1 (49Th Session) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

(49th 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 21st January, 2013

(Originally Starred Question Nos. 51, 80 and 89, were set down for answer during the 48th Session)

51. *Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the steps being taken to handle Geo-political situation with Iran in order to implement the Iran-Pakistan (IP) Gas Pipeline Project?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): Gas supply is of critical importance for Pakistan because of the acute shortage of energy that we are facing today. The UN sanctions imposed on Iran do not include the Iranian energy sector. However, the US and EU sanctions inter-alia; apply to Iran’s oil and gas sector and any financial transactions with the Central Bank of Iran and its other sanctioned banks. Notwithstanding the above, progress is being made for the implementation of IP Gas Pipeline Project. We have signed Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) and an Agreement for the Construction of the Pipeline inside Pakistan. The length of the pipeline on our side of the border is 781 kilometers. Its estimated cost is US$ 1.5 billion (approx). Funding of the project, however, remains a major challenge. We are working out further modalities with the Iranian government to overcome the financial implications.

80. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of workshops/factories owned by the Pakistan Railways in the country at present; 2 (b) the year-wise income earned by those workshops/factorjes during the last five years separately; and

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) There are seven factories and seven workshops over Pakistan Railways. The detail of the same is given as under:—

1. Railways Factories

i. Pakistan Locomotive Factory, Risaipur ii. Railway Carriage, Factory, Islamabad iii. Concrete Sleeper Factory, Khanewal iv. Concrete Sleeper Factory, Sukkur v. Concrete Sleeper Factory, Kohat Cantt vi. Concrete Sleeper Factory, Kotri vii. Concrete Sleeper Factory, Shahinbad (closed since 1996)

2. Railways Workshops

i. Central Diesel Locomotive Shops/Rawalpindi ii. Loco Shops / Moghalpura, Lahore iii. Carriage & Wagon Shops/Moghalpura, Lahore iv. Steel Shops / Moghalpura, Lahore v. Electrical Shops / Moghalpura, Lahore vi. Carriage & Wagon Shops / Hyderabad vii. Diesel Shed & Shop / Karachi

(b) It is pertinent to mention that Railways workshops/factories are concerned with maintenance/manufacture of rolling stock and locomotives, and indirectly concerned with the revenue by providing the rolling stock to the operating divisions which in turn generate revenue for railway through passenger and freight services. These are not private/corporate entities and do not generate own income 3 arid Pakistan Railways is sole captive client. Value of works carried out by factories i.e Concrete Sleepers Factories and Railway Carriage Factory is given in Armexure-A.

(c) The detail of year wise expenditure for the last five years is given in Annexure-B. Annexure-A (Figures in Million) —————————————————————————————— Value of Works Carried out ———————————————————— Years Concrete Sleeper Pakistan Locomotive Factories Factory —————————————————————————————— 2007-2008 837.213 511.847 2008-2009 932.126 65.284 2009-2010 432.047 45.119 2010-2011 441.040 120.628 2011-2012 518.176 79.621 ——————————————————————————————

Annexure-B (Figures in Million) —————————————————————————————— Expenditure of Railways Factories ———————————————————— Years Concrete Sleeper Pakistan Locomotive Factories Factory —————————————————————————————— 2007-2008 949.948 155.562 2008-2009 881.052 124.352 2009-2010 396.593 114.256 2010-2011 540.915 141.855 2011-2012 476.284 175.525 —————————————————————————————— 4 (Figures in Million) —————————————————————————————— Expenditire of Years Railways Workshops —————————————————————————————— 2007-2008 474.879 2008-2009 490.836 2009-2010 626.736 2010-2011 752.895 2011-2012 966 424 ——————————————————————————————

89. *Sheikh Muhammad Tariq Rasheed:

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

(a) the statutory functions of the Ministry;

(b) the year-wise budget allocated for development works/schemes during the last five fiscal years alongwith the utilization thereof; and

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan (Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo): (a) The Statutory functions of Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan are as under:—

i. Policy, planning and development for GB

ii. Co-ordination with the Govt of Gilgit-Baltistan Council

iii. Co-ordination with the Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and the AJ&K Council.

iv. Matters relating to the settlement of Kashmir dispute, other than those falling within in the purview of the Foreign Affairs Division. 5 v. Administration of Jammu and Kashmir State Property in Pakistan

vi. Processing of development schemes reflected in the PSDP of Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and GB at the level of CDWP and ECNEC.

vii. Co-ordination between the Federal Govt Organizations and the Govt of GB and the Giligit-Baltistan Council.

viii. Mainstreaming population factor in development planning process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

ix. Management and distribution of Zakat and Ushr in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and the related and ancillary matters including distribution setup and monitoring and auditing thereof.

(b) Development budget in respect of Governments of AJ&K and Gilgit- Baltistan is released to both governments directly by Ministry of Finance. Year wise budget allocated for development works/schemes in respect of this Ministry, Govt of AJ&K and Govt of Gilgit-Baltistan for the last five fiscal years along with utilization thereof is as under:—

——————————————————————————————————————————— Block Allocation PSDP Projects Grand Total Years —————————————————————————————————————— Allocation Utilization Allocation Utilization Allocation Utilization ———————————————————————————————————————————

2007-08 12300.000 11492.394 1422.103 654.635 13722.103 12147.029

2008-09 14800.000 12178.529 2815.103 1105.328 17615.103 13283.857

2009-10 17252.500 9893.433 8268.938 1638.492 25521.438 11531.925

2010-11 9666.689 10498.638 7441.717 2378.062 17108.404 12876.700

*2011-12 14360.560 14215.076 4595.329 2706.379 18955.889 16921.455 ——————————————————————————————————————————— • Included the Devolved Ministries Projects of Govt of AJ&K & GB.

(c) The audit of development budget of said period in respect of Govt of AJ&K and Govt of Gilgit-Baltistan has been conducted. The audit reports of GB Govt for year 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 have been presented before the PAC. For rest of the reports they are in process to render replies against audit reports to their own governments. Government of AJK is also in process to render replies against audit reports to their own government. 6

1. *Ms. Qudsia Arshad:

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

(a) whether the Citizens of Pakistan can purchase the property in Azad Kashmir; if not, the reasons thereof; and

(b) whether citizens of Azad Kashmir can purchase property in Pakistan; if so, the justification thereof?

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan (Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo): (a) According to Article-04 of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Alienation of Land Act, 1995 Bik (1898 AD) transfer of land in AJ&K to any person, who is not a state subject, is prohibited.

(b) Under Section 14-B of Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951 (Act II of 1951) citizen of AJ&K enjoys the citizenship of Pakistan also, therefore, they are entitled to purchase property in Pakistan also.

2. *Ms. Qudsia Arshad:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that all locomotives of Pakistan Railways are operational at present; if so, the details thereof;

(b) the total number of locomotives repaired during the year 2011-12 till date; and

(c) whether it is also a fact that financial and working conditions of the Pakistan Railways are being improved gradually; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) It is correct that all DE Locomotives of Pakistan Railways are not operational at present. The details are as under:— 7 —————————————————————————————— Total DE Locos. Owned Out of In working /including by Pakistan Railways service passenger, Goods & shunting /departmental, —————————————————————————————— 465 312 153 ——————————————————————————————

The out of service locomotives are held up for want of imported spares which could not be procured in the past due to financial constraints.

(b) 184 D.E. locomotives of various classes were repaired in back shops during the year 2011- 2012 to date.

(c) The financial position has improved slightly to the extent of arranging payments salary/pension to the employees and pensioner of Pakistan Railways and financing of PSD projects. Moreover, Finance Division is releasing a subsidy of Rs.2.583 billion on monthly basis for salaries/pension. Although this subsidy is still insufficient to cover the salary/pension bill, the increase in revenues has enabled Pakistan Railways to pay off other liabilities, such as G.P. Fund final payments, pension, commutation contractors’ bills, etc.

