1 (248th Session)

SENATE SECRETARIAT ————— “QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”

to be asked at a sitting of the Senate to be held on

Wednesday, the 11th May, 2016

DEFERRED QUESTIONS

(Questions Nos. 66, 80, 90, and 91 deferred on 19th April, 2016 (247th Session)

*(Def). Question No. 66. Senator Mohammad Azam Khan Swati: (Notice received on 14-03-2016 at 03:00 p.m.)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the names of the countries where Pakistani official passport holders are allowed to enter without visa; and

(b) the names of the countries citizens of which are allowed to enter in Pakistan without visa?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) The list showing the names of the countries where Pakistani official passport holders are allowed to enter without visa is attached at Annex-I.

(b) Part b pertains to Ministry of Interior and accordingly the question was transferred to Ministry of Interior. 2 Annex-I

Updated on March 25, 2016 *(Def). Question No. 80. Senator Col. (R) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi: (Notice received on 18-03-2016 at 09:15 a.m.) Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state: 3 (a) the details of registered and unregistered stents being used for heart patients in the country;

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to control the use of unregistered stents in the country; and

(c) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to register imported stents, if so, the details thereof?

Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar: (a) The Federal Government under the Drugs Act, 1976 (XXXI of 1976) declared stent to be drug for the purpose of the said Act vide notification dated 5th November, 2009. Under section 7 of the Drugs Act, 1976 all drugs are being registered by the Registration Board as per prescribed procedures. Clause (vii) of sub-section (1) of section 23 of the Act prohibits export, import, manufacture for sale or sell any drug which is not registered or is not in accordance with the conditions of registration. The detail of registered stents being used for heart patients in the country is at Annex-I.

(b) The steps being taken by the Government to control the use of unregistered stents are as follow:—

(i) Under section 3 of the Drugs Act, 1976, the Federal Government declared the Stents as drug as at that time no law was there for regulation of medical devices including stents.

(ii) Under section 7 of the Act, registration is mandatory before import and sale of drugs including stents.

(iii) Other procedures to control the use of un-registered stents in the country have also been given in the Act and the rules framed thereunder. Section 18 of the Act empowers the Inspector (Federal or Provincial) appointed under section 17 subject to the provisions of section 19 of the Act to take sample and seize such drug and all materials and other articles used in the import/sale thereof. The section also empowers the inspectors to lock and seal the shop, building or godown etc. wherein any un-registered drug is sold and can exercise such other powers as may be necessary for carrying out the purposes of the Act or any rule. The accused are prosecuted in the Drug Court as per procedures given in the Act and rules framed thereunder. 4 (iv) Under Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) Act, 2012, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan notified Medical Devices Rules, 2015 on 9th March, 2015 for licensing, registration, classification, import, export, labeling etc. of medical devices, responsibilities and obligations of licensees and registration holders and usage, operation and procurement of registered medical devices in the health care facility, etc. and will be implemented accordingly.

(b) Stents have been declared as drug under the Drugs Act, 1976 and are being registered by the Registration Board under section 7 of the Drugs Act, 1976. 5 6

*(Def). Question No. 90. Senator Col. (R) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi: (Notice received on 24-03-2016 at 05:30 p.m.)

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to launch Health Insurance Scheme for patients in the country, if so, when?

Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar: Prime Minister’s National Health Program (PMNHP) has alreadybeen launched by the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan on 31st December 2015.

¦ In accordance with the vision of the Prime Minister, Prime Minister’s National Health Program (PMNHP) is striving to provide a cash less scheme for the poor people of Pakistan to access needed health care services in a phased manner. Through this scheme poor families will be provided with free of cost health cover (insurance) to access secondary as well as priority disease treatment (only hospitalization) without any financial obligations.

¦ During the first phase, the program is focusing on people living below the poverty line in 23 districts of Pakistan. 4 districts from every province, 2 district from every region and 1 ICT region, are included in the program.

¦ The districts were selected by respective Provincial and Regional governments based on district poverty level and possible availability of health care facilities, both public and private, to be empanelled under the program.

¦ In these 23 districts a total of 3.2 million families will be benefited from the program’s interventions. 7

¦ Program beneficiaries are poor families of Pakistan with daily income of $2 (Pak Rs. 200 per day) or less. The data has been secured from Benazir Income Support Program.

*(Def). Question No. 91. Senator Col. (R) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi: (Notice received on 25-03-2016 at 10:45 a.m.)

