage capacity of Mohmand Dam Project is 0.676 MAF whereas the project will be completed in 07 years after commencement of construction.

17. Ms. Suraiya Jatoi:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state the details of DISCOs included in the privatization plan during the tenure of the present Government?

Transferrd ro Privatization Division for answer on Next rota Day.

18. Ms. Suraiya Jatoi:

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

(a) the steps taken by the incumbent Government to promote sustainable agriculture in the country; and

(b) the milestones achieved therefrom? 8 Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. Sikandar Hayat khan Bosan): (a) Government has taken following steps to promote sustainable agriculture:

i. Ensuring timely availability of farm inputs and promotion of their efficient use. ii. Development of improved disease resistant crop varieties and new technologies. iii. Dissemination of information for achieving higher production through electronic and print media as well as Agriculture Extension contact with the farmers in the field. (b) The mile stones achieved of major crops are: Production in Million Tons ______Crop 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 ______Wheat 24.21 25.98 25.09 Rice 5.54 6.80 7.00 Maize 4.22 4.94 4.94 Surgarcane 63.75 67.46 62.83 ______

19. Rai Hasan Nawaz Khan:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the steps being taken by the Government to convert Thermal Power Plants of electricity on coal and natural gas with the collaboration of public and private sectors and other countries; and

(b) the steps taken by the Government in this regard during the last three years?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) Public Sector-Thermal Power projects: The requisite information GENCO-wise information regarding steps taken by the Govt.to convert Thermal Power Plants of electricity on Coal & Natural Gas is given below: 9 GENCOSs Part (a) Part (b) GENCO-I, Jamshoro Nil Nil GENCO-II Nil Nil GENCO-III, Muzaffargarh Nil Nil GENCO-IV, Lakhra Nil Nil GENCO-V, Nandipur ______

Private Sector Power Project

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on 28th June 2013 under the auspices of Finance Division with four IPPs i.e. Hub Power Company Limited (1,292 MW), Lalpir Power Limited (362 MW), Pakgen Power Limited (365 MW) and Saba Power Company (Private) Limited (134 MW) regarding conversion of their existing oil fired plants to coal, Apart from HUBCO all other IPPs have approached NEPRA for tariff determination on coal. HUBCO has decided to construct a new imported coal project instead of converting its existing oil project to coal.

(b) The scheme for the conversion of GTGs on Gas Fuel has been included in the revised PC-I (approved in July 2013), in pursuance work order has already been placed on M/s GE for the conversion of gas turbines while M/s DECL’s (the EPC Contractor) proposal, regarding Balance of plant, is under review.

Most of the equipment by GE has been arrived at site. Moreover, work order has also been placed on M/s SNGPL along with the payment of 02 Billion Rs. As upfront payment.

NEPRA initially determined the generation tariff for coal conversion of existing RFO based power plants in May 2015 on two (2) years conversion period basis as agreed by the Projects (M/s. Lalpir Power Limited, M/s. Pakgen Power Limited and M/s. Saba Power Limited) in the MOU. However, the Projects filed tariff review petitions for consideration of NEPRA in June 2015.

Accordingly, NEPRA gave its decision on the tariff review petitions in November 2015. However, the projects agitated that the revised tariff from NEPRA has not provided any relief on the construction time of 24 months. The projects have again contended that keeping in view their EPC contractors advise, the required period for coal conversion may be extended up to three (3) years.

20. Rai Hasan Nawaz Khan:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state: 10 (a) whether it is a fact that Government had initiated a project to distribute free of cost energy savers in the country by taking loans; if so, the total loans obtained therefor alongwith the plan to repay such loans;

(b) the DISCO-wise number of energy savers distributed amongst the consumers under the said project;

(c) whether it is also a fact that the on ground verification/audit of the distribution of such energy savers was conducted; if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether it is further a fact that distribution of such energy savers neither visible in the country nor it could bring positive results particularly with reference to control the shortage of electricity in the country;

(e) if the answer to part (d) above is in the affirmative, whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to investigate the such poor planning; if so, when it will be implemented; and

(f) the steps being taken by the Government to formulate a comprehensive plan to initiate such projects in future?

Reply not received.

21. Syed Waseem Hussain:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of employees working in the Ministry and its attached departments at present; and

(b) the total number of employees out of said having domiciles of District Hyderabad alongwith the names and designations thereof

Reply not received.

