1 (295th Session)
SENATE SECRETARIAT
—————
“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”
to be asked at a sitting of the Senate to be held on
Tuesday, the 14th January, 2020
DEFERRED QUESTIONS
[Questions Nos. 60, 205, 206, 210, 212, 215, 216 and 217 deferred on 8th May, 2019, (288th Session)]
(Def.) *Question No. 60 Senator Chaudhary Tanvir Khan: (Notice Received on 26/03/2019 at 11:00 AM) QID: 35977
Will the Minister for Maritime Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the number of ships which can be docked at Port Qasim, Karachi simultaneously with type and size wise breakup;
(b) the number of foreign ships arrived at the said port during the last five years with country, type and size wise breakup; and
(c) the revenue earned by the Government from the arrival of the said ships during that period with year wise and ship wise breakup?
Syed Ali Haider Zaidi: (a) Requisite information is placed at Annex-A.
(b) Requisite information is placed at Annex-B.
(c) Requisite information is placed at Annex-C.
(Annexures have been placed on the table of the House as well as Library) 2 (Def.) *Question No. 205 Senator Chaudhary Tanvir Khan: (Notice Received on 3/04/2019 at 12:50 PM) QID: 35029
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:
(a) the amount released under the head of Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) during the last five years with year wise and province wise breakup; and
(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to make the said fund more transparent and efficient, if so, the details thereof?
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development: (a) Rs. 63.274 Billion were released by the Finance Division to Workers Welfare Fund, during last five years (2014-15 to 2018-19) as detailed below:—
Year-wise and Province-wise release of funds made to Provincial Workers Welfare Boards and Workers Welfare Fund against their approved budget is as under:—
3 (b) A transparent mechanism already exists in disbursement of the fund to Provincial Governments, after release of fund by Finance Division on quarterly basis.
Prior to disbursement of fund, demands of Provincial Governments are obtained on quarter basis along-with details of unspent balance of the previous quarter.
Fund is released to the provinces on quarterly demand and need basis, as per approved procedure. The unspent balance with the provinces is adjusted twice a year on 1st July and 1st January of each year.
There is a need for capacity building of the provinces for fully utilization of the fund to avoid its lapse.
No provinces have ever reported unequal distribution of fund. However, some time their demands are curtailed according to the provision from Finance Division and maintained by Workers Welfare Fund to efficient release of fund.
The proposal will be examined and submitted to the Finance Division after decision of its devolution or otherwise.
(Def.) *Question No. 206 Senator Chaudhary Tanvir Khan: (Notice Received on 3/04/2019 at 12:50 PM) QID: 35032
Will the Minister for Federal Education,Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to state:
(a) the names, designations and place of domicile of the members of the Senate established in the public sector universities in the country with university wise breakup; and
(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the present Government to improve the sandard of the said universities, if so, the details thereof?
Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: (a) A consolidated list containing the names, designations, place of domicile of the members of Senate/ Syndicate/ Board of Governors established in the public sector universities across the country with university-wise breakup is attached at Annex-I. 4 (b) Improvements in performance and standards of Higher Education Sector is one of core strategic aims of the present Government. The Government fully supports the programmes, policies, and reforms initiated by Higher Education Commission (HEC) for improvement of Higher Education Research and Development. As a result of these reforms, the ranking of Pakistani Universities have improved substantially, and there are twenty three (23) Pakistani Universities ranked in top 500 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asian ranking, 2019 and (9) Nine Pakistani Universities ranked in top 1000 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World ranking, 2019. Nature, International Journal of Science in its article dated 27-12-2018 states that Pakistan and Egypt had highest rises in research output in 2018. According to estimates, Pakistan and Egypt topped the list in percentage terms, with rises of 25% and 15.9% in research output, respectively. Detail of some of Programmes launched by HEC for improvement of HEIs standards, overall governance, and quality of education is attached at Annex-II.
Note: A total of 113 public sector universities are in the country. The data from 83 universities/DAIs have been received. The remaining data is being compiled and will be provided shortly.
(Annexures have been placed on the table of the House as well as Library)
(Def.) *Question No. 210 Senator Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar: (Notice Received on 11/04/2019 at 9:35 AM) QID: 36012
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the number of Pakistani students who completed their MBBS from foreign countries during the last ten years with year wise breakup; and
(b) the number of the said students who passed the PMDC test and got registered with it during that period with year wise breakup? 5 Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a)
(b)
(Def.) *Question No. 212 Senator Mushtaq Ahmed: (Notice Received on 12/04/2019 at 9:35 AM) QID: 35605
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that typhoid is rapidly increasing in the country, if so, the number of cases of the same reported during the period from 2016 to 2018; and
6 (b) whether it is also a fact that the medicines available in the market do not properly cure the said disease which makes it difficult to control the same, if so, the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Typhoid fever is an endemic disease has always effected people in the country. Cases of typhoid are reported from health facilities throughout the country via the District Health Information System (DHIS). The number of typhoid cases reported through DHIS for the specified years are listed below:
• 2016: 197,515 cases • 2017: 277,306 cases • 2018: 242,071 cases
(b) Typhoid fever is normally sensitive to broad spectrum antibiotics available across the country.
Since December 2016, the province of Sindh has been facing an outbreak of a Drug Resistant (XDR) Typhoid Fever. This particular variant of typhoid is resistant to the drugs which are commonly used to treat typhoid fever.
The XDR variant has acquired genetic resistance to these drugs and is only sensitive to macrolides and carbapenem based antibiotics.
Hence it is not the case that drugs are not properly curing the disease, rather the resistant variety of the bacterium is resistant to the standard drugs used for treatment.
The M/o NHSRC has been involved in supporting the DoH, Government of Sindh in managing this outbreak since August 2018 and have organized multiple WHO missions of Subject Matter Experts to analyse, characterize and assess, the ongoing outbreak. These WHO missions have subsequently developed a consensus based National Action Plan (NAP) for XDR Typhoid with input from stakeholders from across the country.
7 (Def.) *Question No. 215 Senator Mushtaq Ahmed: (Notice Received on 17/04/2019 at 12:40 PM) QID: 35419
Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the performance of Pakistan teams in sports like Hockey, Cricket, Squash, Snooker, Athletics and Boxing at the International level has become poor at present, if so, the reasons thereof; and
(b) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to improve the performance of Pakistani teams/players in the said sports, with particular reference to hockey?
Dr. Fehmida Mirza: (a) Pakistan Sports Board
The performance of Pakistan teams in sports like Hockey, Athletics and Boxing can be termed as unsatisfactory despite the fact that a considerable grant had been released to these Federations for promotion/upgradation of their sports discipline. However, the performance of Squash and Snooker is better as compared to the other disciplines. M/s Babar Masih and Zulfiqar Abdul Qadir won 7th Asian Team Championship in Doha, Qatar from 16th to 28th June 2019 by beating India in Final. Mr. Muhammad Bilal and Mr. Asjad Iqbal also won World team event beating India in 16th to 28th June 2019.
The performance of U/17 & U/19 Squash players during the year 2017 to 2019 was satisfactory as they won 32 Gold, 17 Silver and 20 Bronze medals in different international championships events.
The grants released to these Federation during the last five (05) years is given below:
8 However, a some factors contributing to the poor performance are as under:
Lack of training at grass root level.
Internal politics and lack of discipline.
Lack of international exposure to our players.
Improper selections of players.
In order to encourage the players who won medals in mega sports events and international events by the Squash players the Government has paid cash prized in June 2019.
Pakistan Cricket Board
Currently, the Pakistan Cricket Team is ranked No.1 in T20 cricket, No.5 in the One Day cricket and No.7 in Test Cricket.
Below please find Pakistan Team‘s performance of past 12 months:
Test:
Mat Won Lost Tied Draw 8 2 5 0 1
ODI:
Mat Won Lost Tied 27 8 16 3
Twenty20 International:
Mat Won Lost Tied 13 7 6 0
(b) Pakistan Sports Board
Since sports is a devolved subject, Minister for IPC convened a meeting with the Provincial Sports Ministers to spearhead the promotion 9 of Hockey at grass roots level in the Provinces. It was agreed that provision of infrastructure facilities, alongside, technological support be enhanced matching with international standards. Further, revival of departmental Hockey, addition of astro turf in the country and organization of Pakistan Hockey Super League on the pattern of Pakistan Super League have also been envisaged to make the game of Hockey more competitive aimed at revival of past glory.
Moreover, PSB is being revamped looking at various weaknesses of the system, as previously there was no system of accountability.
Pakistan Cricket Board
Highly qualified coaches and other support staff is hired to impart training to our national team.
In addition, domestic cricket is being strengthened with focus on quality instead of quantity. This will further improve performance of the team.
(Def.) *Question No. 216 Senator Prof. Dr. Mehar Taj Roghani: (Notice Received on 24/04/2019 at 9:30 AM) QID: 36037
Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state whether it is a fact that there is no facility of E-tag on Swat Motorway, if so, the reasons thereof and the time by which the said facility will be provided on that Motorway.
Mr. Murad Saeed: Swat Motorway does not belong to NHA‘s road network. The said Motorway comes under the jurisdiction of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highway Authority Government of KPK.
It is therefore requested that query may be referred to concerned quarter, please.
(Def.) *Question No. 217 Senator Prof. Dr. Mehar Taj Roghani: (Notice Received on 24/04/2019 at 9:30 AM) QID: 36038
Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:
10 (a) whether it is a fact that various food items are being sold at higher prices at rest areas on Motorways in the country, if so, the reasons thereof; and
(b) whether there is any mechanism for monitoring/checking the prices of various food items in those areas, if so, the details thereof?
Mr. Murad Saeed: (a) Persistent complaints about price hike in service areas were received in National Highway Authority. Ministry of Communications sensitized Government of Punjab to take the corrective action. Besides, NHA has also engaged the concessionaire for improved quality of service and controlled prices.
(b) NHA representative has also conducted visit of service areas on M-II and submitted report. Issue pointed out by the inspection team have already been forwarded to the District Coordination Officer(s).
It is also suggested by NHA that price enforcement agencies must ensure effective and periodic monitoring and conduct surprise raids to each service area to ensure implementation of price/rate lists and curb over charging. Concerned District Administration has evolved mechanism for price control and quality assurance at out lets in service areas of Motorways.
*Question No. 50 Senator Abdul Rehman Malik: (Notice Received on 14/05/2019 at 1:30 PM) QID: 36062
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the names and locations of pharmaceutical companies sealed on the account of manufacturing spurious medicines in the country during the last three years?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: Following pharmaceuticals companies were sealed on account of manufacturing of spurious medicines in the country during the last three years:
11
*Question No. 51 Senator Abdul Rehman Malik: (Notice Received on 14/05/2019 at 1:30 PM) QID: 36061
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the salient features of the present Government foreign policy for improving Pakistan’s bilateral relations with its neighboring countries; and
(b) the steps being taken by the present Government to address the regional security situation?
Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi: (a) It is the policy of this Government to have best of relations with all neighboring countries. This message was conveyed in the maiden address of Prime Minister Imran Khan to the nation. In line with our policy of peaceful neighborhood, Pakistan has maintained regular leadership level interactions with all neighboring countries.
Afghanistan
Prime Minister Imran Khan in his first address to the nation underscored his commitment to work for good relations with Afghanistan. Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi, in his capacity as Foreign Minister, undertook his first official visit to Kabul in September 2018. Subsequently, high level exchanges between the two countries reflect Pakistan‘s interest in seeing a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. Pakistan is 12 committed to working with Afghanistan for peace through an Afghan led and Afghan owned process of reconciliation. Pakistan welcomed the initiative of peace negotiations undertaken by the U.S. We encouraged all sides to jointly pursue the initiative in good faith.
On the development front, Pakistan has offered assistance worth $1 billion and 6000 scholarships to Afghan students in all universities across Pakistan. We have kept the Afghan Transit Trade operational despite several setbacks in regional political situation.
India
Pakistan has a very difficult relationship with India which is rooted in history, with many outstanding issues including the Jammu and Kashmir Dispute.
The dialogue process between Pakistan and India was suspended unilaterally by India in 2013, in the backdrop of hostilities across the LoC, and remains on hold.
Currently, relations remain tense between Pakistan and India after India‘s illegal actions of 5 August 2019 seeking to unilaterally alter the internationally recognized status of Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir and to change its demographic structure. Relations between both countries have been downgraded.
Despite international criticism, brutal curfew Indian atrocities on Kashmiris in Occupied Jammu & Kashmir continues for more than 160 days. The Indian occupation forces are continuously engaged in ceasefire violations (CFV) on the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary, in an attempt to divert international attention from the humanitarian crisis in IOJ&K.
Pakistan continues to highlight the plight of the innocent Kashmiris in IOJ&K and stresses the fact that peace will remain elusive in South Asia until the resolution of the J&K dispute in line with the relevant UNSC resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiris. No dialogue is possible with India with the current situation in IOJ&K.
13 Other South Asian countries
Pakistan is committed to having mutually beneficial relations with South Asian countries. We have maintained regular leadership level interactions with South Asian countries. Under Special Assistance Programme for South Asian countries (SAP-SA) (except India), Pakistan has allocated Rs. 200 million for undertaking various projects and activities particularly in the fields of education, cultural exchanges and enhancing people to people to contacts. Under Pakistan Technical Assistance Program, Pakistan offers number of scholarships in the fields of medicine, engineering and other professions to the students of South Asian countries minus India. Pakistan attaches great importance to SAARC and remains committed to the principles and objectives of the SAARC Charter.
Iran
Iran is an important neighbour with whom we share a long border. We are committed to working with Iran to strengthen political relations and enhance bilateral trade. The growing warmth in our relations and desire to re-engage can be measured from the fact that Prime Minister Imran Khan has visited Iran twice since taking over. Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Javad Zarif also visited Pakistan thrice since last year.
Pakistan has tried to act as a facilitator in reducing tensions between Iran and the Gulf. Similarly, Iran has also offered its mediations to reduce Pakistan-India tensions. The visit of Prime Minister of Pakistan to Iran from 21-22 April 2019 was particularly aimed at clearing the air.
In the prevailing situation in Middle East, Pakistan is supporting efforts to defuse tensions and promoting a diplomatic way forward. In this regard, it is approaching concerned countries including Iran.