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) the names of private courier companies in the country at present;

(b) the procedure laid down to regulate those companies; and

(c) whether the said companies follow that procedure, if not, the details of action taken against the violators during the period from 2013 to 2015?

Minister for Communications: (a) In the absence of any regulatory regime, Ministry of Communications has neither registered any private courier company nor issued license to provide courier services.

(b) So far, no regulatory mechanism is in place to regulate the private courier services. However, Ms. Belum Hasnain, MNA had introduced Private Member Bill for establishment of Pakistan Private Courier Services Regulatory Authority in National Assembly which was entrusted to National Assembly Standing Committee on Communications and Sub-Committee is working on this bill.

(c) In the absence of any regulatory framework, so far, private courier services are operating without any regulatory regime.

*Question No. 29. Senator Najma Hameed: (Notice received on 16-03-2016 at 09:15 a.m.)

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state the names of areas in FATA where national highways and motorways are being constructed at present?

Minister for Communications: The following road sections of National Highways are located in FATA: 8 (a) The section of National Highways N-5 from Jamrud to Torkham is situated in FATA and recently a rehabilitation project has been executed on said road section with assistance of USAID through FATA Secretariat and is completed in all respect having a length of 64 KM.

(b) The section of N-50 also lies in FATA (FR D.I.Khan) from Danasar to Zam Tower having a length of 69 Km where a rehabilitation program is in progress.

(c) The road portion of N-55, Indus Highway in Darra Adam Khel area FR Kohat having a length of 24 Km is also part of FATA. This section has also been rehabilitated.

No motorway falls in the FATA area.

*Question No. 30. Senator Muhammad Talha Mehmood: (Notice received on 18-03-2016 at 09:00 a.m.)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the names and designations of the persons working in Pakistan Embassy/Mission in Sweden;

(b) the names and designation of the said persons against whom complaints have been received during their present posting in that embassy/mission indicating also the action taken in each case; and

(c) the names and designation of the said persons who have completed their tenure of posting in that Embassy/Mission indicating also the time by which they will be transferred/called back?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) The requisite information is as follows: 9

(b) No public complaint has so far been received against any officer/ staff member of the Mission.

(c) Mr. Najeeb Durrani, Minister and Mr. Khalid Izhar Siddiqui, Accountant have completed their tenure. They are under transfer to the Headquarters.

*Question No. 31. Senator Muhammad Talha Mehmood: (Notice received on 21-03-2016 at 09:10 a.m.)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the names and designations of the persons working in the Pakistan Embassy/Mission in Saudi Arabia; 10 (b) the names and designation of the said persons against whom complaints have been received during their present posting in that embassy/mission indicating also the action taken in each case; and

(c) the names and designation of the said persons who have completed their tenure of posting in that Embassy/Mission indicating also the time by which they will be transferred/called back?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) The requisite information is as follows: 11 12 13 14 15 16 (b) No public complaint has so far been received in the Ministry against any officer/staff member of the Missions.

(c) Following officers/officials have completed their normal tenure in the Missions:

The replacements of the above-mentioned officers/officials are being finalized by their respective departments. 17 *Question No. 32. Senator Muhammad Talha Mehmood: (Notice received on 22-03-2016 at 09:00 a.m.)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the names and designations of the persons working in Pakistan Embassy / Mission in Sudan;

(b) the names and designation of the said persons against whom complaints have been received during their present posting in that embassy/mission indicating also the action taken in each case; and

(c) the names and designation of the said persons who have completed their tenure of posting in that Embassy / Mission indicating also the time by which they will be transferred/called back?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) The requisite information is as follows: 18

(b) No public complaints has so far been received against any officer/ staff member of the Mission.

(c) Mr. Shahbaz Mustafa, Second Secretary has completed his normal tenure in the Mission. His replacement has been selected and advised to reach Khartoum by June/July, 2016.

*Question No. 33. Senator Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari: (Notice received on 22-03-2016 at 11:25 a.m.)