3. *Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state whether it is a fact that Iran has given a proposal to Pakistan to set up a trade centre at Jalegh on Pak -Iran bender for promoting bilateral trade; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): Islamic Republic of Iran proposed to open a new border market on Pak-Iran border near Jalegh on 17th November, 2012.

Ministry of Commerce has started consultations with stakeholders. In this regard, Federal Board of Revenue, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior and Provincial Government of Baluchistan have been requested for their views/ comments in order to proceed further in the matter. 8 4. *Ms. Shaheen Ishfaq:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of Pakistani prisoners in Hungry, Kuwait and Nepal, separately at present; and

(b) the assistance being provided by the Government to said prisoners for their release?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): (a) The total numbers of Pakistani prisoners in Hungry, Kuwait and Nepal, separately at present, are as under:— —————————————————————————————— Country Number of Pakistani Name Prisoners/detainees Hungry 60 Kuwait 314 Nepal 22 —————————————————————————————— (b) The steps being taken by the government for their legal assistance are as under:—

(i) A Special Cell on Overseas Pakistanis (SCOP), headed by Director General (Overseas Pakistanis) was constituted in May, 2010 and Director General (OP) was deputed as Liaison Officer. The complaints received through relatives of our expatriates are processed in coordination with our Missions abroad.

(ii) Consular access is provided to the detainees/prisoners.

(iii) Our Missions provide the services of interpreters, whenever required.

(iv) Facilitate the deportation of detainees.

(v) Maintaining contacts with the local authorities regarding detention/ imprisonment of Pakistanis.

(vi) Provision of facility of contacts to the prisoners and their visiting relatives. 9 (vii) Transmission of detainees concerns to the concerned local authorities for their redressal.

(viii) Release of Pakistani prisoners through payment of fines. In 2010-11 92 prisoners were got released and in 2011-12 our Missions in Kuwait, UAE & Saudi Arabia were authorized to pay fines of 30 prisoners from PCW & E Fund.

5. *Ms. Tasneem Siddiqui:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased, to state the year- wise total number of prisoners released by the Government of Pakistan and Bangladesh, separately during the period from 15-3-2008 till date alongwith the details thereof?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): The year-wise total number of prisoners released by the Government of Pakistan and Bangladesh during the period from 15-3-2008 till date are as under:—

(i) Number of Pakistani prisoners released —————————————————————————————— Year Prisoners released —————————————————————————————— 2008 1 2009 0 2010 3 2011 5 2012 3 —————————————————————————————— Total: 11 —————————————————————————————— Details of Pakistani prisoners are as under :— —————————————————————————————— S. Name of Prisoner Date/year Remarks No. of release ———————————————————————————————————————————

1. Omar Kader 9-3-2008 Released after completion of 2 years S/o Abdul Kader sentence

2. Muhammad Zahid 15-11-2010 Released after one year detention S/o Muhammad Ashraf ——————————————————————————————————————————— 10 —————————————————————————————— S. Name of Prisoner Date/year Remarks No. of release ——————————————————————————————————————————— 3. Munawar Ali 15-11-2010 Released after one year detention S/o Ali Ahmad

4. Syed Sfian Azhari 15-11-2010 Released after one year detention S/o Abdul Qayyum Azhari

5. Muhammad Jamil 2011 Released on bail

6. Sher Afzal S/o Amir Jada 2011 Released on bail

7. Kamar Abedin 2011 Released on bail S/o Muhammad Yasin

8. Muhammad Shahabuddin 2011 Released on bail

9. Muhammad Danish 2011 Released on bail S/o Sohail Ahmad

10. Sajid Khan S/o Farid Khan 2012 Released on bail

11. Muhammad Aslam 2012 Released on bail

12. Mrs. Nargas 2012 Released on bail W/o Muhammad Aslam ——————————————————————————————————————————— (ii) Number of Bengali prisoners/detainees released —————————————————————————————— Year Bengali Prisoners Regulation/Law applied released/repatriated —————————————————————————————— 2008 94 14-Foreigner Act i.e. Immigration Law Infringement 2009 80 -do- 2010 86 -do- 2011 98 -do- 2012 113 -do- —————————————————————————————— Total: 471 ——————————————————————————————

6. *Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Commerce -be pleased to state the reasons of imbalance of imports and exports of the country during the last four years till date? 11 Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): Imbalance of imports and exports results in trade deficit, i.e. import bill exceeds export proceeds/income. Pakistan’s balance of trade has been in deficit for the last four years. The major reasons of imbalance of imports and exports of Pakistan are:—

(i) Energy Crisis: The main cause behind decline in exports is the ever worsening energy crises. All the major industrialists/exporters are complaining about the severe shortage of energy supply. Energy shortages have badly affected the not only production but exports also.

(ii) Price Fluctuations: Exports and Imports are affected adversely by fluctuations in prices in international and domestic markets. Fluctuations in prices are a global phenomenon in the world of economics. Pakistan is a small and weak economy. Therefore, Pakistan is affected by fluctuations in prices at global level. Our import bill surges with increase in prices of oil and machinery.

(iii) Pak-Iran Trade: USA trade restrictions on Iran have affected the Pak-Iran trade relations badly.

(iv) Inelastic Trade: Pakistan’s import structure and demand is very inelastic. The share of energy/petroleum in Pakistan’s imports is 34%. There is no room for curtailment or austerity measures. Energy import bill is expected to rise even further in the near future in wake of present situation of CNG and gasoline fuels.

(v) Law and order situation: The prevailing Law & Order situation has affected investment and export promotion adversely. As a consequence of present situation investment are not at optimum. Observing the behavior of local investors, foreign investors are reluctant to bring any capital in the country.

(vi) Rupees Depreciation: For the past five years Pak Rupee has persistently losing its value against almost all the major global currencies. In the past five years Pak Rupee has depreciated 58%. Due to decline in Rupee value our export earnings are shrinking in spite of quantitative increase in exports. In addition to that, the value of imported products, energy, metals, and materials (used as input in 12 our industrial and agricultural production) are rising rampantly. This phenomenon is inflating the prices of industrial/agricultural products and making them un-competitive in domestic and international markets.

7. *Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state the reasons of imbalance between income and expenditure of the Pakistan Railways at present?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): There is a resource gap between income and expenditure of Pakistan Railways since the seventies. This main reasons for this imbalance are given as under:—

(i) PR operations could not be expanded with the passage of time to cater for increasing number of potential passengers;

(ii) Rising expenses were far more than increase in revenues;

(iii) In past, Federal and Provincial Governments focused the developments of road sector and railways could not get due share of allocation in Five Years Plans and Annual Development Plans of Transport Sector allocation;

(iv) Fuel costs increased rapidly after Gulf War;

(v) Federal Government has increased the salary/pension every year since 2005;

(vi) The circular debt of Federal Government forced the Federal Government to decrease the subsidy of PR.

(vii) The cost of utilities i.e. electricity, water and gas increased rapidly since the year 2000.

(viii) Federal Government set unrealistic revenue targets for PR Administration since 2003-04 to keep subsidy on lower side. 13 (ix) Failure and continuous delay in induction of new locomotives has led to a depleted fleet of locomotives which has resulted in suspension of a large number of passenger trains and a virtual standstill in freight operations.