China
Pakistan‘s time tested relations with China have been consolidated into ―All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership‖. The Government of Pakistan and Tehreek-e-Insaf highly value this partnership. In partnership with China, the Government remains fully committed to realizing the full potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). 14 Pakistan has taken concrete steps to enhance cooperation and understanding with China. Prime Minister Imran Khan visited China in April, 2019 to attend 2nd Belt and Road Forum. The Prime Minister also visited China in October 2019. During the visit he met with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Chairman NPC Li Zhanshu. Prime Minister also delivered an address at the China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and CEO‘s of some leading companies called on him in Beijing.
Both sides discussed new areas of cooperation, under the rubric of CPEC. The sectors for co-operation included energy, transport infrastructure, industrialization, oil and gas, and socio-economic development. Prime Minister briefed Chinese leadership as well as China‘s private sector about Pakistan‘s economic potential and invited it to invest in Pakistan‘s lucrative market. To diversify economic opportunities, we would like more countries to join CPEC and gain dividends from it.
2019 was also significant as important milestones relating to the CPEC projects were achieved. 9th JCC meeting on CPEC was successfully held in Islamabad in November 2019. In the 9th JCC meeting Pakistan proposed more projects for investment in a host of areas. Both China and Pakistan expressed satisfaction at the pace of execution of CPEC projects and reaffirmed their commitment to present CPEC as a High-Quality Demonstration Project of BRI.
(b) Regional peace and security is in Pakistan‘s national interest. Pakistan has continued to facilitate U.S.-Taliban peace deal and encouraged all sides to pursue Intra Afghan Dialogue. Pakistan hosted the Third China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers Dialogue in Islamabad to push peace and stability in Afghanistan and the whole region.
Pakistan has no desire to escalate the situation and has reacted with maximum restraint. However, the Indian belligerent attitude is a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation. Our armed forces are committed and prepared to respond to any aggression and give a befitting reply to any threat to the motherland.
Pakistan and China maintain close communication and coordination on all issues impacting regional security. There is robust 15 defence cooperation. In the wake of the deteriorating situation in IoJ&K due to India‘s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August, 2019 China convened a consultative meeting of the UNSC upon Pakistan‘s request. China opposed any unilateral action aimed at altering the status quo. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a statement on Kashmir supporting Pakistan during his speech at the UNGA.
With reference to the situation in the Persian Gulf, Pakistan has stressed that disputes should be resolved within the framework of international law and through dialogue and diplomatic means. During his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that the region cannot afford any new conflict.
During his meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on 13th October 2019 Prime Minister underlined that situation in the Gulf requires constructive engagement by all parties. The Prime Minister conveyed Pakistan‘s readiness to facilitation efforts for de-escalation of tensions and resolution of differences and dispute through political and diplomatic means. In the context of recent surge in Iran-US tension, our Foreign Minister contacted his Iranian counterpart in a diplomatic outreach initiative to discuss de-escalation.
*Question No. 52 Senator Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen: (Notice Received on 14/05/2019 at 1:50 PM) QID: 36069
Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state:
(a) the details of funds allocated under the PSDP scheme of “Commercialization of Tissue Culture Technology in Pakistan” for the provinces of Balochistan during the fiscal year 2018-19; and
(b) the names of districts of the Province of Balochistan where work will be initiated under the said scheme?
Makhdoom Khusro Bukhtiar: The project was not included in PSDP 2018-19.
16 *Question No. 53 Senator Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen: (Notice Received on 14/05/2019 at 1:50 PM) QID: 36132
Will the Minister for Federal Education, Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to state whether it is a fact that there are neither universities nor their sub- campuses in most of the districts of Balochistan, if so, the names of districts of that province where sub-campuses of universities will be established under the project of “Establishment of sub- campuses of Public Sector Universities at District Level” reflected with an estimated cost of Rs.1000 million in the PSDP for the fiscal year 2018-19 indicating also the names of districts of the province where work will be started on priority basis?
Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: Out of 34 districts of Balochistan, 15 districts have University or its campus, whereas 19 Districts are without any Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) at present.
Provision of Higher Education Facilities in underdeveloped areas, having potential of a university or a campus is one of the priorities of Higher Education Commission (HEC). Accordingly, HEC in line with the Government of Pakistan vision 2025, initiated planning for establishment of university campus at each District. The mapping of HEI‘s coverage at District level was prepared in 2015 and 67 districts (including 27 districts of Balochistan) were identified having no university or campus. The mapping of HEIs for Balochistan area in 2015 is at Annex-I. The mapping was shared with all relevant stakeholders like Ministry of Planning, Development & Reforms, Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, Chief Ministers of Provinces/Regions, Governors/ Chancellors and Vice Chancellors of all public sector Universities to determine priority of respective Provincial Governments.
HEC prepared an umbrella project titled “Establishment of sub- campuses of Public Sector Universities at District Level (Phase-1), which was approved by ECNEC on January 25, 2017 at a capital cost of Rs. 5206.280 million. Under this project, 21 sub-campuses of Public Sector Universities are being established across the country including 5 in Balochistan. The approved implementation period of the project is 36 months (February 2017 to February 2020). The detail of Districts of Balochistan being covered in Phase-1 of this project is attached at Annex-II. 17 In addition to this umbrella project, Government of Pakistan has approved 6 development projects at a total cost of Rs. 8988.537 million for the establishment of new campuses / Universities in Balochistan. The detail with current status is attached at Annex-III.
18
*Question No. 54 Senator Shahzad Waseem: (Notice Received on 14/05/2019 at 2:35 PM) QID: 36063
Will the Minister for Federal Education, Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to state:
(a) the names of heritage sites included in Pakistan’s tentative list for nomination as world Heritage sites on which Global Heritage Fund (GHF) has provided funds/assistance to Pakistan; and
(b) the steps being taken by the Government to seek partnership with GHF on those sites which have the potential for promoting cultural tourism in the country?
Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: (a) The name of heritage sites included in Pakistan tentative list for nomination as World Heritage sites is as under:—
19 1. Badshahi Mosque, Lahore (1993). 2. Wazir Khan Mosque, Lahore (1993). 3. Tobs of Jahangir, Asif Khan and Akbari Sarai, Lahore (1993). 4. Hiran Minar and Tank, Sheikhupura (1993). 5. Tomb of Hazrat Rukn-e-Alam, Multan (1993). 6. Rani Kot Fort, Dadu (1993). 7. Shah Jahan Mosque, Thatta (1993). 8. Chaukhandi Tombs, Karachi (1993). 9. Archaeological Sites of Mehrgarh (2004). 10. Archaeological Sites of Rehmani Dheri (2004). 11. Archaeological Sites of Harappa (2004). 12. Archaeological Sites of Ranigat (2004). 13. Shahbazgarhi Rock Edicts (2004). 14. Mansehra Rock Edicts (2004). 15. Baltit Fort (2004). 16. Tomb of Bibi Jawindi, Baha‘al Halim and Ustead and the Tomb and Mosque of Jalaluddin Bukhari (2004). 17. Tomb of Shah Rukn-e-Alam (2004). 18. Port of Banbhore (2004). 19. Derawar and the desert Forts of Cholistan (2016). 20. Hingol Cultural Landscape (2016). 21. Karez system Cultural Landscape (2016). 22. Nagarparkar Cultural Landscape (2016). 23. Central Karakorum National Park (2016). 24. Deosai National Park (2016). 25. Ziarat Juniper Forest (2016). 26. The Salt Range and khewra Salt Mine (2016).
It is stated that no funds / assistance have been provided by the Global Heritage Fund to Pakistan for the above mentioned Heritage sites.
(b) In the wake of 18th constitution Amendment Act, 2010 (Act No. X of 2010) all heritage sites stood devolved to respective province since 5th April, 2011 and concerned provincial departments are responsible to take necessary step for seeking partnership with GHF on those sites which have the department of Archaeology & Museums have potential for promoting cultural tourism. It is further stated that Department of Archaeology and Museum has always extended its cooperation by providing its professional advices and expertise to Provincial departments of Archaeology for promotion of Cultural tourism in country. 20 *Question No. 55 Senator Mohsin Aziz: (Notice Received on 14/05/2019 at 3:00 PM) QID: 36064
Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state whether the Government has launched any scheme to construct access road from the Islamabad- Peshawar Motorway (M-1) to the Islamabad International Airport in order to give direct access to the people coming from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to that Airport, if so, the progress made on the same so far?
Mr. Murad Saeed: No.
Traffic coming on Motorway M-1 (From North of Pakistan) is required to move to New Islamabad International Airport through an other link at Thallian Interchange on Motorway M-2 constructed for this purpose, which is approximately 7 Km from M-1 toll plaza (North Bound).
*Question No. 56 Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi: (Notice Received on 15/05/2019 at 9:30 AM) QID: 35915
Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:
(a) the number of toll plazas established on the Highways and Motorways in the country;
(b) the names of contractors of the said toll plazas indicating also the procedure adopted for award of contracts of those plazas to them; and
(c) the standard terms and conditions on which the contracts of those toll plazas have been awarded to the said contractors?
Mr. Murad Saeed: (a) Total number of Toll Plazas on National network are as under: —
i. National Highways 75 ii. Motorways 63 Total 138
21 (b) The list of contractors of the said Toll Plazas is attached as Annex-A & Annex-B. Toll Plazas were awarded though open competitive bidding process while following Single Stage Two Envelope procedure of PPRA Rules 2004.
(c) Standard terms and conditions for O&M of Toll Plazas on National Highways & Motorways are attached at Annex-C & Annex-D respectively.
(Annexures have been placed on the Table of the House as well as Library)
*Question No. 57 Senator Abdul Rehman Malik: (Notice Received on 15/05/2019 at 10:15 AM) QID: 36070
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to review the policy and reopen Pakistan Airspace for Afghanistan, if so, its details?
Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi: Pakistan has never closed its Airspace to Afghanistan. Pakistan has allowed Afghan Transit Trade to India even during the recent political crises between India and Pakistan. Pakistan has facilitated and supported our Afghan brothers and sisters.
It has been misreported by certain elements that the Afghan Airspace was closed by Pakistan. These elements do not wish to see improvement in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations and they do not wish to see peace in Afghanistan.
*Question No. 58 Senator Prof. Dr. Mehar Taj Roghani: (Notice Received on 15/05/2019 at 1:40 PM) QID: 36078
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the percentage / coverage of immunization / vaccination of children under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in the country at present; and
22 (b) whether it is a fact that the percentage of the implementation of the said programme is low in the country, if so, the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) The data regarding percentage coverage of immunization/ vaccination of children under the EPI, for 2018 (January- December), as reported by the provinces and federating areas, is summarized as below:
*Bacillus Clmette-Guerin. **Pentavalent. ***Inactivated Polio Vaccine.
(b) The pace of implementation of the said programmes is encouraging and gaining momentum. Significant progress has been made towards improving immunization coverage all over the country, through the following steps taken by the Government, in this regard:
1. Federal EPI conducted Measles SIA in October 2018 targeting approximately 32 million children between 9 months to 5 years of age all over the country to improve the immunization coverage and reduce the burden of disease. As per third party validation, 93.3 % coverage was achieved. 23 2. In order to reach the, defaulters and unimmunized children, special outreach immunization activities were conducted in December 2018 providing multiple antigens to the community covering 2,609,217 children in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Islamabad.
3. 46 Low performing districts have been identified and an application for additional grant has been submitted to GAVI in May 2019 for improving immunization coverage.
4. Strengthening of cold chain capacity at National, Provincial, District and UC level through implementation of Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP) is being carried out. 6,782 CCE have been deployed in the country whereas, 8,218 will be deployed by 2021.
5. Uninterrupted supply of vaccines and logistics based on the census targets is ensured to prevent shortage of stocks at any level.
6. Recruitment of more than 500 Vaccinators in Sindh, around 340 new vaccinators in Balochistan, 1800 new vaccinators in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 180 vaccinators in KP-TD (Khyber Pckhtunkhwa Tribal Districts) for improvement of immunization service delivery.
7. EPI Management Information System has been developed and is being rolled out to all Provinces and areas for generation of timely and complete coverage data reports across the country and to serve as data repository.
8. Data quality assessments are carried out throughout the country to improve immunization data quality.
9. Comprehensive EPI Reviews are being carried out in the country to assess the performance of the programmes, identify gaps and suggest way forward to bridge the gaps.
10. Conducted training of Mid-Level Managers and district vaccination team.
24 *Question No. 59 Senator Shahzad Waseem: (Notice Received on 15/05/2019 at 2:10 PM) QID: 36074
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that a number of pharmacies are selling Over the Counter (OTC) medicines like multivitamins, pain killers, etc. without prescription in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), if so, the details thereof; and
(b) whether any law / rule has been made / prescribed to allow cancellation of licenses of pharmacies involved in the said practices, if so, the details thereof?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) It is submitted that multivitamins and pain-killers (except narcotic analgesics) are not prescription medicines (PoM) as per Drug Act, 1976 and Islamabad Capital Territory Rules, 2013. Hence they can be sold without prescription of the medical practitioner. The similar legal position exists in other provinces as well.
(b) Provisions exist in the Drug Act, 1976 and ICT Drug Sale Rules, 2013 for cancellation of Drug Sale license on recommendation by the Quality Control Board on finding any violation of the law, however, as clarified above, sale of multivitamins or pain killers without prescription is not an offence under existing laws, and hence no license has ever been cancelled on this count.
*Question No. 60 Senator Shahzad Waseem: (Notice Received on 15/05/2019 at 2:10 PM) QID: 36073
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the number of look-alike / sound-alike brands of Over the Counter (OTC) medicines being sold in pharmacies in the country; and
(b) whether it is a fact that majority of the said medicines are also of the same colour, shape, and size despite containing different chemical solutions, if so, the steps being taken by the Government to control the same? 25 Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) In last six months total of 61 cases of look-alike/ sound-alike brand of medicines were reported to DRAP. Action for change of these brand names were taken by Registration Board of DRAP in light of mechanism devised by Registration Board in 242nd meeting described as under:
―if brand names/packaging design or color scheme of two products resemble, then later registration holder is bound to propose alternate names/packaging material for approval as one of condition of registration. But in some cases, later registration holder does not propose alternate names/packaging material. The Board decided that in such cases DRAP will issue one reminder within 15 days‘ time period and then manufacturing of the product will be stopped after approval of Chairman, Registration Board. Stoppage of manufacturing will be till approval of new brand name/packaging material‖.
List of such cases is prepared wherein firms are intimated for necessary rectifications regarding brand names, packaging designs and color schemes and placed at Annex-I.