Will the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training be please state:

(a) the amount allocated for education sector during the last three fiscal years;

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to increase the allocations for the said sector from 0.34% of the GDP to 0.8% by 2018; and

(c) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to support / help the provinces to increase their allocations for that sector from 1.33% of the GDP to 3.2%, if so, the details thereof? 19 Mr. Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman: (a) Budgetary allocation for education sector by governments in last three years is as follows:

(b) The expenditure on education was around 2% of GDP, which is steadily increasing as evident from the attached table at Annex-II. All governments including federal and provincial are committed to strive to achieve 4% of GDP. (c) In pursuance of 7th NFC award formula, Federal Government has increased provincial share from 47.5% to 56% in 2010-2011 and 57.5% in 2011-2012. Bedsides, due to better tax to GDP ratio and growth in economy (GDP), the provinces are getting much larger fiscal space. In addition to above, there are many areas in which Federal Government helps the provinces in education which is primarily a devolved subject especially after under 18th Constitutional Amendment. 20

*Question No. 34. Senator Ahmed Hassan: (Notice received on 24-03-2016 at 09:50 a.m.)

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

(a) the names of private Medical Colleges presently registered in the country with province-wise break up; and

(b) the names of the said colleges which have been closed down by the Government during the last three years indicating also the reasons for closure in each case?

Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar: (a) The names of private medical colleges presently registered with province-wise breakup in the country may seen at Annexure-I.

(b) During the last three years no college has been de-recognized by the Federal Government.

However, PM&DC once recommended the closure of four medical colleges ignoring the codal formalities to be observed under the law. Further, the matter is subjudice in different courts of the country and PM&DC has been requested for provision of its considered view point under the prevailing factual and legal position, which is awaited. Under the law, desired action cannot be taken till the matter is subjudice and completion of formalities by the PM&DC under Section 22 of the PM&DC Ordinance, 1962, which also include a scheme 21 for adjustment of students in other recognized institutions of the corresponding public or private sector, as the case may be. As the present regular Council has been advised to reappraise the propriety of decisions taken and recommendations made regarding recognition of medical and dental institutions since 2012. So, the Council has visited the said colleges to reconsider the matter, resultantly recommendation regarding closure of Sahiwal Medical College, Sahiwal has been withdrawn by the PM&DC and recommendations regarding Al-Razi Medical College, Peshawar are in process. Annexure-I 22

60. Punjab HBS Medical College Islamabad *Question No. 35. Senator Ahmed Hassan: (Notice received on 24-03-2016 at 09:50 a.m.)

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

(a) the criteria laid down for registration of private Medical Colleges in the country; and

(b) whether any mechanism has been devised to monitor the performance of the said colleges, if so, the details thereof?

Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar: (a) There is a set criteria for recognition of all medical colleges, Private or public, as per Medical and / Dental Institutions (Recommendation, Eligibility Criteria for Enhancement in Annual Admissions and Accreditation Standard) Regulations, 2012, is annexed.

(b) To monitor the performance of the said colleges a mechanism is also given in the said regulation framed under the PM&DC Ordinance, 1962. Routine 23 inspections including comprehensive inspection by the order of the competent authority may be conducted for monitoring and evaluation under sections 43, 44 and 45 of the Regulations, 2012. Moreover, as per Section 5 of the Regulations, 2012, the President of the Council may order a surprise comprehensive inspection of any institution at any time. Annexure 24 *Question No. 36. Senator Ahmed Hassan: (Notice received on 24-03-2016 at 09:50 a.m.)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the Gawadar Port has not been operational fully at present, if so, the details thereof;

(b) the volume of trade / goods being imported / exported through the said port at present; and

(c) the estimated volume of goods to be imported / exported through that port after it becomes fully functional?

Mr. Kamran Michael: (a) First phase of Gwadar Port infrastructures with 03 multipurpose berths - each 200 meters long with depth of 14.5 m including one Roll-on-Roll off (RORO) facility and another 100 meter service berth, machinery equipments allied buildings and facilities were completed in 2006. The port with the above facilities is fully operational and is being operated by M/S China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited (COPHCL).

(b) Since 2008 till now various cargo vessels carrying wheat, Urea and some container vessels were handled at Port with the following details;

Wheat : 26 Ships (963.609 M.tons) Urea : 150 Ships (5366,003.018 million tons) Container : 07 Ships (662.4 M.tons)

(c) During 2016-17, the port throughput is expected to be one million tons, which will be increased gradually on annual basis with further development of the Port and free zone.

*Question No. 37. Senator Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari: (Notice received on 24-03-2016 at 01:10 p.m.)

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) the number of fatal casualities took place in accidents on N-65 Shahwali (District Rajanpur) to Taunsa (District Dera Ghazi Khan) section during the last five years with month wise break up; and 25 (b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to dualize the said section of the road and depute Motorways Police for patrolling the same?

Minister for Communications: (a) The data of fatal casualties of accidents on N-55 (Shahwali to Taunsa 400 Km) Section was recorded by National Highway Authority (NHA) from 4 TV Channels by awarding a contract. This contract was started in June, 2013 and was closed on May 2015 on completion.