8. *Mrs. Nisar Tanveer:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the period to Import used cars has been reduced from five years to three years recently;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the Competition Commission of Pakistan(CCP) and National Tariff Commission (NTC) have been given mandate to assess the pros and cons of such reduction;

(d) if the answers to parts (a), (b) and (c) above are in the affirmative, the justification to make such reduction prior to said assessments?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) Yes, this is true that age limit of import of used cars under baggage schemes has been reduced from five to three years by making necessary amendment in the Import Policy order through SRO No. 1441(I)/2012 dated 15-12-2012.

(b) On the receipt of the summary for input by this Ministry from Ministry of Industries for the ECC, containing proposal to reduce age limit of cars from five to three years, NTC was requested on 24-10-2012 to carryout a study into the protection levels of the auto-industry and recommend optimum tariffs and policy for the importation of second handcars. The NTC was also requested to study the impact of the importation of second handcars, buses and trucks in to Pakistan on local manufacturing, competition and consumer welfare.

(c) National Tariff Commission, in pursuance to this Ministry’s direction, issued notices to all the concerned stakeholders and held its preliminary hearing 14 on 27th November, 2012 and called for necessary data/information on their prescribed format. As per its mandate, NTC has to complete its study and submit its report with the 120 days to the Government. NTC has not yet finalized its recommendation.

(d) ECC in its earlier meeting on the same issue held on 23-10-2012 constituted a committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister/ Minister for Industries. The Ministry of Industries submitted summary to ECC, in light of recommendation of the said committee, proposing to reduce age limit of cars from five to three years under the baggage schemes. The proposal was approved by ECC on 22-11-2012 and SRO was issued by this Ministry on 12-12-2012, effective from 15-12-2012.

9. *Mrs. Nisar Tanveer:

Will the Minister for Railways The pleased to state:

(a) whether it is fact that Pakistan Railways has made an agreement with Chinese firm to procure 75 new locomotives during the last two years; if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether it is also a fact that such agreement has not been materialized; if so, the reasons thereof;

(c) whether it is further a fact that Pakistan Railway is paying. Rs3.75 million per month to the said firm; if so, the justification thereof;

(d) whether procedural codes were adopted while making such agreement; if not, the reasons thereof; and

(e) the steps being taker to address the said matter alongwith the action taken against the responsibles?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) A contract agreement for procurement/manufacture of 75 Diesel Electric Locomotives amounting to US$ 105.143 million was signed with M/s. Dongfang Electric Corporation, China on December 31, 2008 as per following breakup:— 15 —————————————————————————————— HORSE POWER QUANTITY OF THE ———————————————— LOCOMOTIVE *CBU **CKD TOTAL —————————————————————————————— 1500 15 — 15 2000 05 25 30 3000 05 25 30 —————————————————————————————— Total 25 50 75 —————————————————————————————— * Completely Built Unit ** Completely Knocked Down

Down payment of US$ 15.771 million, comprising 15 percent of the contract amount, was released to the firm in June 2009. Buyer’s loan agreement was signed with Export-Import Bank of China on December 14, 2009 for the remaining 85% (US$ 89.372 million) and an, amount of US$ 10.801 million was transferred to China Exim Bank and Sinosure in March 2010. However, Letter of Credit has not yet been established.

Out of 75 locomotives, 25 will be received in Completely Built Up Condition, whereas the remaining 50 will be manufactured/assembled locally at Pakistan Locomotive Factory, Risalpur. The entire material is scheduled to be delivered within 45 months after effectiveness of the contract agreement.

(b) Yes, the agreement has not materialized so far due to some procedural violations/deviations from Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules during tender process, rectification of which requires condonation by the competent authority. The matter has thus been referred to the Federal Cabinet for decision.

(c) Commitment charges for the unutilised portion of the loan involve a liability of US$ 1,489.53 per day since loan effectiveness. An amount of only US$ 11,915.24 has so far been paid for the period January 13-2-2010.

(d) Pakistan Railways followed prevalent codal provisions, procedures and practices for finalization of tenders. The agreement was signed after the terms and conditions of the loan were approved by the competent forum i.e. Law Division and Finance Division. 16 The deviations/violations of procurement rules in this tender were not exclusive to any specific bidder but related equally to both the technically qualified bidders. The contract was awarded to Chinese manufacturer after following a fair tendering process.

(e) A summary regarding “Grant of condonation of deviations/ departures of Public Procurement Rules, 2004 in the Procurement of 75 Locomotives” has been submitted to the Cabinet for consideration and the decision is awaited.

10. *Mrs. Seema Mohiuddin Jameeli:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the main reasons of losses of Pakistan Railways at present; and

(b) the steps taken to control the said losses during, the last five years?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) The main reasons of losses of Pakistan Railways are as under :—

1. Less availability of locomotives due to deferred maintenance of old fleet on account of paucity of funds which has badly affected passenger and freight train operations, the main source of earning for Pakistan Railways.

2. Pakistan Railways is a public service entity and does not operate purely on commercial lines it has to keep operative some un- remunerative and un-economical routes in larger public interest.

3. Increase in salaries of Government employees, and relief provided to pensioners has added to the financial burden.

4. Increase in fuel, gas and electricity costs, have also contributed to rising deficit.

5. Damages to Railways assets worth Rs. 6.73 billion due to floods of 2010/2011 is another contributory reason causing losses.

6. Deficient investment in rolling stock, which would have enhanced the capacity to reduce the deficit. 17 (b) Following steps are being taken by the Government to control the said losses:—

1. To overcome the present crises, Pakistan Railway is procuring upto 275 new locomotives and repairing old ones through various sources.

2. Railway has involved private sector to participate in different activities of P.R. i.e. rehabilitation of ageing locomotives, development of Dry Ports and commercial management of passenger trains etc.

3. Through Track Access Regime, private sector has been invited to operate freight trains on Pakistan Railways infrastructure on payment of track access charges to PR. The idle capacity available with PR will be utilized and additional revenue for PR will also be generated.

4. Doubling of track between Karachi and Lahore will be completed by December 2013, providing additional capacity to run more trains.

5. Installation of modern signalling system is in progress, which will facilitate in smooth train operations.

Following steps are being taken by the Government to control the said losses:—

(1) Locomotives repair plans.

(i) Rehabilitation of 27 HGMU-30 D.E. Locomotives, through PSDP.

(ii) Repair of 96 locomotives through Loan from Banking Consortium (PRACS Project).

(iii) Repair plan of 30 Locomotives through Public Private Partnership (PPP).

(iv) Special Repair of 150 D.E Locomotives through PSDP.

(2) Procurement of new Locomotives.

(i) 75 Nos. D.E. Locomotives from PEC/DLOCO, China 18 (ii) 150 Nos. D.E. Locomotives, bidding process in final stage.

(iii) 50 Nos. D.E. Locomotives, agreement executed with successful bidder.

Railway is also inviting private sector to participate in its different activities i.e rehabilitation of ageing locomotives, development of Dry Ports, commercial Management of Passenger trains and private sector freight trains to operate on P.R infrastructure on payment of train access charges etc to generate more revenue.

11. *Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to impose ban on import, of Gutka; if so, when it will be implemented?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): No proposal is presently under consideration to impose a ban on import of Gutka. The same is generally classified in the category of “Others”, meant for mixture of fruits, nuts and others edible parts of plants and is importable provided it is fit for human consumption/not injurious to health and has at least 50% of the shelf life at the time of importation.

12. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the names of trains/goods trains privatized by the Pakistan Railways so far; and

(b) the train-wise total income earned by the Pakistan Railways during the last two years therefrom?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) No trains have been privatized by Pakistan Railways so far, However, Pakistan Railways has entered into Public Private Partnership in the running of three trains namely the Business Express, Shalimar Express and Night Coach by transferring commercial management to the Private sector under a capacity payment arrangement. The Night coach Train is expected to be launched on January 15, 2013. 19 (b) The Business Express and Shalimar express were outsourced w.e.f 04-02-2012 and 26-02-2012 respectively and the earning of these train upto December 31, 2012 are as under:—

TRAIN EARNING (Rs. in Million) Business Express 775.396 Shalimar Express 434.294

13. *Mr. Muhammad Riaz Malik:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased, to state:

(a) the persons entitled to travel free Find at concessional rate by trains in the country at present alongwith other facilities being provided to those persons separately;

(b) the financial burden faced by the Pakistan Railways therefrom during the year 2011-12 till date; and

(c) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to withdraw those facilities; if so, when it will be implemented?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) Pakistan Railways is providing following free / concessional travelling facilities to its in service and retired employees.

1. Limited number of free passes.

2. Limited number of privilege ticket order (PTO’s) facility with payment of 1/3rd of fare.

General public can avail concessional monthly suburban ticket facility an payment of 15 fares in a month upto 70 Kms of journey. Journalists, scouts, students and disabled persons all also given concession in fare as per government policy. 20 Other facilities provided to Railways employees:—

1. provision of kit wagon for shifting the house hold effect on transfer.

2. medical facilities at Railways hospitals dispensaries.

3. education facilities at Railways schools in major cities to children of employees.

4. recreational / function facilities at Railway clubs and institutions.

(b) The free passes and concessional tickets (PTO’s) are normally adjusted against vacant seats in the trains and as such it does not imply direct monetary burden. However their equivalent worth for the year 2010-2011 and 2011 -2012 are as under :— —————————————————————————————— # Year Earning —————————————————————————————— 1 2010-2011 419.234 million 2 2011-2012 533.487 million ——————————————————————————————

(c) There is no such proposal under consideration of the Government to withdraw these facilities being provided to the employees of Pakistan Railway.

14. *Ms. Imrana Saeed Jamil:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the steps being taken to increase the trade volume with SAARC countries; and

(b) the details of trade made with those countries during the last four, years till date?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) SAARC Charter was signed on December 8, 1985 by its seven founding member countries Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan and Maldives to enhance regional cooperation in various fields/sectors within the region. 21 Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA)

To enhance regional trade, SAPTA was signed on April 11, 1993 at Dhaka to provide preferential tariff concession on regional imports of member countries. Later, the Agreement on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) was signed during the 12th SAARC Summit held at Islamabad on January 6, 2004. The Agreement was enforced w.e.f. July 1, 2006. Presently, SAARC Member States are in the process of reducing their Sensitive Lists under SAFTA. Under SAFTA, a Sub- Group on Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) has also been established in order to effectively address the issue of NTMs including Standards, Testing and Certification.

SAARC Member States also signed the SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services (SATIS) during the 16th SAARC Summit held at Thimphu, Bhutan on April 28, 2010. The Agreement would open up new vistas of trade cooperation and further deepen the integration of the regional economies.

Pakistan-India Trade Normalization Process

Pakistan and India are in process of notinalizing bilateral trade relations under resumed Composite Dialogue. As a first step, Negative List of 1209 tariff lines has been notified. With the elimination of Negative List, complete trade normalization with India will be in place subject to the removal of the Non-Tariff Barriers by the Indian government.

Pakistan Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA)

Pakistan concluded a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Sri Lanka on August 1, 2002, which is effective since June. 12, 2005. Under the bilateral Free Trade Agreement, both sides have agreed to establish a Free Trade Area through elimination of tariffs on the movement of goods.

The future roadmap to enhance cooperation includes incorporation of the following Chapters in the Agreement to be called as;

i. Trade in Services

ii. Investment

iii. Customs Cooperation 22 Pakistan-Bangladesh Trade Relations

A MOU has been signed between the erstwhile Export Promotion Bureau, Pakistan (now TDAP) and Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh on February 13, 2006 at Islamabad. Under the MoU, both countries had agreed to exchange economic and commercial infonnation as well as assistance in organizing trade fairs and trade delegations. Under the said MoU, Export Promotion Bureau of Bangladesh has been providing a complimentary pavilion to TDAP at Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) every year.

Trade Promotional Activities

As per its new export strategy, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan is putting efforts in broadening the base of Pakistan’s exports by upgrading export potential of products where Pakistan has competitive advantage and increasing their market share in traditional and non-traditional markets. SAARC is one of the potential regions and TDAP has performed promotional activities in this region to promote Pakistan’s exports.

SAARC Trade Fairs

The details of dates and venues of the SAARC Trade Fairs held so far are given below;

1. First SAARC Trade Fair New Delhi, 9-14 January 1996 2. Second SAARC Trade Fair Colombo, 8-15 September 1998 3. Third SAARC Trade Fair Karachi, 21-26 April 2001 4. Fourth SAARC Trade Fair Kathmandu, 25-29 October 2002 5. Fifth SAARC Trade Fair Dhaka, 27-31 December 2003 6. Sixth SAARC Trade Fair New Delhi, 6-10 January 2005 7. Seventh SAARC Trade Fair Karachi, 16-18 June 2006 8. Eighth SAARC Trade Fair Colombo, 28-31 August 2008 9. Ninth SAARC Trade Fair Thimphu, 11-14 September 2009 10. Tenth SAARC Trade Fair Kathmandu, 15-19 December 2010 11. Eleventh SAARC Trade Fair Dhaka, 30 March – 1 April 2012 12. Twelfth SAARC Trade Fair will be at Kulhudhuffushi, Maldives 23

Trade Delegations

Pakistan sent trade delegations to various SAARC Member Countries.

1. Visit of APUBHMA trade delegation to Bangladesh May 2009.

2. Visit of TDAP’s trade delegation to Maldives and Sri-Lanka from July 5-12, 2009

3. Visit of Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) trade delegation to Sri-Lanka on August 12-21, 2009

4. Visit of trade delegation to Bangladesh on August 15-30, 2008

5. Visit of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) delegation to Sri-Lanka on November 22-23, 2009

6. ‘Made in Pakistan’ Single Country Exhibition organized by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry on June 14-18, 2011 in Bangladesh.

7. A delegation of Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry visited India in December, 2011.

8. ‘Made in Pakistan Expo’ organized by Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce & Industry in March 2012 at Chandigarh, India.

9. ‘Lifestyle Pakistan’ Exhibition held in New Delhi April 12-16, 2012.

10. “Made in Pakistan Expo 2012” organized by FPCCI at Mumbai, India from August 31 to September 5, 2012.

11. TDAP participated in “Food and Grocery Fair and Conference” held from 12-13 December, 2012 at Mumbai-India. 24 (b) Pakistan’s trade with SAARC Countries during the last four years is give below:—

Value in US$ million ——————————————————————————————————————————— 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-2012 Region/Country ——————————————————————————————————— Export Import Export Import Export Import Export Import ——————————————————————————————————————————— Afghanistan 1397.5 93 1572 139.2 2336.7 172 2249.6 199.4 Bangladesh 383.4 78.7 483.4 80.8 1015.5 79.7 633.7 65 Bhutan 0 0.2 0 0.03 0 0 0 0.2 India 319 1194.6 268.3 1225.5 264.3 1743.2 338.5 1507.3 Maldives 5.6 0 4.2 0.1 4.5 0 5.3 0 Nepal 0.7 1.1 0.7 1 0.6 1.9 1.4 1.8 Sri Lanka 189.7 65.2 283.1 54.6 331.8 57.3 305.3 68.7 ——————————————————————————————————————————— SAARC Region (Total) 2295.9 1432.8 2611 1501.2 3953.4 2054.1 3533.8 1842.4 ———————————————————————————————————————————

Pakistan’s detailed trade figures with SAARC Countries are at Annex-I.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

15. *Ms. Shireen Arshad Khan:

Will the Minister f or Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the total num ber of Pakistani prisoners in Syria, Egypt and Turkey at present; and

(b) the steps beng taken by the Government for their legal assistance?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): (a) The total numbers of Pakistani prisoners in Syria, Egypt and Turkey, at present are as under:— —————————————————————————————— Country Total Number of Name Prisoners/detainees —————————————————————————————— Syria 0 Egypt 1 Turkey 8 —————————————————————————————— 25

(b) The steps being taken by the government for their legal assistance are as under:—

(ii) Consular access is provided to the detainees/prisoners.