11 22. Syed Waseem Hussain:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of employees working in the Ministry and its attached departments at present; and

(b) the total number of employees out of said working in the said Ministry having domiciles of District Hyderabad alongwith the names and designations thereof?

Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony (Sardar Muhammad Yousaf): (a) The total strength of the main Ministry is 447 (including the strength of the Interfaith Harmony Wing which is 86).

(b) At present 01 employee having domicile of District Hyderabad is working in this Ministry. His particulars are as under:

______Name Degination BPS ______Hafiz Abdul Qudoos Deputy Director 18 ______

23. Dr. Muhammad Azhar Khan Jadoon:

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

(a) the total number of plots alloted under the Prime Minister’s Package Scheme to the Federal Secretaries of Ministries/ Divisions alongwith the details including the names of secretaries, names of Ministries/Divisions, plots size and number and dates of retirement thereof separately; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to allot more plots to said Federal Secretries; if so, the names of officers alongwith the dates of retirement and plots size thereof? 12 Minister for Housing and Works (Mr. Akram Khan Durrani): (a) The information ia at Annex-A.

(b) The Prime Minister of Pakistan approved allotment of a residential plot (in addition to the plot being given on turn through the FGE Housing Foundation Scheme) when available. Therefore, the officers are also entitled to the allotment of a plot in Housing Foundation’s Schemes on the basis of criteria of that scheme.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

24. Dr. Mahreen Razaque Bhutto:

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

(a) the steps taken by the incumbent Government to build resilient infrastructure and promote sustainable industrialization in the country; and

(b) the milestones achieved therefrom?

Minister for Industries and Production (Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Khan Jatoi): (a)

“ Ministry of Industries and Production is executing 18 ongoing projects through Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) to built resilient infrastructure promote sustainable industrialization in the country (Detail at Annex-I). The total amount incurred by the present Government upon the projects during last three years are as:

(Million Ruppes) ______Fy Ongoing Total Cost Allocation Actual Projects FY 2015-16 Release/ Utilization ______2015-16 18 26.935.330 790.881 449.899* 2014-15 18 29.074.196 1,151.367 686.233 2013-14 35 30,398.595 1,879.778 1,055.199 Total - - 3,822.026 2,191.331 ______*Releases/utilization Till 3rd quarter (March, 2016) 13

(b)“ Thirty (30) development projects were executed during the Financial Year 2014-15 and an expenditure of Rs. 686.233 million had been incurred in the implementation of development projects of Ministry of Industries & Production against total allocation of Rs. 1151.367 million. (Detail at Annex-II). Following projects wire completed during FY 2014-15:— i. Sports Industries Development Centre Sialkot. ii. Development and Installation of Sun-Tracked Solar Collector for Heating Water and Generating Steam for Industrial Processes. iii. Institutional Development in MoIP w.r.t WTO in MoIP. iv. Strengthening of Planning, Monitoring Cell in MoIP. v. Prime Minister Quality Award.

“ Thirty five (35) development projects were executed during the Financial Year 2013-14. An expenditure of Rs. 1055.199 million had been incurred under PSDP 2013-14 in implementation of development projects of Ministry of Industries & Production against allocation of Rs. 1879.778 million (Detail at Annex-Ill). Following projects were completed during FY 2013-14: i. Agro Food Processing Facilities (AFP), Multan, ii. Institutional Development in Mol with respect to WTO, iii. Ceramics Development and Training Complex (CDTC). Gujranwala were completed in 2013-14. / (Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library) 25. Dr. Mahreen Razaque Bhutto: Will the Minister for Industries and Production be pleased to state the area-wise details of the incentives and subsidies given to industrialists and traders by the present Government in the country since 01-01-2013? Minister for Industries and Production (Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Khan Jatoi): Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) The incentive / facilities being offered by EPZA to industrialists and traders to establish industrial units in Export Processing Zones in Pakistan are at Annex-I. 14 National Industrial Parks Development & Management Company (NIP)

The incentive / facilities being offered by NIP to industrialists and traders to establish industrial units in Industrial Parks are at Annex-II.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

26. Mr. Waseem Akhtar Shaikh:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that a new 100 KV transformer was approved for installation in Chack No.224/TDA, Tehsil Karor, District Layyah;

(b) whether it is also a fact that an old 100 KV transformer was installed in the said area; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(c) whether it is further a fact that said transformer is not installed as per prescribed standard/criteria; if so, the time by which the proper transformer will be installed to avoid any incident in the said area?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) Additional new 100 KVA transformer was approved vide Superintending Engineer (Operation), MEPCO Muzaffargarh letter No.3302 dated 4-8-2015.