The available data of casualties month wise during above said contract period is accordingly provided as under: 26 (b) The proposal for dualization of Rajanpur-Taunsa Section is being undertaken under Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Corridor initiative. The process for procurement of consultants for conducting the detailed design has been initiated.

The project is likely to be financed by Asian Development Bank (ADB). There is no proposal under consideration to Government to depute National Highways and Motorway Police (NH & MP) for Patrolling on the subject road.

*Question No. 38. Senator Najma Hameed: (Notice received on 31-03-2016 at 12:30 p.m.)

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

(a) the number of patients of Aids in the country at present;

(b) whether the said patients are being provided medicines and medical treatment free of cost; and

(c) whether the number of the said patients is presently increasing or otherwise?

Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar: (a) Estimated number of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in the country is 94,000 while 15,370 are registered in 21 HIV treatment centers across the country till date.

(b) Yes

(HIV/AIDS patients are being provided medicines and medical treatment free of cost).

(c) More patients are being registered as a result of effective services and growing trust of the patients and communities in getting free of cost testing and treatment services.

*Question No. 39. Senator Najma Hameed: (Notice received on 31-03-2016 at 12:30 p.m.)

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the maternal mortality rate in Pakistan at present indicating also the steps being taken by the Government in this regard? 27 Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar:

Maternal Mortality Ratio Pakistan Provincial Status

The Maternal Mortality Rate in Pakistan is 276/100,000 live births.

The Government is working to control Maternal Mortality Rate through following steps:

(1) Action Plan on Reproductive, Maternal, and Neonatal and Child Health (RMNCH) is being prepared to consolidate and accelerate the progress to achieve MDG targets (To bring mortality rates down) by the end of year.

(2) The resuscitation and basic EmoNC facilities are being provided at basic health units that have brought down Maternal Mortality Rates.

(3) The deliveries are now being conducted by skilled Community Midwives in all the healthcare facilities and at Health Houses that has significantly reduced the mortality at birth, for both mother and child.

(4) Through RMNCH Trust fund, Ministry in collaboration with provinces, partner agencies and regions, is training Community Midwives and other medical personnel in order to strengthen human resource and service delivery

¦ National Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Program is continuing in the provinces after devolution focusing on maternal, newborn and child health in the country. This program has decreased both IMR and MMR throughout country by providing better EmoNC services at basic health units.

¦ National Program for Family Planning and Primary Health Care through its network of 96,000 community based Lady Health Workers has a substantial impact on the uptake of important primary health services which include a large and positive impact on Childhood vaccination rates, and Lower rates of childhood diarrhea & pneumonia.

¦ Nutrition: Government has adopted a life-cycle approach and recognizes the importance of optimal nutrition for women in 28 order to minimize the risks associated with malnutrition. Securing good nutritional status of women across the life course will in the long term reduce intrauterine growth restriction, child underweight and stunting.

*Question No. 40. Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh: (Notice received on 31-03-2016 at 02:25 p.m.)

Will the Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) the names, date of appointment and experience in the relevant field of the present members of Selection Committee of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB);

(b) the details of qualifications, experience and other requirements prescribed for appointment of the said members;

(c) the procedure / criteria laid down for selection of those members; and

(d) the procedure adopted by the Committee for selection of the existing cricket team?

Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada: (a) The PCB’s current National Selection Committee is comprised of the following: —————————————————————————————— Name Designation Date of Appointment —————————————————————————————— 1. Inzamam-ul-Haq Chief Selector 18th April 2016 2. Tauseef Ahmed Member 18th April 2016 3. Wajahatullah Wasti Member 18th April 2016 4. Waseem Haider Member 18th April 2016 —————————————————————————————— lnzamam-ul-Haq

Inzamam-ul-Haq, is a former Pakistani Test Captain and Cricketer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Pakistani batsmen ever. He is the leading run scorer for Pakistan in One-Day Cricket and the third-highest run scorer for Pakistan in Test cricket, after Younis Khan and Javed Miandad. He was the captain of the Pakistan national cricket team from 2003-07 and is considered to be one of the best leaders in Pakistan Cricket history. 29 Tauseef Ahmed

Tauseef Ahmed is a former Pakistani Test cricketer who played in 34 Tests and 70 ODIs from 1980 to 1993. Since retirement Tauseef has been involved in coaching serving as Hyderabad Region Head Coach and has also worked as a Talent Hunt Officer for PCB.