(iii) Our Missions provide the services of interpreters, whenever required.

(iv) Facilitate the deportation of detainees.

(v) Maintaining contacts with the local authorities regarding detention/ imprisonment of Pakistanis.

(vi) Provision of facility of contacts to the prisoners and their visiting relatives.

(vii) Transmission of detainees concerns to the concerned local authorities for their redressal.

16. *Mr. Sajid Ahmed:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the names of government departments which monitor to explore new trade markets;

(b) the performance shown by those departments during the year 2011-12 till date; and 26

(c) the names of countries with whom Pakistani exports have reduced during the last five years alognwith the reasons thereof?

Reply not received.

17. *Dr. Muhammad Ayub Sheikh:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that any Joint Venture Agreement has been signed between the Pakistan Railways and National Logistic Cell (NLC);

(b) if so, the benefits to be achieved by the Pakistan Railways therefrom?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour): (a) Pakistan Railways is negotiating an agreement with National Logistic Cell (NLC), to repair 21 locomotives. Out of these 16 will be of GMU-30 make and 5 Hitachi. NLC will arrange finances for the repair of these locomotives, and Pakistan Railways will procure the spare parts and execute necessary repairs at its workshops. The financial amount will be repaid to NLC through rebate in the freight charges of consignments booked for NLC and hauled by these locomotives.

(b) The benefit to P.R from this agreement will be that 21 ineffective locomotives will be repaired and 13 repaired locomotives will be used by NLC and 8 repaired locomotives shall be used by Pakistan Railways exclusively.

18. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistan’s be pleased to state:

(a) the present status of the construction of new housing colonies for Overseas Pakistanis;

(b) the total amount received from Overseas Pakistanis for the construction of those housing colonies so far; and

(c) the total number of those Pakistanis who have sent said amount to Pakistan therefor alongwith the break-up of utilization for developmental and non-developmental purposes? 27 Minister for Overseas Pakistanis (Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar): (a) OPF is in process of development/construction of following two housing colonies:—

1. OPF Valley Zone-V, Islamabad.

The size of scheme is 5000 Kanal. The contract for development of infrastructure has been awarded to M/S F.W.O. at total cost of Rs. 2.404 billion in August, 2002. Up till now 75% work on 87% available land has been completed at site. The development activities on remaining 13% land are in progress which are expected to be completed in March, 2013.

2. OPF Housing Scheme, Phase-I Extension, Lahore.

The size of the scheme is 728 Kanals. The land acquired by LDA has been denotified. Master plan has been submitted to LDA for approval. The tendering process for development of the scheme is under finalization. The development work is expected to be commenced in Feb., 2013.

(b) Total amount received from overseas Pakistanis is as under:—

i. OPF Valley Zone-V ISB Rs. 1411 million

ii. OPF Housing Scheme, Phase-I Extension Lahore Rs. 135 million

i. OPF Valley Zone-V, Islamabad — 1965

ii. OPF Housing Scheme, Phase-I Extension Lahore — 277

Breakup of expenditure up to 30-06-2012 is as under:—

i. OPF Valley Zone—V, Islamabad Development Expenditure Rs.1667 million 28 ii. Non Development/ Supervision Expenditure Rs. 89 million Total: Rs.1756 million

iii. OPF Housing Scheme. Phase-I Extension Lahore

Development Expenditure Rs. NIL Non Development Expenditure / Supervision Rs. 6.04 million

19. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise total quantity of used edible oil imported during the last five years;

(b) the names of countries/firms from where the said oil was imported; and

Reply not received.

20. *Rana Mahmood -ul- Hassan:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the share of Pakistan in global trade has reduced from 0.20 to 0.18 percent according to the statistics, of the World Trade Organization (WTO) released recently; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to increase the said trade?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): (a) Pakistan’s share in the World trade during 2011 slightly reduced in percentage 29 terms from 0.193 percent in 2010 to 0.189 percent in 2011. However, in terms of value Pakistan’s trade increased to US$ 69.346 billion during 2011 from US$ 59.217 billion in 2010.

Pakistan’s share in the global exports has slightly decreased in percentage terms from 0.14 percent in 2010 to 0.139 percent in the year 2011.However, in value terms Pakistan’s exports has increased from US$ 21.41 billion during 2010 to US$ 25.344 billion in the year 2011.

Pakistan’s share in the world imports also declined to 0.239 percent in 2011 from 0.244 percent during 2010. But in value terms Pakistan’s import has also increased to US$ 44.012 billion in 2011 from US$ 37.807 billion in 2010. The year wise detail is given below:

PAKISTAN’S SHARE IN THE GLOBAL TRADE

Value in Billion US$ ——————————————————————————————————————————— Percentage Share Percentage Share Percentage Share in global Trade in global Exports in global Imports ———————————————————————————————————— Pakistan Pakistan World Pakistan (Billion % (Billion % (Billion (Billion Year US$) Share US$) Share US$) US$) % Share ——————————————————————————————————————————— 2007 17.838 0.127 32.59 0.228 28323 50.428 0.178 2008 20.323 0.126 42.329 0.256 32681 62.652 0.192 2009 17.523 0.140 31.668 0.249 25278 49.191 0.195 2010 21.41 0.140 37.807 0.244 30738 59.217 0.193 2011 25.334 0.139 44.012 0.239 36693 69.346 0.189 ——————————————————————————————————————————— Sources: WTO

(b) Measures adopted by Ministry of Commerce for enhancing trade are given below:—

• European Union has announced tariff concessions on 75 products to help Pakistan economy recover from losses caused by floods in 2010, these concessions have become effective from 15 November 2012 and will be available till 31st December 2013.

• European Union has recently change its criteria for its GSP+ scheme. As per the new inertia Pakistan will be eligible for duty free excess in EU for most of products of its interest from 01-01-2014. 30 • Pakistan FTA with Malaysia was signed on November 8, 2007 and is operational from January 1, 2008. The FTA is the 1st bilateral Agreement between two Muslim Countries –Members of OIC. This agreement is Pakistan’s first comprehensive FTA incorporating Trade in Goods, Trade in Services, Investment and Economic Cooperation and Malaysia’s first bilateral FTA with any South Asian country.

• The Investment Chapter of the Pak- China FTA was re-negotiated and the Protocol was signed on 15th October 2008. As a result, China specific industrial zones will be established in the country and the products manufactured in the zones will get duty free access in China.

• In order to expand the ambit of the existing Pakistan – Sri Lanka FTA, the first round of negotiations between the two countries on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was held in November, 2008 in Sri Lanka. The objective of the meeting was to review the implementation of the FTA and to address the concerns of the auto sector of Pakistan.

• The Agreement on Trade in Services between Pakistan and China was signed on 21st February 2009. The Agreement is operational from 10th October 2009.

• The Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Pakistan and Ukraine was ratified by the Cabinet on 30th June, 2010.

• The second Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting between Pakistan and Australia was held in February 2010 in Islamabad. One of the major achievements after the JTC meeting was the import Risk Analysis of our mangoes by Australia.

• The SAARC Agreement on Trade in Services was signed by all the member states during the 16th SAARC Summit held in Bhutan on 28-29 April, 2010.