(b) There are approx. 65,000/- human medicines registered so far. It is practically not possible to regulate color, shape and size of medicines. Internationally efforts are made to control Look alike-sound alike brand names and packing material. Same is practiced by DRAP in Pakistan in light of mechanism devised by Registration Board in 242nd meeting as described above.
Moreover there are conditions mentioned in registration letter as under:
• Color Scheme of the labels / cartons & packaging material should not resemble with any of the drug(s) which has or have already been registered.
• The name shall be changed in case it has resemblance with already registered drugs.
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30 *Question No. 61 Senator Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen: (Notice Received on 15/05/2019 at 2:40 PM) QID: 36115
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the share of the province of Balochistan in the project of “National Preventive Health Programme” reflected with an estimated cost of Rs. 2000 million in PSDP for the fiscal year 2018-19 indicating also the details of schemes demanded invited from or to be carried out in that province under the same?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: The estimated cost of Rs. 2000/- million was reflected in PSDP for the fiscal year 2018-2019, however the National Preventive Health Programme is not yet approved by the Planning Commission till date. There is no separate budget for Balochistan or any other province. The activities of the program will be carried out from National level and all provinces will be beneficiaries. The planned activities are as follows:
1. Improve awareness in public about prioritized healthy and risky behaviours.
2. Increase in the practice of prioritized healthy behaviours in communities.
3. Decrease in the practice of prevailing risky behaviours in communities.
*Question No. 62 Senator Hafiz Abdul Karim: (Notice Received on 16/05/2019 at 10:00 AM) QID: 36079
Will the Minister for Federal Education, Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to state whether it is a fact that promotion of about 23 vice Principals working in educational institutions under the administrative control of the Federal Directorate of Education was due in 2017 but the same has not been granted so far, if so, the reasons thereof and the time by which they will be granted the same? 31 Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), Islamabad had earlier submitted the cases of 23 Vice Principals (05 male and 18 female) to M/o Federal Education and Professional Trainings, Islamabad for consideration in the Departmental Selection Board (DSB) for promotion to their next higher grade i.e. Principal (BS- 19). However, meeting of DSB could not be held on the scheduled date and time. In the meantime, a revised structure initiated by the erstwhile CA&D Division, Islamabad under the Prime Minister‘s Education Reform Program in the year 2016 received its approval status and was notified on 15th March, 2019 (Annex-A). For qualitative improvement of the public education system under FDE, the revised service structure, inter alia, allocates 25% quota to initial appointment to the post of Principals (BS- 19) through Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) against the earlier 100% appointment through promotions. Resultantly, 22 posts of Vice Principal (05 male & 17 female) falls under 25% quota of initial appointment and are accordingly furnished to FPSC for direct recruitment whereas the cases of 02 Vice Principal (BS-18) (female) are submitted to M/o FE&PT for consideration in the forthcoming meeting of DSB to be promoted to BS-19 as Principal.
Further to add that FDE has taken up a case for re-adjustment of 4-tier formula which will increase the number of posts in BS-19 from the existing 121 posts (54 male 67 female) to 365 (155 male 210 female). All the eligible Vice Principals (BS-18) shall be promoted to BS-19 as and when approval for the re-adjustment of 4-tier formula is granted.
32
33
34 35 36 37
38 *Question No. 63 Senator Khushbakht Shujat: (Notice Received on 16/05/2019 at 11:45 AM) QID: 36082
Will the Minister for Federal Education, Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that proper action has not been taken in pursuance of Supreme Court’s judgment regarding reduction in the fees of private schools in Islamabad, if so, the reasons thereof; and
(b) the steps being taken by the Government to implement the said judgment in letter and spirit?
Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: (a) In pursuance of Supreme Court‘s judgement regarding reduction in fees of private schools of Islamabad, three public notices were issued in the national dailies. Wherein clear instructions were issued to private schools of Islamabad to comply the Orders of the Court in letter and spirit. In addition complainants / parents were asked to visit the office of the Authority (ICT-PEIRA) alongwith paid fee vouchers for the month of November / December, 2018 and unpaid fee voucher of January / February, 2019. Accordingly, the Authority had determined their fees in line with Order of the Supreme Court and subsequently directed private schools of Islamabad to issue revised fee vouchers. Similarly, individual notices to defaulter private schools of Islamabad were also issued to ensure compliance to Court Orders.
(b) As stated above.
*Question No. 64 Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh: (Notice Received on 16/05/2019 at 2:45 PM) QID: 36092
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that as per the National Nutrition Survey 2011, a high level micronutrient malnutrition exists in the country, if so, the steps taken or being taken by the Government to counter the same; and
(b) whether it is also a fact that Pakistan is losing 2-3% of GDP annually due to the high levels of malnutrition as acknowledged by the Government in its vision 2015 39 programme, if so, the steps being taken by the Government for the food fortification in the country?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Yes, it is fact that National Nutrition Survey 2011, revealed a high level of micronutrient malnutrition in the country. Federal Government is cognizant of the situation of malnutrition in the country especially among women and children less than 5 years of age, as revealed by National Nutrition Survey 2018 (NNS-2018).
Unfortunately, there is no direct Federal Government Funding for these areas and Federal Nutrition PC-1 is with the Planning Commission. However, multiple initiatives have been initiated through the Nutrition Wing, Ministry of NHSR&C in collaboration with Provincial Departments of Health, UN Agencies and development partners as continued nutrition response to prevent and treat malnutrition among most vulnerable especially children.
These interventions focusing on micronutrient malnutrition include:
1. Counselling and Supplementation for prevention (Supplementation of Iron, Folic Acid, MNPs).
2. Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices including breast feeding promotion and protection.
3. Food Fortification (Salt Iodization, Oil/Ghee with Vitamin A&D and Wheat Flour Fortification with Iron, Zinc. Folic Acid & Vit. B-12)
(b) Yes, this is a fact that around 2-3% of GDP is lost due to malnutrition in Pakistan, as per an earlier report by the World Bank, which has been acknowledged in the Government of Pakistan Vision 2025.
To address micronutrient malnutrition, food fortification is one of the simplest, and cost effective intervention and based on the global experience and best practices, Pakistan has also initiated large scale food fortification in the country. At present the fortification is targeting three of the staple food items used in Pakistan:
1. Salt Iodization: Salt is being fortified with iodine under the Universal Salt Iodization (USI) Program which was revitalized in 2006. Since then use of Iodized Salt at 40 household level has increased from 17% (NNS-2001-02) to 79% (NNS-2018). This is the only program that has achieved success during the last decade.
2. Wheat Flour Fortification: Fortification of Wheat Flour produced by large scale mills with Iron, Folic Acid, Zinc and Vitamin B-12 has been initiated under the umbrella of Food Fortification Program (FFP). The program was launched in 2017 and till date about 30% of the Flour Mills have started producing fortified wheat flour in the entire country. It is important to mention here that wheat flour produced by Chakkis is not yet being targeted for fortification which is a challenge and a pilot project for experiment on this would be launched in Faisalabad, Hafizabad and Islamabad this year.
3. Oil and Ghee Fortification: The third staple food selected for fortification is Oil and Ghee which is being fortified with Vit. A & D. This was also revitalized in 2017 and at present about 80% of Oil & Ghee produced by formal Oil Industry is being fortified with the support of provincial regulatory authorities.
*Question No. 65 Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood: (Notice Received on 17/05/2019 at 2:00 PM) QID: 34545
Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state:
(a) the details of research carried out for increase in production of major crops in the country during the last three years indicating also the increase made or achieved in the production of those crops as a result of that research; and
(b) the names of new varieties of major crops developed during the said period?
Makhdoom Khusro Bukhtiar: (a) Ministry of NFS&R through PARC is serving as national coordinator to provide exotic material from different sources to the provincial research organizations for development of varieties. Therefore, most of the varieties approved in the provinces are based on the germplasm provided by PARC. During last 3 years, the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) has struggled for increasing production of both the major and minor crops in the country. The details are attached at Annex-I. 41 (b) PARC through its coordination efforts with the NARS scientists released/recommended more than 136 varieties of different crops with commodity based distribution as: Wheat (18 varieties), Rice (33 hybrid varieties), Sugarcane (06 varieties), Oilseeds (06 varieties), Maize (57 hybrid varieties), Sorghum (02 varieties), Millet (04 varieties) and Pulses (10 varieties).
42 43
*Question No. 66 Senator Prof. Dr. Mehar Taj Roghani: (Notice Received on 20/05/2019 at 9:35 AM) QID: 36093
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that large number of cases of HIV / Aids have surfaced in Sindh during 2019, if so, the reasons thereof; and 44 (b) the steps being taken by the Government to control the spread of the said virus / disease in the country?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Cases of HIV/AIDS have surfaced in Sindh during 2019 (Report attached). Government of Pakistan, M/o NHS,R&C , in close collaboration with Government of Sindh, is taking steps to control the disease.
(b) Following steps have been taken by the Government to control the spread of the said virus/disease in the country:
(i) Established screening camp at THQ Hospital Ratodero by Sindh AIDS Control Program (Kits provided by National AIDS Control Program-NACP).
(ii) Establishment of HIV/AIDS Anti-Retroviral Treatment Centre at Shaikh Zaid Children Hospital, Larkana (ARVs medicine provided by NACP), which provides:
o free HIV testing and diagnostic services (HIV, CD4 & Viral Load test).
o Ensuring lifelong free treatment to all HIV patients by providing HIV medicines (ARVs) to all eligible HIV positive patients.
o Provision of Prevention of Parent-to-Child Transmission services through a HIV/AIDS (PPTCT) centers.
(iii) Unauthorized laboratories, blood banks and clinics have been closed by Antiquackery Team deputed by Health Department and Health Care Commission Sindh with support of District Administration.
(iv) National AIDS Control Program (NACP) has sent 3000 Rapid HIV diagnostic test kits.
(v) Ensured provision of CD4 and Viral Load testing for all patients.
(vi) Established new Children (Paeds) HIV Treatment at Larkana Centre in coordination with Sindh Government.
(vii) Deployed HR like Data Entry Operator in new Children (Paeds) HIV Treatment at Larkana centre.
45 (viii) Provided HIV medicines for adults & Children.
(ix) Advocacy & Coordination with donors & UN Partners in joint response to this outbreak.
(x) A high level WHO Headquarter (Geneva) expert team was invited to Pakistan to investigate the epidemic scientifically and technically, and recommend the preventive measure to Government of Pakistan.
Annex-I
46 47 48 49 50
*Question No. 67 Senator Sassui Palijo: (Notice Received on 20/05/2019 at 12:00 PM) QID: 36100
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the number of Pakistani prisoners released from jails in Saudi Arabia since the Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to Pakistan; and
51 (b) the number of remaining Pakistani prisoners in Saudi Arabian jails at present indicating also the steps being taken by the Government to get them released?
Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi: (a) Our Missions in Saudi Arabia are actively pursuing the release of Pakistani prisoners, as announced during the visit of HRH Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman in February, 2019. As per available information total of 2080 prisoners have been released. These also include prisoners released since the announcement.
(b) Total number of Pakistani prisoners in Saudi Arabia is around 3,000. Due to inflow and out-flow of prisoners, the number doesn‘t remain the same. Our Mission periodically updates the data after receiving information from the host government as well during visits to jails.
Generally, in Saudi Arabia, the prisoners are released i). upon completion of their sentences, ii) as a result of royal clemency/ jail visits by the King and iii) normal pardon procedure in every Ramadan. However, in cases where punitive measures include payment of fines/accidental diyats, many prisoners remain in custody due to non- payment of fines even after completion of their sentences.
If the fine is meager and falls under Haq-e-Aam (payable to State), the prisoners stand better chance of release upon waiver of fine. However, in cases of Haq-e-Khas (payable to private individuals/companies), fine is not waived off and prisoners remain in jail indefinitely.
The steps being taken by our Missions in Saudi Arabia for release of the Pakistani prisoners are as follows:
• Consular access to the detainees to inquire about their welfare and any assistance required.
• Regular visits to prisons/ deportation centers to issue Emergency Travel Documents
• Process Clemency requests with the Royal Court.
• Facilitate repatriation of prisoners upon completion of sentences.
52 • Facilitate departure of detainees awaiting deportation.
• Providing Arabic- Urdu translation facility during court hearings.
• Visiting courts and meeting with authorities to expedite delayed cases of release.
• Pursuing the cases of Pakistani prisoners for including their names in the pardon list (Haq-e-Aam) as announced by local authorities on regular basis on occasions of Ramadan, Eid and local national daysand engaging with Pakistani Diaspora for payment of fines of destitute prisoners.
*Question No. 68 Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh: (Notice Received on 20/05/2019 at 12:35 PM) QID: 36102
Will the Minister for Federal Education, Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan has got the membership of World Skills, if so, the advantages of getting the said membership;
(b) the number of skills competitions in which Pakistani skilled workers participated since getting the said membership; and
(c) the details of types of skills in which Pakistani skilled workers excelled in these competitions?
Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: (a) World Skills International (WSI) is a non-profit organization which operates worldwide and has 79 members countries across the world. Pakistan became its Member in the year-2017. World Skills competitions are held every second year. Hundreds of youth compete in fifty different trades. Since youth are provided an opportunity to demonstrate their skills at international forum, therefore, the event is termed as the Olympics of Skill Sector. By becoming, member of the World Skills, Pakistan has formally gained membership of the International Technical & Vocational Training Community. This will provide an opportunity to learn from the best international practices, know latest trends in the skill training and benefit from the large network of international skills training. 53 (b) Pakistan become member of the Organization in 2017. World Skill Competitions 2019 are taking place in Kazan. Russia this year, however Pakistan‘s participation will not be possible because of non- availability of funds for this purpose.
(c) Since Pakistan has not participated in the World Skill Competition so far, therefore, the requisite information in the matter may he treated as nil.
*Question No. 69 Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh: (Notice Received on 20/05/2019 at 12:35 PM) QID: 36101
Will the Minister for Federal Education,Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to state:
(a) the details of development budget allocated for NAVTTC during the last three years with year wise break up, if none, the reasons thereof; and
(b) whether it is a fact that the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme has also been assigned to NAVTTC, if so, the amount allocated and released for the same during the fiscal year 2018-19?
Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: (a) No development budget was allocated for NAVTTC during the last three years despite of repeated requests.
(b) Yes. Prime Minister‘s Youth Skill Development Programme was assigned to NAVTTC and funds amounting to Rs. 2,000 Million were allocated/ released during fiscal year 2018-19 for implementation of the Programme.