Wajahatullah Wasti

Wajahatullah Wasti is a former Pakistani Test cricketer. He was a right- handed batsman and a right-arm off break bowler. Wasti played in six Test matches between February 1999 and May 2000.

Waseem Haider

Waseem Haider is a former Pakistani Cricketer who played 3 One Day Internationals for Pakistan and is most known for being part of the 1992 World Cup winning Pakistan Team. After retirement Waseem has been involved in coaching and was the Multan Region Head Coach.

(b) The above individuals were appointed keeping in view their experience as International Cricketers who have represented their country.

(c) In addition to their International Careers their involvement within the Pakistan Cricket setup is also a determining factor in their selection. The above mentioned either have vast experience as International Cricketers and/or they have a number of years being involved in Domestic Cricket which allows them to have a detailed insight into the skills of Cricketers and their suitability to be considered as members of the National Cricket Team.

(d) When selecting players for the National Cricket Team the Selectors consider the player’s recent International or Domestic record as it may be relevant.

In addition a player’s fitness and current form as well as an individual’s skill suitability for the matches for which selection is being made is considered at the time of selection. 30 *Question No. 41. Senator Mohammad Azam Khan Swati: (Notice received on 01-02-2016 at 09:10 a.m.) Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the steps taken by the Government to provide treatment to the TB patients in earthquake affected areas of District Mansehra so far? Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar: Response: There are three tehsils of district Mansehra (Mansehra, Oghi and Balakot) and 16 BMUs. No infrastructure damage to health care facilities has been made during the recent earthquake in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and AJ&K on October 26, 2015. The TB case management regarding diagnosis follow up and treatment was not affected at all in earthquake affected districts in general. TB cases are being diagnosed and treated routinely in all TB care facilities in district Mansehra. National and Provincial TB Control Programs took extra care of the TB patients in KP and AJ&K in providing uninterrupted supply of anti-TB drugs during response and relief phase in post-earthquake period in the all affected districts. 31 *Question No. 42. Senator Sitara Ayaz: (Notice received on 01-04-2016 at 09:20 a.m.)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the number of persons working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with designation-wise breakup; and

(b) the number of persons working in Pakistan Embassies / Missions abroad with designation-wise and Mission-wise breakup?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) At present there are 168 sanctioned posts of ASP Cadre officers at the Headquarters (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Furthermore, there are 60 sanctioned posts of Ex-cadre officers at the Headquarters as well. Currently there are a total of 1051 sanctioned seats of officials (staff members), including Ex-Cadre officials, working at the Headquarters. Designation-wise breakup of the above mentioned sanctioned posts of officers and officials at the Headquarters is as under: 32 33 34

(b) There are 310 sanctioned posts of FSP officers (Diplomatic Wing) at Pakistan Missions abroad. Furthermore, at staff level, there are 726 sanctioned posts of Pak-based officials (Diplomatic wing) and 562 sanctioned posts of local- based staff members at different Pakistan Missions abroad. The details are as under: 35 36

*Question No. 43. Senator Col. (R) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi: (Notice received on 01-04-2016 at 12:15 p.m.)

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state whether it is a fact that due to spray of pesticides on the crops on large scale the issue of environmental pollution is becoming severe in the country, if so, the steps being taken by the Government to address this issue?

Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan: Indiscriminate use of pesticides on the crops causes environmental pollution. Pesticides are not only harmful for mankind but also affect different beneficial organisms and cause environmental degradation, extinction of biodiversity, pest resistance etc.

Government has taken the following steps to address the environmental pollution issues due to pesticides:

- Monitoring and Pest Scouting System. - Establishment of pesticide residue analysis/testing laboratories network. - Bt Cotton varieties are also helpful to minimize the use of insecticides. - Development of IPM strategies for control of insect pests. - Capacity building of the farming community in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. - Awareness campaigns. 37 *Question No. 44. Senator Mohammad Azam Khan Swati: (Notice received on 04-04-2016 at 09:40 a.m.)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that there is no mechanism to properly test efficacy of herbal medicines in the country, if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to develop and promote herb-based medicines through institutionalized programme in the country?

Mrs. Saira Afzal Tarar: (a) The DRAP Act 2012 was promulgated on 13th November 2012. Accordingly alternative medicines and health product (enlistment) rules 2014 were promulgated on 27th May 2014 and applications were invited from the manufacturers and importers. The process of enlistment has been started and more than 150 manufacturers/importers have been enlisted under the rules. Product enlistment is ,also in process and would be started after finalization of policy issues.