• The negotiations for the Second Phase of Pak-China FTA have been commenced. The first Meeting was held on 10-11 March 2011 in Islamabad. 31 • An MoU was signed between Pakistan and Gulf Cooperation Council in March 2011 to formally launch the Strategic Dialogue.

• The 5th round of Commerce Secretary Level Talks on Commercial and Economic Cooperation between Pakistan and India were held on 27-28 April, 2011 in Islamabad. The Joint Statement contains significant decisions regarding addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade between the two countries.

• The Inaugural Session of the Pakistan – Vietnam Joint Trade Commission (JTC) was held on July 28-29-2011 in Hanoi, Vietnam. During the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen business to business cooperation and improve trade logistics between the two countries.

• Pakistan and United States signed Trade & Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) on 25th June 2003. The 5th TIFA Council meeting was held at Islamabad on September 20, 2011. Issues related to investment, market access, the U.S Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), trade promotion efforts and sector-specific investment challenges were discussed in the meeting.

• Pakistan and Indonesia have concluded a Preferential Trade Agreement in September, 2011. The Agreement was signed in February 2012. The Agreement is likely to be implemented from January 1, 2013.

• An MoU was signed between the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Commerce Government of Pakistan in November, 2011.

• Pakistan being a member of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) signed the Agreement of Rules of Origin in September, 2008 and the same was ratified by the Cabinet on 2nd December, 2011. The other agreements signed and ratified by OIC member countries are Protocol on the Preferential Tariff Scheme for TPS-OIC (PRETAS) and Framework Agreement.

• Pakistan is also a Contracting Party of the Preferential Trade Agreement among the D-8 Muslim countries comprising Bangladesh, 32 Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Turkey. The Cabinet in its meeting held on 8th December, 2011 approved the ratification of the Agreement.

• The Inaugural session of Pakistan and New Zealand JTC was held in March 2012 in Wellington. Various issues of market access were discussed in the Meeting.

• The 3rd Pakistan-Australia JTC Meeting was held in Canberra on 19-20 March 2012. The issues including technical trainings, trade promotion and market access for our core products were discussed.

ISLAMABAD: KARAMAT HUSSAIN NIAZI, The 20th January, 2013. Secretary.

PCPPI—2055(13) NA—20-1-2013—700. 1 49th Session

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Monday, the 21st January, 2013

(Originally Unstarred Question Nos. 40, 45 and 50 were set down for answer during the 48th Session)

40. Ms. Qudsia Arshad:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise total number of bullet proof vehicles imported by the Government during the last three years;

(b) the name of persons to whom those vehicles have been allotted during the said period;

(d) if the answer to part (c) above is in the affirmative, the reasons to import such vehicles alongwith the total amount waived off in each case during the Said period?

Transferred to Revenue Division for answer on next Rota Day.

45. Dr. Darshan:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that there is a shortfall of employees belonging to Sindh and Balochistan in Pakistan Tobacco Board, Peshawar; if so, the reasons thereof; and 2 (b) the steps being taken or proposed to be taken to make up the said deficiency?

Reply not received.

50. Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the year-wise total value of fruits and vegetables imported during the last five years till date?

Minister for Commerce (Makhdoom Muhammad Amin Fahim): Year-wise total value of fruits and vegetables imported during the last five years are as follows:— —————————————————————————————— Years Total Value (Rupees in Millions) —————————————————————————————— Fruits —————————————————————————————— 2007-08 6939 2008-09 8742 2009-10 9792 2010-11 9790 2011-12 11388.3 —————————————————————————————— Vegetables —————————————————————————————— 2007-08 18603 2008-09 32728 2009-10 31054 2010-11 46315 2011-12 57419.9 —————————————————————————————— Source: FBS 1. Ms. Qudsia Arshad:

Will the Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan be pleased to state: 3 (a) the total area of Gilgit Baltistan at present; and

(b) the district-wise total population of Gilgit Baltistan at present?

Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan (Mian Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo): (a) The total area of Gilgit-Baltistan at present is 72496 sq. kms

(b) As per census of 1998 the distract wise total population of Gilgit-Baltistan is as under:— —————————————————————————————— S# Name of the District Population (in million) —————————————————————————————— 1. Gilgit 0.147 2. Hunza-Nagar 0.098 3. Skardu 0.219 4. Diamer 0.133 5. Ghizer 0.121 6. Ghanchi 0.089 7. Astore 0.074 —————————————————————————————— Total 0.881 ——————————————————————————————

2. Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that new appointments are being made in the Pakistan Railways at present; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) the year-wise appointments made in the Pakistan Railways during the period from 15-3-2008 till date?

Reply not received. 4 3. Ms. Shaheen Ishfaq:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state whether there is any proposal under consideration by the Leadership of the Government to visit Russia in the near future; if so, when it will be implemented?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): At the moment, no proposal is under consideration by the Supreme Leadership of the Government to pay a visit to the Russian Federation. Nonetheless, it may be stated that frequent high . level interactions between the two countries have become the hallmark of the Pakistan-Russia bilateral relations during recent times.

(i) The two Presidents have met as many as seven times over the last four-year period. These exchanges also include the bilateral visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to the Russian Federation in May 2011.

(ii) During the same time period, four meetings have taken place between. the Prime Ministers of the two countries. The latest meeting took place on 05 November 2012 in Vientiane, Laos on the sidelines of the 9th Asia Europe Meeting Summit (ASEM-9). During the meeting, Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf extended an invitation to his Russian counterpart, Mr. Dmitry Medvedev, to pay a visit to Pakistan.

4. Ms. Shaheen Ishfaq:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the year-wise total amount spent by each Pakistani Embassy abroad during the last five years alongwith the head-wise utilization thereof?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): The expenditures incurred on Pakistan Embassy/ Sub-Mission in last five years under Demand No. 43 (Missions Abroad) are as under:—

Expenditure —————————————————————————————— S. # 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 ——————————————————————————————————————————— 1. 5,717,078,087 7,227,221,729 8,205,924,407 8,351,776,625 9,437,446,535 —————————————————————————————— The head-wise and year-wise break-up are annexed. (A, B, C, D, E).

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library) 5 5. Ms. Tasneem Siddiqui:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the year-wise total number of prisoners released by the Government of Afghanistan and Pakistan separately during the period from 15-3-2008 till date?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): (a) The year-wise total number of prisoners released by the Government of Afghanistan and Pakistan separately during the period from 15-3-2008 till date are as under:— —————————————————————————————— Pakistani released 2008 50 from Afghan 2009 25 Prison / custody of 2010 60 intelligence agency 2011 35 and police. 2012 70 —————————————————————————————— Total 240 —————————————————————————————— Released from 2009 2 Bagram prison 2010 1 2011 2 2012 2 —————————————————————————————— Total 7 —————————————————————————————— (b) The record of Afghani prisoners released by the Government of Pakistan is held with the Ministry of Interior. Information is awaited.

6. Ms. Tasneem Siddiqui:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the year-wise total number of prisoners released by Government of India and Pakistan, separately during the period from 15-3-2008 till date?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): India has released 767 Pakistani civil/fishermen prisoners during the period from 15-3-2008 todate. Whereas, Pakistan has released 1636 Indian civil/fishermen prisoners during the same period. Year-wise details are tabulated below:— 6 —————————————————————————————— Year Pakistani Prisoners Total Indian Prisoners Total —————————————————————— Civil Fishermen Civil Fishermen —————————————————————————————— 2008 94 14 108 09 229 238 2009 04 0 4 0 100 100 2010 129 164 293 20 454 474 2011 104 127 231 15 103 118 2012 49 82 131 26 680 706 —————————————————————————————— Total: 380 387 767 70 1566 1636 —————————————————————————————— 7. Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the location-wise hospital of the Pakistan Railways in the country at present;

(b) the details of Doctors presently working in those hospitals separately, at present; and

(c) the medical facilities alongwith beds available in those heapitals separately at present? Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) (b) & (c) 7

8. Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Government has decided recently to transfer ambassadors from various countries;

(b) if so, the time by which it will be implemented alongwith the details thereof?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): (a) Transfer and posting of various Ambassadors is an ongoing process. The recent transfers/ appointments of Ambassadors have been decided since several Ambassadors 8 have either completed or are soon going to complete their tenure of posting in Pakistan Missions abroad or are superannuating.