*Question No. 70 Senator Sirajul Haq: (Notice Received on 20/05/2019 at 1:30 PM) QID: 36138
Will the Minister for Federal Educational, Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to state the details of local and foreign scholarship programmes being implemented at schools, colleges and universities level separately?
54 Mr. Shafqat Mahmood:
Higher Education Commission (HEC)
A total of 218,602 (Two hundred eighteen thousand six hundred, and two) scholarships have been awarded by Higher Education Commission under 82 (eighty two) local and foreign scholarship Programmes / Projects being implemented at Universities level. The summary is as under:—
The Programmes and Project-wise detail is attached at Annex-I.
Federal Directorate of Education (FDE).
No foreign scholarship programmes are being dealt in Federal Directorate of Education, Islamabad at College and University level. Whereas merit scholarships are awarded to students every year at primary and middle level (Rs. 200/- for Primary and Rs. 300/- for Middle per month respectively). A proposal to increase the amount of scholarships from Rs. 200/- and 300/- to Rs. 500/- were submitted to defunct Ministry of CA&DD but could not be approved.
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59 *Question No. 71 Senator Sassui Palijo: (Notice Received on 22/05/2019 at 2:50 PM) QID: 36121
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the steps taken/being taken by the present Government to reduce the prices of medicines in the country; and
(b) whether it is a fact that a number of officials of DRAP were found involved in increasing the prices of medicines during the tenure of present Govt, if so,the action taken/being taken by the Government against them?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) The following steps have been taken to reduce the prices of medicines in the country:
I. Regulation imposed:
Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, with the approval of Federal Cabinet notified a Drug Pricing Policy-2018 which provides a transparent mechanism for fixation, decrease & increase in maximum retail prices of drugs.
II. Reduction in MRPs of drugs:
Reduced Maximum Retail Prices of 395 drugs vide S.R.O. 1610 (I)/2018 dated 31st December, 2018 and 78 drugs vide S.R.O. 577(I)/2019 dated 24th May, 2019 have been notified after approval by the Federal Government.
III. Encouragement of production of generics:
Manufacturing of generic drugs is being encouraged and facilitated, as by and large the generic products are cheaper than the branded drugs. Priority and all facilitations are being given to the manufacturers of generic drugs and to make their investment fruitful in the shortest possible time. For that purpose, meetings of the various boards are being held frequently. 60 Priority is also being given to grant registration to new licenses/new sections to increase production of drugs which increase competition in the market which in turn results in the reduction of prices of drugs.
IV. Coordination with provincial health authorities to monitor prices in the market:
Under Section 6 of the Drugs Act, 1976, the storage and sale of drugs in the market is regulated by the Provincial Governments, therefore, DRAP has advised the Provincial Health Authorities to take action under the law against the companies who increase prices of drugs more than approved prices.,
(b) Increase and decrease in Maximum Retail Prices of drugs is notified in official Gazette after approval by the Federal Government since Section 12 of the Drug Act, 1976 empowers the Federal Government to fix maximum retail price of any drug. It is not a fact that any official of DRAP has been found involved in increasing the prices of medicines during the tenure of present Government.
*Question No. 72 Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood: (Notice Received on 23/05/2019 at 10:05 AM) QID: 33807
Will the Minister for Federal Education, Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the Ministry of Federal Education, Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage has launched a project for modernization and standardization of examination system, if so, the details thereof; and
(b) the details of work completed on the said project so far and the time by which the same will be completed?
Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: (a) Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has launched a project tilted ―Modernization and Standardization of Examination System‖ which has been executed by Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE), objectives of the project are enclosed at Annexure-I. 61 (b) The details of work completed on the said project are enclosed at Annexure-II. The project completed on 30-06-2018. The project has achieved 100% objectives as per approved PC-I.
62
63 *Question No. 73 Senator Sassui Palijo: (Notice Received on 23/05/2019 at 10:10 AM) QID: 36122
Will the Minister for National Health, Services Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the number of hospitals working under the administrative control of the Federal Government in the Islamabad Capital Territory; and
(b) the number of posts reserved in the said hospitals against the quota prescribed for the province of Sindh?
Minister for National Health, Services Regulations and Coordination: (a) There are 04 hospitals working under the administrative control of Ministry of NHSR&C, Islamabad, i.e. PIMS, FGPC, NIRM & FGH.
(b) PIMS
• 273 persons have been working in PIMS against Sindh quota. Detail is at Annex-A.
• 135 posts reserved for Sindh province have been advertised and selection is in process.
FGPC: 192 posts are reserved against Sindh quota in FGPC in Grade 3 to 21. Detail is at Annex-B.
NIRM: 29 posts are reserved against Sindh quota in NIRM. Detail is at Annex-C.
FGH: There are 44 posts reserved for province of Sindh. Detail is at (Annex-D).
64
65 Annex-B
Annex-C
66 Annex-D
*Question No. 74 Senator Chaudhary Tanvir Khan: (Notice Received on 23/05/2019 at 10:30 AM) QID: 35044
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the details of up-gradation work carried out in the hospitals under the administrative control of the Federal Government in Islamabad during the last two years with hospital wise break up, indicating also the nature of work and expenditure incurred on the same in each case; and
(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the present Government to carry out more up-gradation work in the said hospitals, if so, the details thereof?
67 Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) There are 04 hospitals working under the administrative control of the Ministry of NHSR&C, Islamabad i.e. PIMS, FGPC, NIRM & FGH.
PIMS: The up-gradation work carried out in Financial Year 2017- 18 costing Rs. 84 Million and in Financial Year 2018¬19 costing Rs. 86.8 Million indicating the nature of work is placed at Annex-A.
FGPC Details of up-gradation work are submitted as Annex-B.
NIRM: During the last two years, no major up-gradation work in terms of expansion / up-gradation in infrastructure has been carried out in NIRM hospital. Only routine and preventive repair and maintenance work within the existing budgetary allocation is undertaken to sustain the routine business of the hospital.
FGH:
• A three storied OPD building with a covered area of 12000 sq.ft. at a total cost of Rs. 59.770/- million through PSDP is near to completion.
• Establishment of Eye Department, recruitment of Eye Specialist through Federal Public Services Commission (FPSC) and purchase of required equipment is in process.
(b) PIMS
The list of ongoing projects of PIMS to up-grade and improve the medical and other facilities are at Annex-C.
FGPC
PC-I for the up-gradation of FGPC is under process, which would be subject to the decision in court case.
NIRM
Up gradation of NIRM is under consideration for which additional land measuring 4167 sq. yd. has been procured from CDA. PC-II of up gradation/ extension of NIRM is under consideration. 68 Annex-A
69 Annex-B
70
71
C
- Annex 72
73 *Question No. 75 Senator Chaudhary Tanvir Khan: (Notice Received on 23/05/2019 at 10:30 AM) QID: 35057
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the patients suffering from Hepatitis are being provided free treatment and medicines in the Public Hospitals in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), if so, the details thereof with Hospital wise break; and
(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to further improve the provision of the said treatment and medicines, if so, the details thereof?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a)
Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences
There are no special funds allocated separately for Hepatitis patient only. However, the treatment medicine is provided from hospital formulary and Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal, Zakat Funds.
FGPC
Patients suffering from Hepatitis B & C are provided the treatment along-with medicines free of cost in Federal Government Polyclinic, Islamabad.
FGH
The patients suffering from Hepatitis are provided free of cost treatment and medicines in Federal General Hospital.
(b) National Hepatitis Strategic Framework (NHSF) towards prevention & control of Hepatitis is in place & various initiatives are being started. Ministry of National Health Services Regulation & Coordination along-with partners has recently started ―Hepatitis Elimination Program‖ in Islamabad which consists of prevention, community screening, diagnosis, treatment & follow up of poor population in urban slums. It will screen 100,000 slum dwellers in its first phase. 74 *Question No. 76 Senator Mushtaq Ahmed: (Notice Received on 27/05/2019 at 9:05 AM) QID: 36144
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the names of illegal Pakistani immigrants detained in foreign jails indicating also the duration and nature of their imprisonment with country wise break up; and
(b) the steps taken or being taken by the Government for the release of said persons from those jails?
Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi: (a) In its first Global Study on the Smuggling of Migrants in 2018 UNODC reported that the most popular global route for illegal migration in South Asia is from Afghanistan to Pakistan/Iran-Turkey and then onwards to Europe through the ―East Mediterranean route‖ (i.e. Turkey-Greece). In this regard, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta were identified as ―transit cities‖.
According to a FIA report submitted in Supreme Court in 2018, approximately, 80,040 and 10,476 Pakistanis were deported from Iran and Turkey respectively and more than 20,000 Pakistanis were exiled from EU in last four years.
It is pertinent to mention that host authorities in European countries do not share the data of illegal Pakistani migrants, detained in detention centers, with Pakistani Missions. Most of the illegal Pakistanis are asylum seekers and do not want to be deported to Pakistan upon release. Our Missions also, do not have a mechanism to maintain a database of Pakistanis traveling illegally to other countries.
Moreover, due to local laws to protect the freedom of movement of any person, local authorities don‘t provide a definitive number of irregular/ illegal migrants.
Nature of Crimes
The illegal Pakistani migrants are held for illegal stay and forgery of documents resulting in increased number of Pakistani prisoners. Deaths of illegal Pakistanis occurring during such ventures are quite common now. Documentation, verification of national status, issuance of MRPs are 75 some significant issues and challenges being faced by our Missions abroad.
(b) In line with the Prime Minister‘s directives, MoFA is actively working to enhance consular facilities in all Missions. Following steps have been taken:
• Regular consular visits by our Missions to Pakistani prisoners/detainees.
• Provision of facilities of interpreter, if required.
• Interview of each prisoner personally by Consular Officers in order to ascertain that no Pakistani prisoner is mistreated.
• Provision of Legal assistance, as permissible under the rules.
• Repeated requests of provision of Consular access despite the reluctance of EU countries to share data of illegal immigrants due to International Law obligations. (Since most of the illegal immigrants are asylum seekers, they refuse to avail consular access).
• Provision of all possible legal and financial assistance to those illegal detainees who are willing to repatriate to Pakistan.
*Question No. 77 Senator Mushtaq Ahmed: (Notice Received on 27/05/2019 at 12:50 PM) QID: 36150
Will the Minister for Federal Education, Professional training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, issued 6000 fake degrees during the period from 2013 to 2015 and the Fact Finding Committee constituted by the Vice- Chancellor of the said University has confirmed issuance of 3070 fake degrees in various disciplines, if so, the action taken against the university officials involved in the scam; and
(b) the steps being taken by the Government to control occurrence of such incidents in future?
76 Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: (a) No fake degree has been issued to anyone. However, some cases in tempering of BA/BSc marks were reported to the Vice Chancellor. Consequently, the Vice Chancellor constituted Facts Finding Committee to probe the matter. The committee after going through proper relevant record, submitted its report that BA/BSC (2013 to 2016) results of 3070 students have been tempered. Original degrees have been issued to 332 students. The said report was referred to Unfair Means Committee (UFMC) for making recommendations in accordance with university regulations. The committee checked all the record and made recommendations that all results of 3070 students may be revised and degrees issued may be cancelled. The committee also recommended that the officers/ officials involved in tempering must be proceeded against under efficiency & discipline rules. The Vice Chancellor approved the recommendations in anticipation of final approval of Gomal University Syndicate. Accordingly, the results of 3070 students have been revised and the degree cancellation process is under way. The same was placed before Syndicate which was approved with the appreciation to Vice Chancellor for taking bold step.
(b) In order to curb menace of fake degrees, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) has issued direction to all universities/Degree Awarding Institutes to get printing of their degrees(s)/ transcript(s)/ Certificate(s) from National Printing Company containing security features like water-mark, security threads, unique color and other related parameters to ensure secrecy vide its letter No.5-3/A&A (Att. Cell)/HEC/2019/2085 dated 06th March, 2019. Moreover, if any fake educational document is detected at HEC then the same is forwarded to concerned University for proper investigation to ensure appropriate disciplinary action against involved University‘s employees, if any, and for referring case to investigation agencies for initiating criminal proceeding against the culprit.
*Question No. 78 Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood: (Notice Received on 28/05/2019 at 9:30 AM) QID: 35542
Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:
(a) the present status of work on the project for construction of Khanpur Road; and
77 (b) whether it is a fact that a section of about 14Km of the said road has not been completed so far, if so, the reasons thereof, indicating also the time by which the construction work of that road will be completed?
Mr. Murad Saeed: (a) Khanpur road is part of National Highways N-125 which starts from Taxila and ends at Haripur measuring 42.5 KM. Rehabilitation work for 30 km road portion have been completed. Works on remaining portion of 12.5 km is under progress and almost 65% completed. The work will be completed by end of Feb, 2020.
Work on three bridges on km 24, 26 and 34 is substantially completed and deck slab on the last bridge at Km 24 is in progress. The work is expected to be completed by end of Jan, 2020.
(b) Position explained above.
*Question No. 79 Senator Mushtaq Ahmed: (Notice Received on 29/05/2019 at 11:10 AM) QID: 35416
Will the Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state whether it is a fact that baby powder and other products manufactured by M/S Johnson & Johnson, an American company, imported by Pakistan, contains chemicals which cause cancer, if so, the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ban the import of those items of the said company?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: Under the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan Act, 2012, (DRAP Act, 2012), baby powder is not covered under the definition of medicated cosmetics and hence not regulated by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). However, some therapeutic goods including pharmaceuticals, biological and medical devices of M/s Johnson & Johnson, USA and its subsidiaries are registered with DRAP and no complaints regarding causing of cancer with these products have even been received. As and when any complaint will be received, action shall be initiated by DRAP under the DRAP Act, 2012.
78 *Question No. 80 Senator Chaudhary Tanvir Khan: (Notice Received on 31/05/2019 at 11:35 AM) QID: 35359
Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state the names, location and length of the National Highways constructed in the country during the last twenty years with year wise and district wise break up, indicating also the expenditure incurred on each of the same?
Mr. Murad Saeed: Total 5,0l7 Km of National Highways completed during last 20 years. Breakup of the GoP & Foreign Aided funded completed road projects is given as uncler:-
(a) Eighty five GoP funded road projects constructed in Pakistan since 1999. Total length of these projects 3,792 Km. Detail is at Annex-A.
(b) Thirteen Foreign Aided funded road projects constructed in Pakistan since 1999. Total length of these project is 1,225 Km. Project wise detail is at Annex-B.