As it is the new regulation which is going to regulate the Health & OTC sector which was previously unregulated. Hence, the present central and provincial drug testing laboratories in the country are not fully capable to test the herbal medicines in respect of this efficacy quality and potency, etc.

(b) The Drug Testing Laboratories are being upgraded to meet the requirement under the recently framed regulations and this process may take more than one year to enable the Government Laboratories for testing of herbal medicines and health products. Currently the Drug Testing Laboratories are doing the test/ analysis of herbal medicines by identifying the presence or absence of allopathic ingredients in the herb based products to discourage the business of unqualified and un-registered medicines under the garb of herbal medicines.

*Question No. 45. Senator Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari: (Notice received on 04-04-2016 at 11:16 a.m.)

Will the Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination be pleased to state the budget approved for the Pakistan Cricket Board during the last five years with year wise break up? 38 Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is a body corporate and has been established as a Board under Sports (Development and Control) Ordinance 1962 by the Federal Government. Vested with the exclusive authority to regulate the game of cricket in Pakistan, the PCB operates and functions independently as an autonomous entity which generates its own revenues and neither takes nor receives any grants or funds from the Government or the Public Exchequer.

Therefore, no budget was approved for the Pakistan Cricket Board during the last five years.

*Question No. 46. Senator Col. (R) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi: (Notice received on 04-04-2016 at 11:20 a.m.)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the improvement made in relations between Pakistan and Iran during the last four years?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: Pakistan and Iran have always enjoyed excelent bilateral relations. Our bilateral ties embarked on an upwards trajectory after the visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Iran in May 2014. During the period under review, various high-level bilateral visits have taken place between the two countries, including the following: 39 40 41

*Question No. 47. Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh: (Notice received on 04-04-2016 at 02:45 p.m.)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the visa regime between Pakistan and Iran is replete with complications / hurdles which is a hindrance in increasing the trade volume between the two countries, if so, the reasons thereof;

(b) the steps taken / being taken by the Government to remove the said hurdles; and

(c) whether that issue of removal of hurdles in visa regime between the two countries has been discussed with the Iranian Authorities, if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) Visa policy on Pakistani side is quite liberal. Iranian businessmen are usually given visas in one or two days, subject to completion of documents and other visa categories are also processed as per policy of the Ministry of Interior. 42 On the other hand, Iranian Embassy and Consulates in Pakistan have a longer list of requirements for visa i.e. insurance cover, medical test (with the insistence of obtaining reports from nominated medical labs only), sponsorship letter, personal interview, bank statements, financial/original documents, visa fee is also higher as compared to Pakistan. Besides, they have a visa processing time of 2-3 weeks.

However, the main hindrance for increasing trade volume between the two countries was the international economic and financial sanctions against Iran and the absence of banking arrangements.

Overall, however, issues relating to the visa regime are raised regularly during our diplomatic interactions.

(b) & (c) Pakistan-Iran Joint Consular Commission is a joint forum wherein consular issues are also regularly discussed. The last session of the forum was held in April 2015 in Islamabad, which was jointly chaired by the then Secretary Interior, Mr. Shahid Khan, and Mr. Hasan Ghashghavi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular, Parliamentary and Iranian Expatriates Affairs, Iran, where these issues were raised with the Iranian side. During the meeting, both sides agreed to facilitate visa procedures for businessmen and transport drivers, and our authorities are pursuing the Iranian side for early implementation of the decisions.

*Question No. 48. Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh: (Notice received on 05-04-2016 at 02:55 p.m.)

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

(a) whether it is a fact the inter and intra provincial disparities in terms of food security exist in the country, if so, the details of areas which have been suffering / suffered chronic food insecurity during the last five years;

(b) the budget allocated and utilized on promotion of agricultural research to increase cultivation of food crops during the said period; and

(c) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the government to evolve a National Food Security Strategy, if so, the details thereof? 43 Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan: (a) It is a fact that there are inter and intra provincial disparities in term of Food Security exist in the country. However, no formal figures have been issued for the last five years by the Government. Ministry of National Food Security and Research has constituted a Task Force on Food Security to conduct Food Security Survey (2015-16) and collect data on food security situation in the country. This work is in progress and report will be available in July-August, 2016. (b) The detail of Federal budget allocation for agriculture research and utilization is summarized as follows.