(b) As per report of XEN (Operation) a healthy transformer was installed as per approved sketch according to the standard design in July, 2015 which is still working at site and no incident regarding any damage/mishap has been reported yet.

(c) Healthy transformer is intalled.

27. Mr. Waseem Akhtar Shaikh:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state the total number of employees working in the Pak. P.W.D Civil Inquiry, Sector I-9/4, Islamabad at present alongwith the names and designations thereof? 15

Minister for Housing and Works ( Mr. Akram Khan Durrani): There are 81 employees working in the Pak. PWD Inquiry Office, Sector 1-9/4, Islamabad. Detail in at Annex-A

______S. No. Designation Number of employess ______1. Foreman 01 2. Enquiry clerk 05 3. Store clerk 07 4. Work Supervisor 14 5. Head Mason 08 6. Mason 04 7. Head Carpenter 05 8. Carpenter 01 9. Head Plumber 11 10. Plumber 04 11. Head Painter 06 12. Painter 02 13. Head Glazier 01 14. H/Welder 05 15. Welder 01 16. Head Grinder man 01 17. Helper 01 18. Mate Sanitary Worker 04 —————————————————————————————— Total: 81 ______16 Annex-A The following 81-Nos officials are working in Enquiry Office: Government Owned Flats at I-9/4, Islamabad, the names & designation are as under: 17

28. Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the Heavy Mechanical Complex, Taxila is not paying salaries and pensioneries benefits to their serving 18 and retired employees respectively for the last several months; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to pay dues to the said employees at an earliest?

Minister for Industries and Production (Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Khan Jatoi): (a)Yes, HMC has been unable to pay salaries and pensions to its serving and retired employees respectively due to severe financial crisis. The prime reasons behind this non-payment are mentioned as follows:

i. Restriction of sugar mills to undertake annual repairs due to which HMC lost appreciable volume of business. ii. Sugar mills which had planned to enter into co-generation of electricity through biogases fired boilers, have suspended their programs. This resulted in loss of the expected adequate business. iii. Constant decline in boilers manufacturing has also adversely affected the business. iv. HMC also used to get orders of various classified businesses from strategic entities. Due to financial constraints/delayed decisions at their end, the business has suffered a lot.

(b) The working capital has been enhanced from Rs. 150 million to Rs. 300 million. Moreover, efforts are underway for soft loan and funding from internal sources.

29. Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the details of construction works including alignment of electricity polls, aerial wires and installation of new and up-gradation of transformers completed since June 1st, 2013 by the Sub-Division Kallar Syedan, District Rawalpindi;

(b) the authority who initiated the proposal of such construction works and given approval thereof respectively;

(c) whether it is a fact that the administration of said Sub Division has been using delaying tactics for alignment of said polls and aerial wires; 19

(d) whether it is also a fact that the said wires are passing over the houses and declared dangerous for human lives and installed against the spirit of Electricity Act, 1910; if so, whether it is further a fact that the Chief Executive of IESCO has taken notice therefor; and

(e) the steps being taken by the Ministry to align said electricity polls and aerial wires?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) Out of 45 Nos. Low Voltage (LV) proposals initiated by SDO (E), IESCO Sub- Division, Kallar Syedan, 21 Nos. LV works have been completed by the Construction Directorate, IESCO in which alignment of electricity poles, aerial wires and installation of new/up-gradated of transformers has been completed since 1st June, 2013.

(b) The LV proposals in question were initiated by SDO (E), IESCO Sub-Division, Kallar Syedan and the same were approved by the Chief Engineer (P&E), IESCO, Islamabad.

(c) There is no delay on part of the administration of IESCO Sub-Division, Kallar Syedan.

(d) the electrification in question was carried out since long. With the passage of time, residents of the Abadi constructed their houses under the existing electricity lines by violating the Electricity Act 1910, which is now causing problems/ hindrance for the locals.

As per existing Rules, shifting of wires passing over the houses is subject to the payment of estimated cost and provision of right of way by the affectees, as and when they apply for the same. IESCO does not take responsibility of any occurrence as the locals themselves have violated the electricity Act/Rules.

(e) 10 No. LV works are in progress and remaining 14 No. LV proposals are in process of approval.

ISLAMABAD: ABDUL JABBAR ALI, The 10th May, 2016. Secretary.

PCPPI—0797(2016) NA—10-5-2016—650.