(Annexures have been placed on the Table of the House as well as Library)
*Question No. 81 Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmad: (Notice Received on 3/06/2019 at 1:50 AM) QID: 36158
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that non-disposable syringes are being used in Government hospitals in the Islamabad Capital Territory due to financial constraints, if so, the details thereof; and
(b) the steps being taken by the Government to ensure the use of disposable syringes in the said hospitals ?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) There are 04 hospitals working under the administrative control of Health Wing, Ministry of NHSR&C, Islamabad i.e. PIMS, FGPC, NIRM & FGH. 79 The reply of all these hospitals is as under:-
PIMS is using disposable syringes of high quality and strictly ensuring / monitoring the proper disposable the syringes after use.
FGPC only purchases disposable syringes and non-disposable are not procured.
Federal General Hospital only uses disposable syringes.
It may be apprised that only disposable syringes are used in NIRM. They always use high quality disposable syringes while strictly ensuring / monitoring the proper disposal of syringes after use.
(b) The reply of all these hospitals is as under:-
PIMS
Not applicable.
FGPC
The purchasing & procurement of disposable syringes ensures that only such syringes are used.
FGH
Sufficient measures are taken by Infection Control Team to ensure that disposable syringes are disposed of properly.
NIRM
All used disposable syringes are properly collected and disposed off in the incinerator.
*Question No. 82 Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan: (Notice Received on 1/07/2019 at 2:00 PM) QID: 36195
Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:
80 (a) whether it is a fact that increasing number of accidents are taking place on National Highways and Motorways, if so, the number of such accidents reported during the last three years; and
(b) the steps taken or being taken by the Government to control accidents on the said roads?
Mr. Murad Saeed: (a) In order to control road accidents, National Highways & Motorway Police (NH&MP) has established Road Safety Wings at Central Police Office, Islamabad. Every road crash is reported on Micro Accidents Analysis Proforma (MAAP) which contains minute details of the occurrence that help us to analyze trends and causes for devising appropriate preventive and remedial measures.
Number of accidents reported during the last three years are as under; —————————————————————————————— Years Fatal Non-Fatal Total Accidents —————————————————————————————— 2017 236 192 428 2018 243 235 478 2019 349 609 958 —————————————————————————————— (b) Steps by NH&MP
- Round the clock enforcement against violations - Briefing and Education campaign - Road Safety Seminars and Walks - Speed Checking; time slips at Kallar Kahar and Sohawa/Dina - Anti dozing campaigns - Periodic meetings with transporters - Mechanical fitness campaign - Prohibition of unfit vehicles - Advisory to NHA for rectification in road infrastructure.
Steps by NHA
Road crashes are caused due to multiple factors including poor road user behavior, human errors, vehicular malfunctioning, adverse weather conditions and deficient highway infrastructure, NHA‘s mandate 81 is to regulate engineering aspects of highway safety works and rectification of inherited defects and developing black spots is one of the prime objective of authority.
NHA maintains its network though its own resources generated mainly from toll revenue and managed in a Road Maintenance Account (RMA). As per RMA Rules 2003, an amount equivalent to 4% of Annual Revenue is allocated for highway safety works under Annual Maintenance Plan for respective year.
The soft road safety solutions are applied as preemptive measures though:
- Application of Pavement Marking - Installing of reflectorized aluminum/plastic studs - Installation of sign boards, chevrons, angle reflectors. - Installation of galvanized wire mesh fence. - Provision of flexible delineators - Improvement of road skid resistance
The hard road safety solution is remediation of black spots though geometric improvements of targeted road section and is often very costly. Since 2015-16, NHA has planned to execute these geometric improvement works during next 3-4 years in a phased program for which about PKR 1.5 Billion will be reserved under annual maintenance plan.
In addition to this during last 02 years, NHA has taken following measures for highway safety improvement
- Provision of steel overhead pedestrian bridges at 32 prioritized locations on NHA network.
- Application of the optimum and uniform design of U-turns with medians referred as ―Closed U-Turns‖ to provide safe and efficient maneuvering.
ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES
NHA and other major stakeholders are cognizant of the fact that highway safety is their responsibility and in recent years major milestones have been achieved through formulation of strategies practices. The next 82 phase spanning over 3 to 4 years is on coordinated implementation of developed system. Few initiatives are as under:-
- Establishment of National Highway Safety Secretariat at Ministry of Communications
- Establishment of Pakistan Road Assessment Program (Pak-RAP)
- National Highway Safety Strategy 2018-2030
- Road Safety Audit Program.
*Question No. 83 Senator Sirajul Haq: (Notice Received on 11/07/2019 at 9:30 AM) QID: 36233
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state the steps taken by the Government for the welfare of overseas Pakistanis including the protection of their properties and their travel to and from the country during the last one year?
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development: Following steps have been taken / are being taken by the Government for the welfare of Overseas Pakistanis during the last one year:
i. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development (OP&HRD) has established 19 offices of Community Welfare Attaches (CWAs) in 14 countries. These offices are required to serve Pakistani community and to approach concerned authorities of the host country to resolve issues/problems and also other welfare services to the Pakistanis living and working there.
ii. Our Missions in GCC countries also utilize the services of prominent overseas Pakistanis and welfare organizations in view of a large number of Pakistani expatriates. They are coordinating with CWAs to resolve problems of Overseas Pakistanis, who live-in far-flung areas which are not accessible by CWAs.
83 iii. Overseas Pakistanis Foundationran organization of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development serves the Overseas Pakistanis through Welfare Services including Housing, Education, Financial Aid Schemes, etc.
iv. To redress issues/problems of Overseas Pakistanis and their families back at home, following complaints cells are working:
(a) On the directions of the Prime Minister, Pakistan Citizen Portal (PCP) established in the Prime Minister‘s Office.
(b) Complaints Management System, namely ―Call- Sarzameen Web Portal‖ established in this Ministry, as well as a Complaint Management System also established in Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF).
v. On the directions of the Prime Minister‘s Office, five (05) High Powered Committees have been constituted, at Federal and Provincial level, under the Chairmanship of the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on OP&HRD, for effective resolution and oversight of complaints of Overseas Pakistanis through Pakistan Citizen Portal or any other medium. The said committees have been constituted for Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT)/AJ &K/GB, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
vi. Preparation of a manual containing the privileges for overseas Pakistanis is under process.
vii. On the direction of the Prime Minister‘s Office, M/o Law and Justice in consultation with this Ministry is reviewing the existing laws, procedures, enforcement mechanism and necessary amendments in Laws for prompt resolution of property disputes of Overseas Pakistanis. viii. Regarding ease in travelling to and from the country, the following steps have been taken by the Ministry:
84 (a) To decrease the financial burden the compulsion of NICOP for intending workers to be registered as emigrant workers has been abolished. Now, these workers can be registered on the basis of NIC.
(b) One Window Fee-Collection Desk has been established in protectorate offices in coordination with National Bank of Pakistan and other relevant stakeholders.
(c) Registration of intending emigrants via Biometric verification system linked with NADRA has been established. Resultantly, Bureau of Emigration & Overseas Employment (BE&OE), FIA and NADRA are connected through a secure link. The details of the emigrant workers would be shared with the concerned CWA for their reception in destination country and post arrival orientation, as well as to the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) for the welfare of their families.
(d) One Window Facilitation Desks have been established at all International Airports in Pakistan to facilitate the intending emigrants to travel abroad.
*Question No. 84 Senator Sirajul Haq: (Notice Received on 11/07/2019 at 9:30 AM) QID: 36232
Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the number of persons presently working in the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination; and
(b) the names and locations of the subordinate offices of the said Ministry?
Dr. Fehmida Mirza: (a) At present this Ministry has 313 sanctioned posts of officers/officials in BS-1 to BS-22, out of which 213 officers/ officials are working (Annex-A).
(b) The names and locations of the subordinate offices of Ministry of IPC are placed at Annex-B. 85 86
87 *Question No. 85 Senator Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar: (Notice Received on 17/07/2019 at 2:50 PM) QID: 35798
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the number of Polio cases reported during last three years with province wise breakup?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: Pakistan reported a total of eight Polio cases in 2017, twelve in 2018 and 134 in 2019 so far. The province wise breakup is as follows:
Polio eradication is being tackled by the Government of Pakistan as a public health emergency. The collective efforts led by the government and optimally supported by all partners led to tremendous progress actualizing decline in the number of Polio cases from the highs of 306 in 2014.
During 2019, a rise in the number of Polio cases has been witnessed due to a number of factors mainly increasing vaccine hesitancy and community mistrust, inconsistent campaign quality, suboptimal routine immunization coverage, conducive environment for virus especially in the core reservoirs and frequent changes in administrative positions related to political transition in 2018 impacting oversight of Polio eradication activities at different levels.
The programme has conducted a thorough analysis and initiated the transformation process leading to a successful nationwide campaign in December wherein almost 40 million children were vaccinated across the country. Moreover, a National Emergency Action Plan for Polio Eradication for 2020 has been devised wherein the reinvigorated efforts 88 shall be focused on taking the initiative forward as shared priority across the political divide and promoting sense of collective responsibility, regaining ‗One Team‘ approach, strengthening delivery of routine immunization, delivering Integrated services in Super High Risk UCS and stronger coordination with Afghanistan along with high quality door to door vaccination campaigns.
*Question No. 86 Senator Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar: (Notice Received on 23/07/2019 at 12:30 PM) QID: 35795
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the names and locations of Medical colleges and universities in the country indicating also the number of students being enrolled in the same on annual basis; and
(b) whether any quota has been prescribed for the students of Balochistan in the said colleges and universities, if so, the details thereof?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) The details of Medical Colleges & Universities across Pakistan alongwith number of enrolled students is at Annex-A.
(b) (i) The quota has been prescribed for the students of Balochistan in said colleges are to be reserved by the respective provincial health departments. The details are at Annex-B.
(ii) Further, the Ad-hoc Council of PM&DC in its 185th Session held on 20th October, 2018 decided to allow 01 admission for student of Balochstan over and above the allocated strength in each private medical/ dental college, (Punjab and Sindh) purely on merit and decided that this dispensation for a period of not more than 03 years.
(Annexure have been placed on the Table of the House as well as Library)
*Question No. 87 Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani: (Notice Received on 25/07/2019 at 12:25 PM) QID: 36268
Will the Minister for Federal Education, Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to state the number of Pakistani students who are studying in China under the CPEC program? 89 Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: A total of 41 (forty one) Pakistani students are perusing their Masters in China under the CPEC Program titled ―China Road and Bridge Corporation CRBC)‖. Higher Education Commission (HEC) inked an agreement with China Road & Bridge Corporation for award of 100 fully funded scholarships in Masters of Transportation Engineering and its sub fields in 2017.
*Question No. 88 Senator Dr. Jehanzeb Jamaldini: (Notice Received on 29/07/2019 at 3:15 PM) QID: 36275
Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:
(a) the date on which the project for construction of Multan- Sukkur Motorway was inaugurated;
(b) the details of work completed on the said Motorway , so far with section wise break up; and
(c) the details of work yet to be carried on that Motorway with section wise break up?
Mr. Murad Saeed: (a) Ground Breaking Ceremony of Multan- Sukkur Motorway was held in May 2016 and the project was inaugurated in November, 2019.
(b) All works are completed and Motorway is opened to traffic w.e.f. November 6, 2019
(c) Major works on all sections of Multan-Sukkur Motorway have been completed.
*Question No. 89 Senator Dr. Jehanzeb Jamaldini: (Notice Received on 30/07/2019 at 11:00 AM) QID: 36278
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the procedure laid down for registration of a pharmaceutical company in the country at present; and
90 (b) the number of pharmaceutical companies registered in the country during the last four years, with year wise and month wise break up?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) The procedure for establishment of Pharmaceutical Unit is at Annex-A.
(b) 74 Licenses have been granted for manufacturing of drugs/medicines to various manufacture‘s during four years (Detail is at Annex-B).
91 92 93 94
95 *Question No. 90 Senator Prof. Dr. Mehar Taj Roghani: (Notice Received on 6/08/2019 at 4:00 PM) QID: 36295
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that a contract has been awarded to Al- Habib Chemist, Islamabad for supply of medicines to the Parliament Dispensary and to the entitled persons referred / prescribed by the said dispensary, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether it is also a fact that the said chemist / contractor does not provide the medicines in required quantity and dosage to the patients / entitled persons as prescribed by the doctor in that dispensary, if so, the reasons thereof;
(c) whether it is further a fact that under the contract the said chemist is required to deliver the medicines to that dispensary by itself but it does not and the staff of the dispensary has to collect and bring the same by themselves, if so, the reasons thereof; and
(d) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to take action against that chemist / contractor on account of the said negligence / violations, if so, when?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Contract was awarded to Al-Habib chemist for the years 2017-18 and 2018-19.
However the contract for the year 2019-20 has been awarded to M/s Al-Salah chemist.
(b) FGPC had received numerous complaint regarding delays, less supply and alternate medicine.
(c) Yes, as per contract.
(d) Following actions have been taken:—
(i) Contract of Al-Habib Chemist has concluded on 30/09/2019. 96 (ii) A case has been forwarded to FIA on 02/10/2019 for investigation and further necessary action.
(iii) Payment of Al-Habib Chemist for the last 04 months has been stopped.
*Question No. 91 Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan: (Notice Received on 8/08/2019 at 10:45 AM) QID: 36305
Will the Minister for Federal Education, Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to state:
(a) the details of complaints received through the Pakistan Citizens Portal regarding the matters concerning the Ministry of Federal Education, Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritagre, its attached departments and subordinate offices since the inception of the portal indicating also the present status of each of the same; and
(b) whether it is a fact that a number of the said complaints have not been resolved so far, if so, the reasons thereof indicating also the steps being taken by the Government to resolve the same at the earliest?
Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: (a) Total Complaints received upto 31st October 2019 is:
97 (b) PMDU portal is becoming very popular in general public and flow of complaints increasing day by day. So far 90% complaints resolved out of 53140 complaints.
User manual for complaint/suggestion handling is being followed for complaints resolution.
Regular progress review and follow up meetings being held in ministry on monthly basis with heads of department and weekly basis with concerned joint secretaries for identification of general issues/bottlenecks and necessary policy formulation/direction for facilitation of general public. Head of attached departments/offices also convene regular monthly review meetings in line with user manual.
