1 (28th Session)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT
————
“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”
to be asked at a sitting of the National Assembly to be held on
Monday, the 18th January, 2016
11. *Ms. Munaza Hassan: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Overseas Pakistanis are facing issues regarding the verification of documents especially with respect to educational documents;
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to solve the said issues?
Transferred to Foreign Affairs Division for answer on Next Rota Day.
15. *Sahibzada Tariq Ullah: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that a large number of Pakistanis deported from foreign countries were sent by agents since 2013; if so, the names of agents thereof; and
(b) the actions taken against agents so far?
Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day. 2
147. *Ms. Munaza Hassan: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan is amongst the top ten cotton producing countries by using forced child labour;
(b) whether it is also a fact that use of the pesticides is causing life threatening harms to the said children;
(c) if the answers to parts (a) and (b) above are in the affirmative, the steps taken by the Government to address the said issue?
Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.
158. *Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:
(a) the mechanism being adopted to check and ensure 100% implementation on minimum wage payment announced by the Government for the labourers of registered and un-documented industries or other work places; and
(b) whether Government conducted any survey to obtain exact figure/data thereof during its tenure; if so, the details alongwith the action taken against violators thereof?
Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.
96. *Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state the country-wise total number of Pakistani labourers/workers/professionals sent abroad for employments during the tenure of the present Government? 3
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): During the tenure of present Government since June 2013 to December, 2015, 2,028,920 Pakistanis of various categories/professionals got employment abroad.
97. *Ms. Shamas Un Nisa: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:
(a) the total number of Afghans entered in Pakistan daily at present; and
(b) whether there is any mechanism to check their activities; if so, the details thereof?
Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.
101. *Ms. Suraiya Jatoi: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan has the National Policy on Labour Migration;
(b) if so, the details; if not, the reasons thereof?
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): (a) At present, there is no National Policy on Labour Migration.
(b) The National Migration policy was drafted in 2008. However it could not be finalized due to devolution of the then Ministry of Labour and Manpower. However, the Emigration Ordinance 1979 and rules made there-under provide a legal framework for ensuring orderly and regular migration from the country. 4 102. *Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:
(a) the names of projects and schemes launched for the welfare of workers out of the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) during the last three years;
(b) the total number of beneficiaries of said projects/schemes separately; and
(c) the steps being taken by the Government for proper utilization of WWF?
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): (a) The names of projects and schemes launched for the welfare of workers out of the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) during the last three years are at Annex-I.
(b) The numbers of beneficiaries of each of project/scheme are at Annex-II.
(c) The following steps have been taken by Government for proper utilization of WWF:—
(i) Federal Government notified the Procedure for making allocation of money from the Fund to the Provincial Workers Welfare Boards and Federal Workers Welfare Fund on 20th February, 2008;
(ii) The Governing Body of WWF constituted Technical Committee, Finance and Accounts and Audit Committee for the purpose of scrutiny of development projects and schemes, annual allocation of budget and audit the sanctioned expenditure out of WWF money;
(iii) Establishment of WWF Regional offices at Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta for monitoring and evaluation of the completed and on-going development projects which are being executed by the Provincial Workers Welfare Boards accounts of exon any agency of the Federal Government and 2008; 5 (iv) The external audit of Provincial Workers Welfare Boards and Workers Welfare Fund is conducted by the office of Auditor General of Pakistan annually in order to ensure proper utilization of money out of WWF; and (v) Proposal for development of integrated web-based data base for the efficient and transparent service delivery relating to death grants, marriage grants and scholarships cases etc. is under consideration. 6
104. *Dr. Fozia Hameed: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan is a part of 34-member alliance of Islamic countries against terrorism; if so, the aims and objectives of said alliance; and
(b) whether role has been assigned to Pakistan by said alliance; if so, the details thereof? Reply not received.