(c) Ministry of National Food Security and Research is in the process of finalization of “Agriculture and Food Security Policy. As soon as this policy would be approved as a follow up a “National Food Security Strategy” will be prepared and implemented.

*Question No. 49. Senator Sitara Ayaz: (Notice received on 05-04-2016 at 02:55 p.m.)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that Urea is being used in the agriculture sector of the country;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the use of Urea is banned in FATA, if so, the reasons thereof?

Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan: (a) Yes.

(b) There is no ban on use of urea in FATA. 44 *Question No. 50. Senator Sitara Ayaz: (Notice received on 05-04-2016 at 02:55 p.m.)

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state whether Pakistan export DAP Urea to Afghanistan, if so, the procedure laid down for the same.

Mr. Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan: Pakistan does not export DAP and Urea to Afghanistan.

*Question No. 51. Senator Shahi Syed: (Notice received on 08-04-2016 at 11:05 a.m.)

Will the Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Pakistan Cricket Board is an autonomous organization;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the Government provides funds to that Board for the development and promotion of cricket in the country, if so, the details thereof; and

(c) whether it is further a fact that the said Board is not answerable to the Ministry and the Parliament, if so, whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to make necessary legislation to make it answerable to the Ministry and parliament?

Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada: (a) Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is an autonomous body corporate and has been established as a Board under Sports (Development and Control) Ordinance 1962 by the Federal Government. It is vested with the exclusive authority to regulate the game of cricket in Pakistan.

(b) PCB operates and functions independently as an autonomous entity which generates its own revenues and neither takes nor receives any grants or funds from the Government or the public exchequer.

(c) World cricket is regulated by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Pakistan is a full member of ICC. Under the Charter documents of ICC it is a 45 condition precedent for every member that there should be no political or government interference in the affairs of the National Cricket Federations, in the instant case, PCB. It is for this reason that the Government of Pakistan had to formulate a new constitution of PCB in 2014 which ensured that the PCB remained fully compliant with the mandatory requirements of ICC. The said PCB Constitution has been drafted by two former judges of the honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan. PCB in order to maintain a working relationship with the Ministry of IPC has the Secretary of Ministry of IPC as an ex-officio member on its Board of Governors (BOG). Further the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan is the patron of PCB to whom PCB is required to furnish its annual report and audit report in accordance with its Constitution. There is no such proposal under consideration of the Government to make a legislation in this regard.

*Question No. 52. Senator Shahi Syed: (Notice received on 08-04-2016 at 11:05 a.m.)

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

(a) the number of persons working in the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, its attached departments, subordinate offices, autonomous and semi autonomous organizations with grade wise and province wise break up;

(b) the names, designations and place of domicile of the persons appointed in Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim Authority and Gawadar Port Authority during the last ten years;

(c) the number of the said persons appointed against the quota reserved for the children of the employees of those ports; and

(d) whether it is a fact that some of those persons appointed in the said authorities / ports during that period were involved in terrorist activities who were later on dismissed from service? 46 Mr. Kamran Michael: (a) 47 (b) GWADAR PORT AUTHORITY

The names, designations and place of domicile of the persons appointed in Gwadar Port Authority during the last ten years is enclosed as Annex-XIV.

KARACHI PORT TRUST

A total of 1564 appointments have been made in KPT during the last ten years (2006-2015). Their details with names, designation and place of domicile are as Annex-XV.

PORT QASIM AUTHORITY

The requisite reply in respect of Port Qasim Authority is at Annex-XVI.

(c) KARACHI PORT TRUST

There is no quota reserved for the children of the employees. However, sons/ daughters of employees who die during service are being appointed under scheme of Assistance package as per Federal Government instructions.

PORT QASIM AUTHORITY

During the last 10 years 82 dependents (son/ daughter/ widow) of deceased employees were appointed as per Prime Minister’s Assistance Package.

GWADAR PORT AUTHORITY

NIL

(d) No

(Annexures have been placed on the Table of the House as well as Library.)

*Question No. 53. Senator Mohammad Azam Khan Swati: (Notice received on 13-04-2016 at 10:00 a.m.)

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) the profit earned or losses sustained by Pakistan Post since 2006 with year wise break up; and 48 (b) the steps taken by the Government to make that department profitable during the said period with year wise break up?

Minister for Communications: (a) The information pertaining to income- expenditure position relating to Pakistan Post Office Department since 2006 onward is delineated as under:—

(b) The steps taken to increase the revenue of Pakistan Post Office Department to make it a vibrant entity are as under:—

¦ To improve the quality of Postal Services to cater to the requirements of the customers so that on the basis of efficiency and reliability, postal market share could be augmented.