*Question No. 92 Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan: (Notice Received on 8/08/2019 at 10:45 AM) QID: 36307
Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state:
(a) the details of complaints received through the Pakistan Citizens Portal regarding the matters concerning the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, its attached departments and subordinate offices since the inception of the portal indicating also the present status of each of the same; and
(b) whether it is a fact that a number of the said complaints have not been resolved so far, if so, the reasons thereof indicating also the steps being taken by the Government to resolve the same at the earliest?
Makhdoom Khusro Bukhtiar: (a) Attached at Annex.
(b) No complaints is pending with the end of Ministry of National Food Security as on 06-1-2020.
98
99 *Question No. 93 Senator Dr. Jehanzeb Jamaldini: (Notice Received on 8/08/2019 at 3:10 PM) QID: 36312
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordinations be pleased to state the names of medicines, the prices of which have been increased during the last four years with year- wise breakup and month wise break up?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordinations: The increase made in the prices of medicines during the last four years is as under:—
• The names of medicines the prices of which have been increased under hardship category, after approval of Federal Government, during the last four years with year wise break up is placed at annex-A
• Since July 01, 2016 annual increase in Maximum Retail Prices of drugs has been linked with Consumer Price Index (CPI) under Drug Pricing Policy-2015/2018 notified after approval of Federal Government.
• In July 2016 prices were increased on the basis of CPI @ 2.86 % for financial year 2015-16 as per Drug Pricing Policy-2015 is as under: —————————————————————————————— Scheduled Drugs 1.43% (50% of CPI) Non-scheduled Drugs 2% (70% of CPI) Lower priced drugs 2.86% (equal to CPI) —————————————————————————————— • In January, 2018 prices were increased on the basis of CPI @ 4.16% for financial year 2016-17 as per Drug Pricing Policy- 2015 is as under:— —————————————————————————————— Scheduled Drugs 2.08% (50% of CPI) Non-scheduled Drugs 2.91% (70% of CPI) * Lower priced drugs 4.16% (equal to CPI) —————————————————————————————— • In July 2018 pharmaceutical companies availed increase in prices on the basis of CPI @ 3.92% for financial year 2018-19 as under: 100 —————————————————————————————— Essential Drugs 2.744%
Other than essential and 3.92% lower priced drugs —————————————————————————————— • In July 2019 pharmaceutical companies availed increase in prices on the basis of CPI @ 7.34% for financial year 2019-20 as under: —————————————————————————————— Essential Drugs 5.13%
Other than essential 7.34% and lower priced drugs —————————————————————————————— • Increase in prices of drugs @9% on MRPs determined under hardship category and @l5 % for other drugs was allowed due to devaluation of Pak Rupee against USD @ 30% during 2018. It was allowed to ensure availability of drugs in the market after due process and approval by the Federal Government.
(Annexures have been placed on the Table of the House as well as Library)
*Question No. 94 Senator Kalsoom Perveen: (Notice Received on 19/08/2019 at 12:00 PM) QID: 36326
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 bring changes in the administrative status of the PIMS, if so, the details and reasons thereof?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination:
PIMS
PIMS Reforms Act 2019 is under consideration. The said bill has been approved by the Cabinet in principle for further processing under Rule of Business 1973. At the same time a committee is being formed with PIMS employees to appropriately address their concerns. 101 *Question No. 95 Senator Hidayat Ullah: (Notice Received on 26/08/2019 at 2:00 PM) QID: 36342
Will the Minister for Federal Education, Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to refer to the Senate Starred Question No.74 replied on 26th April, 2019 and state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the meeting of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) for the consideration of the cases of time scale promotion of 986 eligible teacher from BPS-17 to BPS-18 has not been conducted despite the lapse of more than four months, if so, the reasons thereof;
(b) the details of action, if any, taken against those responsible for delaying the said meeting; and
(c) the time by which the meeting of the said DPC will be held and the eligible teachers will be granted time scale promotion?
Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: (a) FDE sent cases of eligible teachers to Ministry of FE&PT for holding DPC in the month of February 2019 but could not be completed for providing some more requisite information‘s / documents regarding appointment/ promotion in BS-17, BS-18 and BS-19 along-with certificate of EOL and disciplinary proceedings etc. As and when the data is completed/provided by concerned Principals/DDO, the same information will be sent to the Ministry of FE&PT for further necessary action at their end. Furthermore, after amendment in recruitment rules, Combined Final Seniority list of BS-17 of teaching staff is also under process in FDE, which is pre-requisite of all promotion cases.
(b) There is no delay, but procedural requirements will take some time.
(c) Date for holding meeting of DPC will be scheduled by the Ministry of FE&PT as and when cases are sent to the Ministry.
102 *Question No. 96 Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani: (Notice Received on 27/08/2019 at 3:00 PM) QID: 36346
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the details of steps being taken by the Government for eradication of polio from the erstwhile tribal areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and slums across the country?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: The Polio eradication is among top priorities of the Govt of Pakistan & it is making all out efforts to completely wipe out this crippling disease from all areas of the country. A National Emergency Action Plan (NEAP) for Polio Eradication is being implemented all across the country under the direct guidance of NTF led by the Prime Minister. The NEAP includes all key strategies for all areas of the country and delines a clear-cut action plan, priorities and milestones with timelines.
The Polio Programme pays special focus and attention to the core reservoir & vulnerable areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa tribal districts, slums and high risk & mobile populations (HR&MP). The steps that have been taken by Programme for eradication of Polio from erstwhile tribal districts (TDs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa include:
The TDs are included in each Polio campaign and a total of 3 National and 2 Sub-National campaigns are planned during the period between Dec. 2019 – Jun. 2020;
Enhanced outreach activities for RI would also be conducted for 12 days each month;
In view of the ongoing Polio outbreak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, multiple case response campaigns were conducted in different TDs during last three months; & special district / UC specific plans are being implemented in these districts to ensure high quality implementation of SIAs;
Thorough assessments / investigations of the Polio cases and positive environmental samples conducted and identified gaps were addressed promptly;
Close coordination and partnership with LEAs & Armed Forces has been developed and being maintained to ensure ‗safe working environment for the frontline Polio workers‘ 103 and ‗vaccination of all under five children in security compromised areas of the country‘.
Security focal persons have been notified at National & Provincial level & in the highest risk districts, by Pakistan Army, to support & coordinate the security related matters. Team to team security and QRFs are provided to Polio teams in security sensitive areas;
Strong coordination with the Afghanistan PEI programme is being maintained and a joint action plan for bordering areas is being implemented by both countries for implementation of synchronized Polio campaigns and activities, in the bordering areas;
Special focus is being laid on vaccination of the HR&MP moving between Provinces & between Pakistan & AFG, through their effective identification, mapping & tracking:
o The Permanent Transit Vaccination Points are fully functional at all key points including inter-province / district borders, bus stations, etc. All children up the age of 10 years are being vaccinated at border crossing points with Afghanistan;
o All age vaccination (AAV) of travelers has also been initiated at the Torkham since Mar.19 & the Programme is also planning to start all age vaccination at Ghulam Khan, Kharlachi and Angoor Adda in November;
For mass media, the Programme is currently launching a Perception Management Initiative (PMI), which is an overarching strategy that intends to overcome misconceptions that have been fueling refusals to polio vaccine. The PMI intends to counter negative propaganda; encourage positive narrative building around the Programme & enhance risk perception towards the virus. For social media, the programme is set to launch the Perception Management Digital Strategy. The Programme continues to use a strong coalition of influencers at local level alongside community 104 engagement and social mobilization activities in order to promote positive social norms around vaccine uptake.
The Polio Programme has also established partnership with Ehsaas Programme for focusing Ehsaas programme interventions in Polio affected & high risk areas of the country, to increase the acceptability of polio vaccine & address demand based refusals.
Efforts are also being made through PEI-EPI synergy teams to increase RI coverage in the TDs. Six Extended Outreach Activities have been conducted since January 2019.
The strategy of the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme is to cover all under five children in each targeted district in each Polio campaign, including those living in slums:
As majority of the population living in slums are the high risk and mobile groups, nomads & seasonal migrants, therefore a special strategy for the HR&MP groups is being implemented. The identification, mapping and tracking of these populations is ensured regularly to ensure their optimal vaccination. All PEI strategies that are implemented in the country are also implemented in the slums;
The slums are included in each Polio vaccination campaign that is held in the district & these populations are included in the Micro Plan, which is updated before each SIA;
The surveys are also conducted regularly to determine movement patterns & vaccination status of the populations living in slums. The communication and social mobilization activities are implemented in local languages in these areas;
Besides PTPs at key locations, the temporary transit vaccination points are also established during the special events & seasonal movements of these populations;
The polio plus activities i.e. Health Camps are implemented regularly in these areas & special RI outreach sessions are also conducted frequently in these areas; 105 The Programme has also established partnership with Ehsaas programme for focusing Ehsaas programme interventions in high risk areas of the country including slums, to increase the acceptability of polio vaccine and address the demand based refusals;
Majority of the areas in super HR UCs identified by Programme includes slums, where heightened focus is being given & special interventions are implemented;
The Govt. will leave no stone unturned to completely wipe out this crippling disease from the country. All respected members of this august forum are requested to support polio eradication as a national cause within their constituencies, to get all eligible children vaccinated both in routine EPI as well as during the special door to door Polio campaigns across the country.
*Question No. 97 Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani: (Notice Received on 27/08/2019 at 3:00 PM) QID: 36347
Will the Minister for Maritime Affairs be pleased to state the details of steps taken being taken by the Government to eradicate pollution from the coastal areas of the country?
Syed Ali Haider Zaidi:
DG (P&S) Wing, Karachi.
Marine Pollution on the coast of Karachi including Karachi Harbor is caused due to daily raw sewage drainage from Nullahs directly to the sea coast line. On a conservative estimate approx. 400 million gallons per day is the out flow of raw sewerage received with industrial pollutants in the sea across Karachi. Apart from that approximately 5000 tons of solid waste is also being dumped in Sea daily.
The overall massive marine pollution on the coastline of Karachi has directly affected our marine ecology, biodiversity, corrosion to the ships berthed including Pakistan Navy Fleet. This has created serious health issues and directly affecting the lives of natural assets and residents of the city in the form of skin diseases. Hepatitis and Asthma. It is also in contravention to United Nations‘ International Convention for the 106 Prevention of Pollution from Ships (UN MARPOL-1973178), to which Pakistan is a signatory.
The disposal of treated liquid waste is directly responsibility of respective provincial government and its department i.e. Karachi Water & Sewerage Board (KW&SB) & Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (EPA-Sindh). However the organizations in the Ministry of Maritime Affairs are taking following steps.
KPT.
1. The Marine Pollution Control Department (MPCD) has been set up by Karachi Port Trust to address the Environmental issues related to Marine Pollution. The Karachi Harbour, which spreads over an area of approximately 62 sq. km, receives diversified pollutants from land based as well as Marine Based sources. These include around 400 million gallons per day (mgd) of untreated industrial-cum municipal waste from the city, operational wastes from hundreds of fishing crafts in Karachi fisheries, refuse from various industrial and commercial premises situated on the perimeter of the Harbour and operational emissions from ships calling Karachi Port.
2. The Marine Pollution Control Department conducts inspection of the ships calling at Karachi Port in consonance with MARPOL 73/78. Through this inspection, it is ensured that the ship does not cause any pollution in the Harbour as well as during sea voyage. Records related to production and disposal of oily sludge & category-1 garbage (plastic etc.) during past six months are checked to assess its past performance in the context of pollution prevention.
3. The ship bilge water overboard discharge valves are required to be kept chained and locked when the ship is not en-route Performance of oily water separator is checked and it is also ensured that the ships does not have any connection through which oil bilges can be purred overboard without passing through oily water separator even in open seas. The inspection is conducted very strictly and in case of any contraventions the ships is issued warning and subsequently penalized. The penalties have created sufficient deterrent and the Harbour has acquired cleaner surface particularly with reference to surface oil accumulation.
107 4. KPT has arrangements to collect the debris from harbour water on daily basis. Two debris collection boats, built for the purpose have been acquired by KPT. In addition, KPT also hires eight boats on daily basis during light hours for collecting the floating marine debris from the sea water which enters from the various land based sources. More than five to ten tons of debris being collected from the navigational channel daily.
5. In compliance of S-III Project, KPT agreed to the desire of Water Commission constituted by Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan under Justice (R) Amir Muslim Hani to establish a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP-V) near Mai Kolachi Road under Wetland Park Project (Chandni Park). In 2018, Minister for Maritime Affairs along with Chairman KPT and his team met Justice Amir Muslim Hani in his Chamber and discussed in detail about the said project. It was highlighted during the meeting that establishment of sewerage treatment facility is primarily the responsibility of Local and Provincial Government of Sindh. The raw sewage being pumped out directly into the sea without any primary and secondary treatment is rapidly destroying Port infrastructure. The issues of land owner ship between KPT and Government of Sindh was also discussed in detail which actually is resulting delays in the execution of this important intervention.
6. In addition to above, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Provincial Minister of Local Government, Government of Sindh convened a meeting on 11th October, 2019 along with Secretary, Maritime Affairs; Secretary (Local Government), Government of Sindh, Chairman KPT and Chairman PQA. In this meeting, it was decided that Ministry of Maritime Affairs through KPT and PQA will provide suitable land to assist in establishing waste to energy project pant. It was also assured by the Minister for Maritime Affairs that all possible assistance will be provided to Sindh Government from KPT and PQA to tackle the menace of the Solid Waste of Mega City Karachi.
7. Furthermore KPT affirms its commitment to establish TP-V in two phases i.e. in Phase-I, it will cater to treat 60 million gallons per day of 2 drains viz Soldier Bazar drain and City Station drain. In Phase-II, 40 million gallons per day sewerage coming from Nehr-e-Khayam will be treated.
108 8. At present the project is on a hold as formal decision by Water Commission has not been endorsed by Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan to make it binding on concerned parties. This is essential because Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Government of Sindh (GoS) have claims on Mai Kolachi wetland, which is presently sub-judice in Sindh High Court.
PQA.
PQA is taking necessary measures through Vigilance team under Environment & Safety Department for combating pollution from ships, harbour, territorial water and industries to maintain strict valance. As per PQA Land Allotment Policy, no clumping of hazardous waste is allowed in Port Qasim jurisdiction and arrangements are being made by the industries for disposal of their Solid Waste outside Port Qasim Jurisdiction landfill site of KMC/DMC.