(b) There is no specific time frame. However, all Ambassadors are expected to be in place in next few months.

9. Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to resolve Kashmir issue at International Forums during the last four years till date?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar):

STEPS TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN TO RESOLVE KASHMIR ISSUE AT INTERNATIONAL FORUMS DURING THE LAST FOUR YEARS

Pakistan’s principled position on Jammu and Kashmir dispute is based on the UN Security Council Resolutions, which provide for the final disposition of Jammu and Kashmir in accordance with the will of the people to be determined through a free and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices. Pakistan upholds this position and is determined to extend full political, moral and diplomatic support to the just cause of the Kashmiri people. Pakistan has been consistently highlighting the Kashmir issue on all the important international forums including the UN General Assembly, the OIC and The Human Rights Council.

Following is a brief account of Pakistan’s efforts on projecting the gravity of Kashmir dispute during the last four years:

Kashmir at the UN

Since United Nations is the largest international forum where any issue can be brought, Pakistan has always kept great focus on the sessions of UN General Assembly in order to highlight the Kashmir Cause. Over the last four years, Pakistan has invariably highlighted Kashmir in the addresses made by the Heads of the Pakistani delegations in UNGA. Pakistan delegations were led by the Foreign Ministers in 2010 and 2011 and the President in 2009 and 2012. 9 Pakistan President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari during his debate on the 67th Session of the UN General Assembly in September 2012 stated: “Our principled position on territorial disputes remains bedrock of our foreign policy. We will continue to support the right of the people of Jammu & Kashmir to peacefully choose their destiny in accordance with the UN Security Council’s long-standing resolutions on this matter. Kashmir remains a symbol of the failures, rather than strengths of the UN system”. Addressing the UN General Assembly India’s External Affairs Minister SM Krishna described President Zardari’s statement as unwarranted stating that Kashmir is an integral part of India.

Kashmir at the OIC

o The 36th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of OIC(CFM) was held in Damascus on 23-25th May, 2009.The Council took serious note of the Indian intransigence on the issue of Kashmir. The OIC Contact group on Kashmir also met on the sidelines of the 36th CFM.Pakistan’s delegation was led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs; Mr Shah Mehmood Qureshi.It was also attended by a delegation from the Parliamentary special Committee on Kashmir headed by Mr. Lal Mohammad Khan.

o The meeting of the 37th OIC CFM was held in Dushanbe on 18th to 20th May, 2010 adopted a resolution on Kashmir which was proposed by Pakistan. Meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Kashmir was also held on the sidelines of the CFM.

o The Foreign Minister of Pakistan co-chaired the meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir on the sidelines of the 66th UNGA in New York on 21 September, 2011. During the meeting, she particularly discussed the issue of mass graves as highlighted in the investigation report of the Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission and called upon the Government of India to bring to justice, those who were involved in such crimes.

o Annual Coordination Meeting of the OIC Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the 66th UNGA also took note of the issue of unmarked graves at various places of North Kashmir and called for fair trial of those, involved in such heinous crimes.

o The 38th Session of Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of OIC was held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 28-30 June 2011. The CFM 10

passed Resolution upholding right to self determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Meeting of the OIC Contact Group was also held on the sidelines of 38th CFM on 28 June 2011. This meeting was chaired by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar. o Fourth Extra Ordinary OIC Summit held in Makkah on 14th to 15th August 2012 expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir. o OIC Contact Group Meeting was held on the sidelines of the 67th Session of UN General Assembly in New York on 26 September 2012. The meeting was attended by the OIC Secretary General, H.E. Professor Dr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Turkish Foreign Minister H.E. Professor Dr. Ahmet Davutoglu and representative of Government of Niger and Permanent Representatives of Saudi Arabia in New York. The Foreign Minister as leader of Pakistan delegation highlighted the human rights violations in IoK and stressed the need of resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolutions. o The issue of Jammu and Kashmir was raised at the Annual Coordination Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the OIC countries held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on 28 September 2012. The Foreign Minister in her statement expressed her serious concerns at the human rights violation in IoK and that the discovery of mass graves in Kashmir. o The Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir met on 16 November 2012 on the sidelines of the 39th Council of foreign Ministers in Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti. The meeting was attended by the Foreign Minister and Heads of the Delegations of Niger, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The OIC Secretary General, H.E. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, reaffirmed the principled position of the OIC in fully supporting the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle to achieve their legitimate rights. 11 Kashmir at the Human Rights Council

Pakistan has regularly facilitated the True Representatives of Kashmiri People at the Human Rights Council. The sessions of the Human Rights Council are held thrice every year. Over the past four years Kashmiri representatives have raised Human Rights Violations under various agenda items like (Promotion and Protection of all Human Rights, Civil, Political, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights including the rights of Development.)

The UN. High Commissioner for Human Rights Ms Pillai visited Pakistan recently. She was given a detailed briefing about the Human Rights Violations being perpetrated by the Indian Authorities in Kashmir. She expressed serious concern on the Draconian Laws in Kashmir namely AFSPA, TADA and DAA.

Pakistan has made every effort to resolve the Kashmir issue at every available International forum. Kashmir has been invariably discussed with India at the Heads of State/Government Level meetings.

10. Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state whether the cases of Pakistani workers who lost their lives due to electric shock at Baraiyda, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the year 2012 are being prosecuted by the concerned Embassy in the Sharia Court, KSA; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): Three Pakistani nationals lost their lives due to electric shock at Buraiyada, Al-Qaseem, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the year 2012. The names of those Pakistani nationals are as under:—

(a) Abdul Waheed Shakir S/o Sain Muhammad (b) Muhammad Ikram S/o Mewa Khan (c) Muhammad Ijaz S/o Salih

FIR is registered in cases of death by the local police authorities in which prima facie evidence exists pertaining to the involvement of some criminal intent i.e Murder/Qatal. These three Pakistani nationals died due to electrocution. Hence no FIR was registered by the local police authority nor is any case under trial in Shariah Court. 12 Mr. Abdul Waheed Shakir S/o Sain Muhammad:

He came to Saudi Arabia as a “builder” to work with Mr. Farin Bin Saleh al-Hanzi. However, he was working as an “AZAD” employee somewhere else at his own behest in contravention of the local labour laws. According to the documentary record available with our Mission in Riyadh, his Iqama (Work Permit) was not issued and he was not registered with General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI). He died due to electrocution while working at a place away from his actual employer on daily wages.

Under these circumstances, legal heirs of the deceased are not entitled to any insurance or death compensation. However, his legal heirs can only claim insurance amount from State Life Insurance Corporation through the concerned office of Protectorate of Emigrants in Pakistan.

Mr. Muhammad Ikram S/o Mewa Khan:

He came to Saudi Arabia in 2011 as a “Networking Technician” in Al-Janahain Contracting Est-Abdul Rahman M. Al-Nemer, located at Buridah, Al-Qaseem, and died on 26-09-2012, due to electric shock. The documentary record available in our Mission at Riyadh reveals that late Muhammad Ikram died due to electric shock during working hours while on duty of his employer. The management of the company informed that the deceased was properly registered with GOSI, as mandated by local labour laws. The company has already initiated his case with the Insurance Company for obtaining the Death Compensation for the legal heirs.