¦ A proposal has been moved to Finance Division to revise the rate of commission payable on offering National Savings Schemes based on costing, and its approval will result in additional revenue for Pakistan Post.

¦ A Reform Agenda has also been approved by Prime Minister to generate additional revenue for Pakistan Post to make it a profitable entity. Under Reform Agenda, the following initiatives are under progress:— 49 (i) Launching of Money Transfer Service.

(ii) Establishment of Pakistan Post Logistic Company.

(iii) Re-branding of Pakistan Post.

*Question No. 54. Senator Sardar Muhammad Azam Khan Musakhel: (Notice received on 20-04-2016 at 08:15 a.m.)

Will the Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination be pleased to state the income generated through Pakistan Super League held in February,2016?

Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada: At present, the accounts of the PCB, regarding Pakistan Super Leagues have not been finalized yet, but under process, as the same are being received from different quarters. However the income generated through Pakistan Super League has been estimated at US$ 2.4 million.

As soon as the accounts of Pakistan Super Leagues are finalized, exact income received will be provided by the end of this month.

*Question No. 55. Senator Sassui Palijo: (Notice received on 20-04-2016 at 1:15 p.m.)

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) the date on which the work on the project for completion of road from Gharo to K-T bander, district Thatta, was started indicating also the amount spent and length of the road completed so far; and

(b) whether it is a fact that the said project has been dropped from annual budget, 2015-16 PSDP 2015-16, if so, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Communications: (a)

¦ Construction of Road from Gharo to K-T Bunder was commenced in September, 2009. 50

¦ An Amount of Rs. 3,175.003 M is spent so far.

¦ The total length of project is 84 km, which has been divided into following three packages:

¦ Package-I Gharo to Mirpur Sakro (24 km) ¦ Package-II Mirpur Sakro to Garhho (30 km) ¦ Package-III Garhho to Keti Bundar (30 km)

¦ 54 km (Package-I & II) is completed and opened for traffic.

¦ Progress of Package-III is 55% and is expected to complete by December, 2016.

(b) Yes, it is fact that the project is not specifically mentioned in the list of PSDP projects for 2015-16. An allocation of Rs. 251 million is available for projects nearing completion.

Further Rs. 100 million is demanded for PSDP 2016-17.

Allocation can be revised subject to resumption of construction activities of Package-III. NHA is working on several options to resume work despite litigations with contractor.

*Question No. 56. Senator Col. (R) Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi: (Notice received on 25-04-2016 at 12:50 p.m.)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the details of Pakistani Ambassadors and High Commissioners posted for the second term in a particular / same country during the last five years; and

(b) the names of countries where posts of Pakistan’s Ambassadors/ High Commissioners are lying vacant at present?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) The response may kindly be treated as nil, as no Ambassador/High Commissioner has been posted for a second term in the same country during the last five years. 51 (b) The details of vacant posts of Ambassadors/High Commissioners are as under:

*Question No. 57. Senator Samina Abid: (Notice received on 25-04-2016 at 03:15 p.m.)

Will the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the student, belonging to the less developed areas like FATA, Chitral seeking admission in Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad on reserved seats / quota have to face difficulties, if so, the reasons thereof;

(b) the names and addresses of the students who have been given admission in the said University against reserved seats under quota system during the years 2015 and 2016; and

(c) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to grant / provide monthly stipend to the poor students in that University, if so, when?

Mr. Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman: (a) The students belonging to the less developed areas like FATA, Chitral do not face difficulties while seeking admission in Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad. QAU provides maximum facilities to all the students equally at the time of admission. 52 (b) A consolidated list containing the names, father’s name, address, and program of the students who have been given admission in QAU against reserved seats under quota system during the year 2015 and 2016 is at Annex-I.

(c) No such proposal under consideration of the Government of Pakistan to grant monthly stipend to the poor students in QAU, Islamabad. However, Government of Pakistan supports the poor students in the following scholarships programs:

i. HEC Need Base Scholarship

ii. USAID Merit and Need Base Scholarships

iii. Prime Minister Fee Reimbursement Program

iv. Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal Scholarships

v. Other scholarships offered by QAU.

(Annexure has been placed on the Table of the House as well as Library.)

ISLAMABAD: AMJED PERVEZ, The 10th May, 2016. Secretary.

PCPPI—0799(16) Senate—10-05-2016—275.