PQA has registered contractors for collection of garbage / solid waste from ships anchored in PQA territorial water. PQA has also hired private contractors for Cleaning and Sweeping Services for collection of Solid Waste from PQA areas and its safe disposal outside of PQA landfill site.
The liquid waste discharges by the industries located at PQA Industrial Zones are being monitored in order to maintain Port area clean in line with connection of industrial waste and its disposal as per Environmental Standards. PQA has surveillance boat and deployed technical staff to monitor the cleanliness of the port territorial water.
GPA.
Gwadar Port is relatively a new port and as such no pollution issues are being faced however Gwadar Port Authority is contemplating to have Marine Pollution Control Cell once the port become fully operational.
KoFHA.
It is stated that Korangi Fisheries Harbour (KoFH) is the only fish harbour of the federal government. It is the cleanest harbor in Sindh province and there is no congestion at KoFH. It established on 370 acres of land and only 50 acres are utilized whereas sufficient land is available for its expansion. The fish processing plants established at KoFHA have high standards of hygiene. No refuse/ garbage are being dumped along the coast or directly in the sea from this Harbour. Moreover, each processing 109 unit has its separate septic tank/ cesspool, no untreated effluent or waste is disposed off directly in the sea. The recently enacted Occupational Health Safety Act, 2018 has also strengthened the government‘s supervision process in this respect.
The illegal jetties (particularly Ibrahim Hyderi) are a menace for the fisheries sector on one hand and major source of marine pollution on other hand for which Sindh Government needs to take immediate measures. Moreover, land grabbers are encroaching on the precious land of the KoFH and dumping of solid waste on land of KoFH are serious threat to KoFH and environment, which are required to be addressed by the Government of Sindh.
*Question No. 98 Senator Moula Bux Chandio: (Notice Received on 4/09/2019 at 12:40 PM) QID: 36368
Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:
(a) the details of rest areas established at Karach-Sukkur (M-9) Motorway; and
(b) the number of U-turn provided on the said Motorway with location wise breakup?
Mr. Murad Saeed: (a) Two (02 Nos.) rest areas were in the scope of work, however, due to drastic changes in the design of M9 the motorway status has been compromised, therefore, provision of rest areas is delayed.
(b) The detail is as under:—
Justification for the above mentioned U-turns is at Annex-A.
110
111 *Question No. 99 Senator Gianchand: (Notice Received on 6/09/2019 at 10:50 AM) QID: 36366
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state whether the 5% quota reserved for minorities in appointments is being implemented by the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, if so, the number of persons appointed in the Ministry against the said quota during the last five years with grade wise break up?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: Yes, the 5% quota reserved for minorities in appointments is implemented by the Minister of Health Services, Regulations and Coordiriation in letter and spirit. Ministry of NHS, R&C was established on 26th October, 2011 with 118 strength of officers/supporting staff, who were posted by the MS Wing of Establishment Division.
This Ministry started recruitment process to fill up the vacant positions of non-gazetted staff in 2015. The detail of staff belongs to minorities, appointed in the Ministry of NHSR&C since 2015 up till now is as under:
*Question No. 100 Senator Gianchand: (Notice Received on 6/09/2019 at 10:50 AM) QID: 36051
Will the Minister for Federal Education, Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to state that 5% quota reserved for Minorities in appointments is being implemented by the Ministry of Federal Education,Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage, if so, the number of persons appointed in the Ministry against that quota during the last five years with grade wise break up?
Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: Nil.
No fresh recruitment against 5% quota reserved for Minorities has been made in the Ministry since its creation i.e., 29th July, 2011. The 112 employees posted by the Establishment Division in this Ministry from different defunct Ministries/Divisions in the wake of 18th amendment. Recently on abolishment of Capital Administration & Development Division and NISTE upgraded into Skill University, their surplus employees have also been posted in this Ministry by the Surplus Pool, Establishment Division. However, the quota of 5% reserved for Minorities will be observed as and when fresh recruitment is made in future.
However, the following minorities employees are already posted in this Ministry by the Establishment Division:
1. Mrs. Angelina Joseph, Superintendent.
2. Mr. Ashir Masih, Sanitary Worker.
3. Mr. Asif Masih, Sanitary Worker.
4. Mr. Zeeshan Masih, Sanitary Worker.
*Question No. 101 Senator Abida Muhammad Azeem: (Notice Received on 6/09/2019 at 12:23 PM) QID: 36383
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the value/worth of life saving drugs imported by Pakistan from India during the last five years with year wise breakup;
(b) the names of the diseases for which the said drugs are prescribed ; and
(c) the procedure laid down for the fixation of prices of said imported drugs, indicating also the names of authority which fixes their prices?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) The value /worth of life saving drugs imported by Pakistan from India during the last five years with year wise breakup is as under: 113
(b) The names of the disease for which said drugs are prescribed at Annex. A.
(c) Procedure for fixation of Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of imported drugs:
Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, with the approval of Federal Cabinet notified a Drug Pricing Policy-2018 which provides a mechanism for fixation of Maximum Retail Prices of imported drugs which is as under:
MRP of Originator Brand is fixed on the basis of price in reference countries in the following sequence:
i. India and Bangladesh
ii. If price information is not available in countries listed at (i), then average retail price in Indonesia, Philippines, Lebanon, Sri-Lanka and Malaysia
iii. If price information is not available in countries listed at (i) & (ii), then average of the whole sale /procurement price available in the following countries:
a. UK Monthly Index of Medical Supplies or British National Formulary (BNF). b. Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. c. New Zealand Pharmaceutical Management Agency;
114 iv. If price information is not available in countries listed at (i), (ii) & (iii), then MPR of Originator Brand in the country of origin,
v. If price information is not available as per parameters at (i), (ii), (iii) & (iv) then MRP calculated on the basis of import price (Trade Price = Landed cost + mark-up @ 40% or 45%, depending on the category of drugs) or demanded MRP, whichever is lower.
Maximum Retail Price shall be calculated by grossing up trade price to provide for retail discount @ 15%.
Authority which fix MRPs of drugs:
Federal Government is the Authority to fix Maximum Retail Price of drugs under section 12 of the Drugs Act, 1976.Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan with the approval of the Federal Government, under section 12(3) of the Drugs Act, 2012 has constituted a Drugs Pricing Committee, having representation of provincial health departments, M/o National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, Ministry of Finance and stakeholders as observers, to fix prices of medicines subject to its approval vide S.R.O.707 (1)/2013 dated 5th August, 2013.The recommendations of DPC become effective after approval of the Federal Government.
*Question No. 102 Senator Abida Muhammad Azeem: (Notice Received on 13/09/2019 at 10:30 AM) QID: 36418
Will the Minister for Federal Education, Professional Training, National History and Literacy Heritage be pleased to state:
(a) the names, districts of domicile and field of study of students sent abroad on Ph.D scholarships by HEC during last ten years, who did not return to Pakistan after completion of their studies indicating also the names of countries to which they were sent in each case; and
(b) the steps taken by the Government to bring the said students back? 115 Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: (a) A total of 2780 foreign scholarships were awarded for PhD studies abroad during the last 10 years. Of these, 172 scholars did not return to Pakistan. The region/subject wise detail is as under:
The details of foreign countries along with name of PhD scholars is placed at Annex-I.
(b) In case of breach of terms and conditions of scholarship award, the scholar is bound to refund total cost of scholarship plus 25% penalty. The expenses occurred in foreign currency are recoverable in the same currency. Detailed process of recovery in case of breach of agreement is at Annex-II.
(Annexures have been placed on the Table of the House as well as Library)
116 *Question No. 103 Senator Fida Muhammad: (Notice Received on 16/09/2019 at 12:25 PM) QID: 36384
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the number of cases of Dengue fever reported in Islamabad during the last five years; and
(b) the steps being taken by the Government to control the said disease?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) According to available data, the number of persons infected by Dengue virus in Islamabad are given below: —————————————————————————————— 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Total —————————————————————————————— 526 2813 296 295 11738 15,668 ——————————————————————————————
(b) The M/o NHSRC has taken the following steps
1. A Task Force has been notified on 16th September 2019 under the chairmanship of Minister of State for NHSRC to lead the response activities that reviews the situation on daily basis and undertakes requisite measures.
2. Dengue Control & Operations Cell has been set up in Ministry. Public can access Tel: No. 051-9216890 for any queries, complaints and suggestion. A daily update for the media is also released.
The daily meetings are being held to participate by the senior officials of the Ministry, heads of hospitals, district administration and MCI and other key stakeholders of both districts to review the preventive and curative aspects of response in concerned areas.
Sufficient beds have been allocated to tackle Dengue both in public and private hospitals of Islamabad and the quality of 117 clinical services is being vigorously monitored. The observed case fatality rate therefore, stays at 0.2% well within the limits of <1% targeted by the WHO.
A daily fact sheet for media is being released to keep the communities informed.
Relevant teams are conducting regular vector surveillance and instituting urgent response measures using the set SOPs through rapid response teams. Community engagement in ongoing field activities is ensured through the direct support of the local representatives.
The Dengue Control room in Ministry has undertaken resource mapping to effectively facilitate ongoing response activities. Resource sharing among two teams further helps in conducting efficient response in all areas from where new cases are reported.
Dengue counters and wards have been established in Government and private hospitals and Focal Persons assigned to ensure best clinical services to the patients in Islamabad. A monitored system of clinical audit has further been put in place by the M/o NHSRC.
For effective coordination, representatives from Rawalpindi are regularly attending the morning meetings in the Ministry of NSHRC. The coordinated response is being ensured in areas falling on borders of twin cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad).
3. The EOC at FEDSD, NIH has been activated since 16th September 2019 to monitor the disease situation on daily basis. The daily situation report is being disseminated.
4. The Seasonal Awareness & Alert Letter (SAAL) and Advisory on Prevention and Control of Dengue has been widely disseminated and made available at NIH website: www.nih.orq.pk.
118 5. National guidelines for dengue vectors Control in Pakistan are also available at Directorate of Malaria Control. Website www.dmc.gov.pk
6. NIH has established first ever Vector borne & Zoonotic lab at NIH where free of cost diagnostic and vector identification facilities are available.
7. NIH in collaboration with FELTP Pakistan, has established well equipped Disease Surveillance and Response Units (DSRUs) in DGHS offices at all provinces, AJK, G-B, FATA and Karachi. Trained workforce along with FELTP trainees are available at all DSRUs and are responding to the outbreak investigations, including dengue fever.
8. The NIH is further facilitating provinces in establishing Provincial Public Health Reference Labs at all provinces which will help in early diagnosis of the diseases and control outbreaks as they emerge.
*Question No. 104 Senator Naseebullah Bazai: (Notice Received on 17/09/2019 at 12:10 PM) QID: 36390
Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state whether it is a fact that the employees of NHA working on contract basis or as consultants on different NHA projects have not been paid their salaries for the last five to six months, if so, the reasons thereof, indicating also the time by which the same will be paid to them?
Mr. Murad Saeed: The Salaries of NHA employees, who have been working on Contract basis, are being disbursed from NHA Accounts Sections of HQ/Regions in time along with regular employees.
However the employees, who are working on Consultant‘s strength, are not on the payroll of NHA. Salaries of said employees are disbursed by Contractors and Consultants. Therefore any delay in the salaries of these employees is not on the part of NHA. However instructions are being issued to all Project Consultants for timely release of salaries to their respective staff. Late releases of PSDP funds also results in delay of payments to and by the consultants.
119 *Question No. 105 Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi: (Notice Received on 20/09/2019 at 11:30 AM) QID: 36395
Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state whether it is fact that presently farmers of Province of Sindh is facing the problem of Swarms of locusts due to which their agricultural production is significantly decreasing, if so, steps being taken by the government to support Sindh agricultural department to deal with this challenging situation?
Makhdoom Khusro Bukhtiar: 1. At present, the desert locust does not have any impact on agricultural crops of the Sindh nor any report of crop damages/ losses or grievances of the farmers has been received, due to better management of the DPP. to contain the locust in the desert area.
2. However, due to end of breeding season in Balochistan, the desert locust groups/ swarms started to move towards summer-monsoon breeding zone of Sindh and Punjab provinces in June, 2019. The first report of Desert Locust was reported from Thari Mirwah, district Khairpur on 06-06-2019.
3. The Department of Plant Protection immediately deputed its Desert Locust Survey and Control Team along with survey and control vehicles to start the control operation to mitigate the pest. The large swarms/ groups of locusts were controlled through aerial spray at Thari Mirwah of Khairpur district and Saleh Pat of Sukkur district in Nara desert, while small scattered groups were managed through ground control vehicles.
4. The control teams have treated an area of 29,450 hectares out of which 2,000 hectares have been treated by aerial mean in Sindh province so far. Control operation is still in progress in various areas of Tharparkar and Nara deserts.
5. The Department has fully utilized its available resources to combat the desert locust effectively through coordinated efforts in collaboration with Provincial Agriculture Departments, District Administration, Development Authorities, Pesticide Associations and growers in the province.
120 *Question No. 106 Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi: (Notice Received on 20/09/2019 at 11:30 AM) QID: 36396
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is fact that number of Dengue patients are increasing in Islamabad, if so, the steps being taken by the Government to control the said disease; and
(b) whether it is also a fact that dengue patients are also admitted in general wards due to lack of space and facilities in Government hospitals, if so, the steps being taken by the Government to facilitate these patients by providing them separate wards?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Islamabad has witnessed a rise in the number of Dengue patients from August 2019. The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination is monitoring the situation closely and has undertaken following steps to control the said diseases:
1. The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) NIH has been activated since 16th September 2019 to monitor the countrywide disease situation on daily basis.
2. A Task Force was notified on 16th September 2019 under the chairmanship of Minister of State for NHSRC to lead the response activities that reviews the situation on daily basis for undertaking requisite measures.
3. Dengue Control & Operations Cell (24 hours help line) has been set up in the Ministry with helpline No. 051-9216890 to address public queries and complaints.
4. Considering the concentration of cases in Potohar, a daily review meeting is chaired by the Minister for NHSRC with participation of the senior officials from Ministry, heads of hospitals, district administration of twin cities, MCI and other key stakeholders of both districts to review the preventive and curative aspects of the response.
5. The chronic capacity gaps in terms of human resource and logistics have been plugged both in DHO Islamabad office as well as the MCI Health Directorate. The number of response teams has been increased from 6 to 68 in rural and 19 to 29 in urban areas. 121 6. Collaboration has been built with Sanitation department to remove almost 600 tons solid waste from urban sectors and 300 tons in rural areas of Islamabad.