The legal heirs of late Ikram Khan are also entitled to claim the Insurance money from State Life Insurance Corporation through the concerned Protectorate Office in Pakistan.

Mr. Muhammad Ejaz S/o Salih:

He came to Saudi Arabia as a “Construction Worker” and died on 18- 11-2012 due to electric shock. He was working away from his actual employer and died due to his own negligence- electrocution with main transmission line. He was also not registered with GOSI and therefore, his legal heirs are not entitled to any death compensation. However, his legal heirs can claim insurance amount from State Life Insurance Corporation through the concerned office of Protectorate of Emigrants in Pakistan. 13 11. Muhammad Rehan Hashmi:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of employees working in Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) at present; and

(b) the total number of employees of TDAP working in Pakistani Embassies abroad alongwith the details thereof?

Reply not received.

12. Dr. Imtiaz Sultan Bukhari:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Ministry has advertised posts of various categories for recruitments in Peshawar Division recently;

(b) whether it is also a fact that all posts of above category IV have been reserved for Khyber-Pakhtun Khawa (KPK) and FATA;

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

Reply not received.

13. Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state the year-wise total number of cases of substandard utilization of fuel in Railways registered during the last five years alongwith the names of accused persons thereof?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): No case has been detected /registered regarding utilization of sub-standard fuel in Railways during the last five years. 14

14. Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state: (a) the train wise income earned by Pakistan Railways from the contracts of dining cars during the last five years; and (b) whether the advertisements of said contracts were published in newspapers; if so, the names thereof?

Minister for Railways (Haji Ghulam Ahmad Bilour): (a) The train-wise income earned by Pakistan Railways from the contracts of dining cars during the last five years is given below:— —————————————————————————————— S. No. Train Year Amount —————————————————————————————— 1. 1UP/ 2DN 2008-2009 Rs.2,044,000/- 2009-2010 Rs.2,044,000/- 2010-2011 Rs.2,044,000/- 2011-2012 Rs.2,044,000/- 2012-2013 Rs.7,161,786/-

2. 5UP/6DN 2008-2009 Rs.8,010,000/- Revoked by the contractor on 7-7-2009

3. 7UP/8DN 2008-2009 Rs.6,059,000/- 2009-2010 Rs.6,664,000/- 2010-2011 Rs.6,664,000/- 2011-2012 Rs.8,415,000/- 2012-2013 Rs.9,256,500/-

4. 9UP/ 10DN 2008-2009 Rs.5,996,100/- 2009-2010 Not contracted out during the year 2010-2011 Not contracted out during the year 2011-2012 Rs.9,033,786/- 2012-2013 Rs.9,385,000/-

5. 13Up/14DN 2008-2009 Rs.5,840,000/- 2009-2010 Rs.5,840,000/- 2010-2011 Rs.5,840,000/- 2011-2012 Rs.5,840,000/- 2012-2013 Rs.9,225,000/- —————————————————————————————— 15 —————————————————————————————— S. No. Train Year Amount —————————————————————————————— 6. 15UP/16DN 2008-2009 Rs.7,271,000/- 2009-2010 Not contracted out during the year 2010-2011 Rs.9,015,000/- 2011-2012 Not contracted out during the year 2012-2013 Not contracted out during the year

7. 17UP/18DN 2008-2009 Rs.4,562,5001- 2009-2010 Rs.4,562,500/- 2010-2011 Rs.10,265,060/- Not contracted out during 2011-2012 the year Rs.7,080,000/- 2012-2013

8. 23UP/24DN 2008-2009 Rs.1,460,000/- 2009-2010 Rs.1,460,000/- 2010-2011 Rs.1,460,000/- 2011-2012 Rs.1,460,000/- 2012-2013 Train service suspended

9. 27UP/28DN 2008-2009 Rs.4,380,0001- 2009-2010 Rs.4,380,000/- 2010-2011 Rs.4,380,000/- 2011-2012 Rs.4,380,000/- 2012-2013 Rs.4,199,909/-

10. 33UP/34DN 2008-2009 Train not in operation 2009-2010 Rs.3,190,000/- 2010-2011 Rs.4,015,000/- 2011-2012 Rs.5,705,000/- 2012-2013 Train service suspended

11. 39UP/40DN 2008-2009 Train not in operation 2009-2010 Train not in operation 2010-2011 Rs.8,820,560/- Revoked by the contractor 2011-2012 Not contracted out during the year 2012-2013 Rs.6,600,000/- —————————————————————————————— 16 —————————————————————————————— S. No. Train Year Amount —————————————————————————————— 12. 41UP/42DN 2008-2009 Rs.9,350,000/- 2009-2010 Rs.9,350,000/- 2010-2011 Rs.9,350,000/- 2011-2012 Rs.1,0475,000/- 2012-2013 Rs.11,522,500/-

13. 45UP/46DN 2008-2009 Rs.4,562,500/- 2009-2010 Rs.4,562,500/- 2010-2011 Rs.4,562,500/- 2011-2012 Rs.4,562,500/- 2012-2013 Rs.13,140,000/-

14. 101UP/102DN, 2008-2009 Rs.2,499,885/- 103UP/104DN, 2009-2010 Rs.2.499.885/- 105UP/106DN, 2010-2011 Rs.2,499,885/- 107UP/108DN, 2011-2012 Rs.2,499,885/- 109UP/110DN, 2012-2013 Rs.6,265,800/-

15. 111UP/112DN, 2008-2009 Rs.1 ,825,000/- 113UP/114DN 2009-2010 Rs.1,825,000/- 2010-2011 Rs.1,825,000/- 2011-2012 Rs.1,825,000/- 2012-2013 Not contracted out during the year —————————————————————————————— Grand Total Rs. 321,055,541/- ——————————————————————————————

(b) The said contracts are given to private parties after pre- qualification of firms. Notice for inviting applications for pre-qualifications are published in the press. Auction is carried out amongst the pre-qualified parties. The names of newspapers in which Notice for pre-qualification appeared are Daily “Express”, Daily “Khabrain” & Daily “News”. 17 15. Mr. Muhammad Riaz Malik:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the names alongwith designations of employees working in Pakistani Embassies/Foreign Missions abroad separately at present; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to reduce the number of those employees; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar): (a) A list containing names and designations of the employees belonging to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working in Pakistan Embassies/Foreign Missions abroad (Diplomatic Wing) is enclosed as Annexure “A”.

(b) The Ministry has no proposal under consideration concerning reduction of such employees as the Missions already have bare minimum staff.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

16. Mr. Iqbal Mohammad Ali Khan:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise total number of appointments made in the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) during the last five year, alongwith the criteria adopted therein;

(b) the total sanctioned posts of officers/official in TDAP alongwith the province-wise details of vacant posts of all cadres at present;

(d) the promotions made against the promotional quota during the said period?

Reply not received. 18 17. Ms. Shireen Arshad Khan:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state the incentives excluding salary being provided by the Pakistan Railways to its employees?

Reply not received.

18. Mrs. Munira Shakir:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the name of the department of the Government which monitors and ensures that Insurance Companies operating in the country are implementing terms and conditions made with their clients in letter and spirit?

Reply not received.

19. Mrs. Munira Shakir:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the department which determine the quality of vegetables and fruits being imported from India at present?

Reply not received.

KARAMAT HUSSAIN NIAZI, Secretary. ISLAMABAD: The 20th January 2013.

PCPPI—2055 (2013) NA—20-1-2013—700.