108. *Dr. Shazia Sobia: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state the total number of Pakistanis migrated to foreign countries during the last five years alongwith year and country-wise break-up thereof? 7
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): During the last five years (2011-2015), 3,417,231 Pakistanis have proceeded abroad for employment through Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment. The year cum-country wise break up is at annex-I. Annex-I 8 109. *Ms. Munaza Hassan: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:
(a) the details of fields at international labour market in which Pakistani workers are employed at present; and
(b) the steps taken by the Government in order to provide technical/ vocational skills based trainings to our work-farce that meets the international standards?
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): (a) Since 1971, 8.77 million Pakistanis got employment in different countries. The detail of fields which Pakistani workers are employed at present is at Annex-I.
(b) The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OPs & HRD) is making best efforts to match the technical/vocational skills of Pakistani intending emigrants according to the international standards and requirements of the foreign employers with the collaboration of National Vocational Technical Training Commission (NVTTC) at Federal level and Technical Education and Vocational Training Authorities (TEVTA) at provincial level. In this regard several meetings have been held in the Ministry with the representatives of above- mentioned organizations under the Chairmanship of Minister and Secretary for OPs & HRD. A sub-committee has also been established in the Ministry to evolve mechanism for active coordination among the vocational/technical training authorities and Overseas Employment Promoters to match the skills of Pakistani overseas job seekers in accordance with international standards.
(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library).
112. *Ms. Aisha Syed: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state whether it is a fact that a Sector in Zone-V, Islamabad established for Overseas Pakistanis; if so, the present status thereof? 9
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): During the year 1995, OPF launched a housing scheme in Zone-V, Islamabad spread over an area of 5000 kanals for allotment of plots to overseas Pakistanis. The scheme encompasses 2246 residential plots and 100 kanals commercial area, out of which 1943 residential plots have been allotted. The infrastructure development i.e Roads, Water Supply, sewerage and drainage network including four underground and four overhead reservoirs have substantially been completed. The work of water transmission line is in progress. Electrification works of the scheme are in progress at site by Electric Supply Company (IESCO). OPF has also made arrangements for interim supply of electricity to dwellers, if colonization takes place during the period. The possession of plots to the allottees is likely to be handed over by June 2016. An agreement with Intelligence Bureau Employees Co-Operative Housing Society (IBECHS) has been signed for sharing of access road to OPF scheme through Islamabad highway.
120. *Ms. Shakila Luqman: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to send maximum number of Pakistanis abroad?
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): In the light of the policy guidelines of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development is making their best efforts to maximize the export of manpower from Pakistan to different countries of the world. In this regard Pakistan has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with four Gulf Cooperation Council Members i.e. Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and UAE in the field of export of manpower. The Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development visited Bahrain in November, 2015 to persuade the Government of Bahrain to include Pakistan in the list of countries from which Bahrain recruits manpower. The Government of Bahrain has agreed to include Pakistan in manpower importing countries of Bahrain.
The Community Welfare Attaches present in all GCC countries make efforts to procure manpower demands and find new markets. 10
@165. *Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak:
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that there is no independent legislation on occupational safety and health issues in Pakistan;
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government for promotion of safety, health and better work environment in the industries and business?
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): (a) At present, there is no independent legislation on occupational safety and health issues in Pakistan.
(b) After the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the subject of labour stands devolved to the provinces. Jurisdiction to the extent of Islamabad Capital Territory lies with ICT Administration (M/o Interior). Under Rules of Business, 1973, Ministry of OP&HRD is mandated to keep a watch on labour legislation from international perspective.
In Human Rights Case No. 16143-P of 2014, the Honourable Supreme Court has directed the Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) to consult and coordinate with respective provincial and ICT labour departments to obtain consensus on a draft Occupational Safety and Health bill that will be subsequently submitted to provincial and federal (to the extent of ICT) governments for review and enactment.
241. *Ms. Sajida Begum
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the total number of Pakistanis imprisoned in Korea, Vietnam, China and Yemen at present alongwith the charges levelled against them?
Reply not received. —————————————————————————————— @Transferred from Industries and Production Division. 11 242. *Ms. Sajida Begum
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:
(a) whether any plan has been made for trade delegations going abroad and coming therefrom respectively; and
(b) the steps being taken by the Ministry to arrange the trade exhibitions and conferences abroad?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Ministry of Commerce has made International event calendar 2015-16. TDAP planned to provide opportunity to Pakistani business community to participate in International Exhibitions/Events.