7. Dengue counters and wards have been established in Islamabad hospitals and Focal Persons assigned to ensure best free of charge clinical services to Dengue patients. Since 1st July, over 18,000 patients in Islamabad have fully recovered from illness.
8. Sufficient beds have been allocated to tackle Dengue both in public and private hospitals of Islamabad and the quality of clinical services is being vigorously monitored.
9. Relevant teams are conducting regular vector surveillance and instituting urgent response measures using the set SOPs through rapid response teams. Community engagement in ongoing field activities is ensured through distribution of the IEC material and direct support of the local representatives.
10. A daily fact sheet for media is being released to keep the communities informed.
(b) Anticipating the upsurge of Dengue patients, the major Government hospitals of Islamabad have allocated 340 dedicated beds as per following details:
122 Almost 149 Dengue patients are currently admitted in Government hospitals and being provided treatment free of charge. The Ministry of NHSRC has further worked with private hospitals to utilize 486 beds for referral from Government Hospitals, in case of need. So far, the needs of the Dengue patients have been effectively met by the Government hospitals and no patients has been referred to private hospitals as yet.
*Question No. 107 Senator Mir Kabeer Ahmed Muhammad Shahi: (Notice Received on 20/09/2019 at 1:45 PM) QID: 36400
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the number of Health cards issued by the present Government in the country under the Sehat Insaaf Card Scheme with province-wise break-up?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: The following is the number of health cards issued by present Government in the country as per database of Sehat Sahulat Program, on 30th September, 2019.
(1) Islamabad Capital Territory: 17,660 families.
(2) Newly Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 368,502 families.
(3) Punjab: 1,454,072 families.
(4) Azad Jammu and Kashmir: 72,755 families.
(5) Sindh (District Tharparkar only): 125,877 families.
(6) Balochistan: Sehat Sahulat Program has been suspended in Balochistan due to non-signing of agreement by Provincial Government.
(7) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Provincial Government is implementing its own independent initiative without Federal involvement.
District level details on current status of Sehat Insaf cards issued and hospitals services started on CNIC is attached in Annex-A.
123 Annex-A
124
125
*Question No. 108 Senator Khushbakht Shujat: (Notice Received on 24/09/2019 at 11:10 AM) QID: 36415
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the details of medicines purchased by the Federal Government Services Hospital since 2017-18 with year wise break up; and
(b) the detail of deserving/poor patients to whom the said medicines were provided indicating also the names of illnesses for which the said medicines were prescribed?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) The details of medicines purchased by the Federal Government Services Hospital year wise / monthly break-up in Rupees is as under:
126
(b) Free of cost medicine is provide to all the patients who are prescribed medication by the doctors (emergency, indoor & outdoor), without any discrimination, as per availability and hospital formulary.
*Question No. 109 Senator Syed Muhammad Sabir Shah: (Notice Received on 24/09/2019 at 12:30 PM) QID: 36421
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the dispensary of Federal Government Services Hospital (Poly Clinic), established for facilitation of the Federal Government employees in Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi has been closed down, if so, the reasons thereof indicating also the name of authority on whose directions the same has been closed down; and 127 (b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to re-open the said dispensary, if so, when?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a)Yes, Federal Government Polyclinic Hospital dispensary at Benzair Bhutto Hospital (BBH), Rawalpindi has been closed down subsequent to a policy decision by Ministry of NHSR&C, aiming at overall restructuring of health system of FGPC & allied dispensaries. The dispensary was located within BBH premises which is a tertiary care hospital of Govt. of Punjab providing free treatment to all Provincial and Federal Government Employees. (b) There is no proposal under consideration to re-open the said dispensary.
*Question No. 110 Senator Kalsoom Perveen: (Notice Received on 24/09/2019 at 12:35 PM) QID: 36417
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the number of cases of dengue fever reported in Islamabad during the last three months;
(b) the number of patients in the Islamabad who lost their lives due to dengue fever during the said period; and
(c) the steps taken / being taken by the Government for prevention and eradication of the dengue virus?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) A total of 6,572 Dengue cases have been reported from Islamabad since 1st July to 8th Oct. 2019 as summarized below:
* The above cases with Islamabad address have been reported from Government and Private hospitals in Islamabad, Rawalpindi as well as other cities of Punjab on the PITB dashboard. 128 (b) A total of 15 Dengue related deaths have so far been / reported during the period from Government and Private hospitals of Islamabad and Punjab as per following details:
(c) The M/o NHSRC has taken the following steps for prevention and control of Dengue:
1. The National Institute of Health alerted the Provincial / area health departments in advance on potential risks of Dengue outbreaks in its Seasonal Awareness and Alert Letters (SAAL) disseminated widely for Spring Season in March and Monsoon in July 2019. Also available at its website www.nih_orq.pk.
2. NIH also issued an advisory on requisite prevention and control measures on 23rd May 2019 and made it available at www.nih.org.pk
3. The National guidelines for Dengue Vector Control in Pakistan were made available at the Directorate of Malaria Control. Website www.dmc.gov.pk
4. The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) NIH has been activated since 16th September 2019 to monitor the countrywide disease situation on daily basis.
5. A Task Force was notified on 16th September 2019 under the chairmanship of Minister of State for NHSRC to lead the response activities that reviews the situation on daily basis for undertaking requisite measures.
129 6. Dengue Control & Operations Cell (24 hours help line) has been set up in the Ministry with helpline No. 051-9216890 to address public queries and complaints.
7. Considering the concentration of cases in Potohar, a daily review meeting is chaired by the Minister for NHSRC with participation of the senior officials from Ministry, heads of hospitals, district administration of twin cities, MCI and other key stakeholders of both districts to review the preventive and curative aspects of the response.
8. The chronic capacity gaps in terms of human resource and logistics have been plugged both in DHO Islamabad office as well as the MCI Health Directorate. The number of response teams has been increased from 6 to 68 in rural and 19 to 29 in urban areas.
9. Collaboration has been built with Sanitation department to remove almost 600 tons solid waste from urban sectors and 300 tons in rural areas of Islamabad.
10. Dengue counters and wards have been established in Islamabad hospitals and Focal Persons assigned to ensure best free of charge clinical services to Dengue patients. Since 1st July, over 18,000 patients in Islamabad have fully recovered from illness.
11. Sufficient beds have been allocated to tackle Dengue both in public and private hospitals of Islamabad and the quality of clinical services is being vigorously monitored. Almost 149 Dengue patients are currently admitted in Government hospitals and being provided treatment free of charge.
12. Relevant teams are conducting regular vector surveillance and instituting urgent response measures using the set SOPs through rapid response teams. Community engagement in ongoing field activities is ensured through distribution of the IEC material and direct support of the local representatives.
13. A daily fact sheet for media is being released to keep the communities informed.
*Question No. 111 Senator Fida Muhammad: (Notice Received on 26/09/2019 at 2:35 PM) QID: 36442
Will the Minister for Federal Education, Professional Training, National History and Literary Heritage be pleased to state: 130 (a) the number of students studying in the Islamabad Model College for Boys, G-10/4 Islamabad in the morning and evening shifts separately with class wise break up;
(b) the procedure laid down for shifting a student from evening to morning shift in the said college; and
(c) the number of applications received in the said college for change of shift from evening to morning during the period from January, 2015 to August, 2019 indicating also the names and class of students, date of submission of application and action taken by the college in each case?
Mr. Shafqat Mahmood: (a) At present total number of 2672 students studying (Morning/Evening shifts) in the Islamabad Model College for Boys G-10/4, Islamabad. Class wise breakup is placed at Annex-A.
(b) As per policy (copy enclosed at Annex-B), change of shift is considered on the following conditions subject to availability of seats in the morning shift:-
If the elder brother/sisters are studying in senior classes in the morning shift and the younger siblings are admitted in the evening shift.
If both, mother and father are government servants.
Acute health reasons of the students with credible supporting medical documents.
(c) Total number of 208 applications were received in the said college for change of shift from evening to morning during the period from January, 2015 to August 2019, out of these 149 cases were approved in line with the change of shift policy and subject to availability of seats. Whereas, 59 cases could not be approved due to non-availability of seats. However detail of their names and class of students, date of submission of applications and action taken by the College in each case is placed at Annex-C.
131
A
-
2019
-
09
-
Annex 30
132 Annex-B
133 Annex-C
134
135
136 *Question No. 112 Senator Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar: (Notice Received on 2/10/2019 at 1:20 PM) QID: 36476
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:
(a) the sanctioned posts of Community Welfare Attaches in Pakistan’s Missions abroad;
(b) the names, name of departments and educational qualifications of the persons posted against the said posts at present with country wise breakup; and
(c) the names of the persons belonging to Balochistan Province posted against the said posts at present with country wise break up?
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development: (a) There are 19 Sanctioned posts of Community Welfare Attaches in 16 Pakistan Missions Abroad situated in 14 countries.
(b) The detail is at Annex-I.
(c) At present there is no officer belonging to Balochistan province posted against the posts of Community Welfare Attaches. Annex-I
137
*Question No. 113 Senator Kalsoom Perveen: (Notice Received on 3/10/2019 at 1:30 PM) QID: 36491
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state the number of posts lying vacant in PIMS, Islamabad and the time by which the same will be filled in?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: At present 1201, posts are vacant. 205 posts pertain to promotion quota and the promotion is under process.
The recruitment of the following posts of BPS-16 and above is under process in Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). The result of the written test has been announced the interviews by the FPSC for the posts of Professors / Associate Professors is scheduled on 21-10-2019 & 22-10-2019 (Annex-A), interviews for the post of Senior Librarian on 138 21-10-2019 (Annex-B) and interviews for the posts of Charge Nurses w.e.f 14-10-2019 to 08-11-2019 in Islamabad, Peshawar, Karachi and Lahore (Annex-C). The interviews of other posts are awaited:-
The recruitment against 138 vacant posts from BPS-06 to BPS-15 and 286 vacant posts from BPS-01 to BPS-05 has been re-advertised on 9th October 2019 copy enclosed at Annex-D. The recruitment against these posts is expected to be made in 90 days.
The recruitment regarding remaining 251 posts will be processed subsequently as these posts became vacant during process of recruitment of above mentioned posts, while some of the post need updating /approval of recruitment rule from the appropriate forum.
*Question No. 114 Senator Seemee Ezdi: (Notice Received on 21/11/2019 at 12:20 PM) QID: 35831
Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the details of health care facilities being provided to poor patients through Insaf Health Card Programme;
(b) the maximum cost of health facilities / coverage permissible under the said card; and 139 (c) whether the holder of the card can transfer the benefits / facilities of healthcare permissible under that card to any of his/her family members?
Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Sehat Sahulat Program is 100% public sector (PSDP) funded social health protection initiative of Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination. The program is being implemented by Ministry in collaboration with the participating Provincial and Regional Governments. Through this program financial protection is provided to poor and marginalized families against catastrophic (extraordinary) health care expenditure.
In the program each enrolled family having ―Sehat Insaf Cards‖ has access to indoor health care services from empaneled private and public sector hospitals with dignity and respect. Sehat Sahulat Program provides two types of indoor health care coverage to each enrolled family. (1) Secondary health care services and (2) Priority health care services. Secondary health care services includes low cost indoor health care services including medical admissions, surgical admission, day care and maternity services (normal delivery and C-Section). Priority health care services includes high cost indoor health care treatment including heart diseases (stents and open-heart surgeries), Complication of diabetes, burn & accident, Dialysis, Chronic infections management, cancer management (chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy etc.) and neuro surgical procedures.
Coverage also include PKR 1,000 as transportation cost (3 times a year) at the time of discharge from hospital and burial support of PKR 10,000, incase of beneficiary patient death at empaneled hospital during treatment.
Further details of treatment and coverage which are covered in the program is as under:
140
141 Sehat Sahulat Program also provide an option of inter-provincial and inter-district portability of benefits through which every enrolled beneficiary has a choice to access services from any empaneled hospital across Pakistan.
(b) In the initiative each enrolled family having ―Sehat Insaf Cards‖ has access to indoor health care services as per following insurance limits:
Basic Priority Care Coverage: Rs: 300,000 per family per year.
Additional Priority Care Coverage: Rs: 300,000 per family per year.
Basic Secondary Care Coverage: Rs: 60,000 per family per year.
Additional Secondary Care Coverage* : Rs: 60,000 per family per year.
(c) The ‗Sehat Insaf Card‘ provides coverage for all eligible family members of the cardholder. Family includes head of family, spouse and their all unmarried children as per NADRA record/B Form.
*Question No. 115 Senator Seemee Ezdi: (Notice Received on 21/11/2019 at 12:20 PM) QID: 36645
Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state the amount allocated for increasing water efficiency in irrigation sector of the country during the fiscal year 2019-20 indicating also the mode of utilization and names of areas where the same is being utilized or will be utilized?
Makhdoom Khusro Bukhtiar:
1. Government of Pakistan has allocated an amount of Rs.7.0/- billion in Financial Year 2019-20 for improving efficiency of water in agriculture sector.
142 2. The amount will be spent by three projects namely:
(a) National Programme for Improvement of watercourses in Pakistan-Phase-II‖.
(b) National Programme for Enhancing command area in Barani Areas of Pakistan‖.
(c) Water Conservation in Barani Areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa‖.
3. These projects will be implemented by the provinces / regions. The provinces of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Balochistan with Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Provinces have their share in this spending through their ADPs.
*Question No. 116 Senator Syed Muhammad Sabir Shah: (Notice Received on 29/11/2019 at 4:25 PM) QID: 36675
Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:
(a) the details of post offices in Hazara Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, wherein officials have been found involved in the embezzlement of the Benazir Income Support Programme funds being disbursed to the poor people through the same during the last five years indicating also the names and designations of the officials found involved in the same;
(b) whether cases have been registered against the said officials for that embezzlement, if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the action had been taken by the Government against the said officials indicating also the details of those who have been removed from service and the amount recovered from them and those who are still serving on their posts?
Mr. Murad Saeed: (a) No official of any post office in Hazara Division has been found involved in the embezzlement of the Benazir Income Support Programme funds disbursed to the poor people through the same during the last five years.
143 (b) No official has been found involved. So, no case was registered.
(c) As no official is involved, therefore, no action is required to be taken.
ISLAMABAD, DR. AKHTAR NAZIR, the 13th January, 2020 Secretary.
PCPPI—60(2020) Senate—13-01-2020 —275