(b) A detailed list of Exhibitions/Events is enclosed at Annex-A.
(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library).
243. *Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar
Will the Minister for In-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the budget allocated for the Pakistan Hockey Federation for the year 2015; and
(b) the steps taken by the Government for the revival of Hockey?
Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain Prizada): (a) The budget allocated for the Pakistan Hockey Federation during CFY 2016-16 is Rs. 3,500,000/-
(b) Pakistan Hockey Federation is affiliated with Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for promotion and development of hockey in the country. The grant-in-aid is extended to the federation in the shape of annual and special grants. The annual grant is released for organization of mandatory national championships and to meet its day to day expenses and the special grants for participation in international events at home and abroad. For instance, Special Grant-in-Aid/ Funds were released to Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), for the said purpose during 2015, with the details given as under:— 12 —————————————————————————————— i. For participation in Fintro Hockey World Rs.11,269,540/- League Semi Finals (Olympic Qualification Round) at Antwerp, Belgium from 20th June to 6th July 2015.
ii. For participation of Pakistan Junior Rs.10,000,000/- Hockey Team in the 5th Sultan of Johor Junior Cup (Men’s Junior) invitational Hockey Tournament at Johor, Bahru, Malaysia from 11th to 18th October 2015.
iii. Financial assistance to Pakistan Hockey Rs.70,000,000/- Federation under the head “Prime Minister’s Directive” out of CFY’s budget 2015-16.
iv. For Master Plan for promotion of Hockey Rs. 2,500,000/- in Pakistan. —————————————————————————————— The above said funds were released in addition to the Annual Budget allocation referred to above at ‘a’.
Further steps taken by the Government / PSB for promotion of the Hockey are summarized as under:—
i. There is no dearth of talent of hockey in the country but all that is needed to impart systematic and scientific training on modern lines to the young players having potential of playing the games of hockey.
ii. The PHF Management decided to expand the base of Hockey all over Pakistan and catch the talent in its prime and through regular sports academics. The PHF Executive Board and PHF Congress appreciated the steps taken by the new Management for the rejuvenation of the game and approved the following Projects:—
(a) that PHF has established Hockey Academies. According to the details outlined in the Master Plan, each Academy will have 30-33 players selected by the Selection Committee nominated by the PHF. For their selection, the players shall report at the ground /venue, which will be notified in press. 13 (b) that the selected players will be of school going age and studying in 8th, 9th and 10th classes. Every year, when the players of 10th class have vacated, as a regular system, those of the players of 9th class would be promoted to next cadre and similarly students of 8th to next cadre. For the vacancy created in 8th class, next batch of 11 players would be selected and every year the rotation will carry on.
(c) that the selected players of the Academy are living in their own homes and are reporting at the Coaching Centers daily, for coaching.
(d) under the prevailing socio-economic conditions, it was considered appropriate that the players should be imparted coaching instructions in their home towns and they would be staying at their homes.
(e) Talent hunt with the help of academies at various locations of Pakistan, where abundant talent is available, has been planned in cities namely Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, Gojra, Bahawalpur, Bannu, Abbottabad, Sialkot, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Sheikhupura, Vehari and Multan.
244. *Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar
Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the prescribed procedure for awarding the Cultural Exchange Scholarship to Ph.D students; and
(b) the total number of scholarships awarded during the tenure of the present Government therefor?
Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain Prizada): (a) Prescribed eligibility criteria / terms and conditions for awarding the cultural exchange scholarship is as under:—
i. The candidate must have completed 16 years education that is MA/M.Sc or must hold four (04) years B.Sc/BS (Hons) in any subject, B.Sc (Engg) and MBBS/BDS. 14 ii. Candidate having more than one-second division in their academic career is not eligible.
iii. Only those candidates are eligible to apply who have completed required qualification before the closing date for receipt of Application Forms.
iv. The Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, determined by score in NTS score, observing Provincial/Regional quota.
v. The Maximum age limit is 35 years on the closing date of applications for the cultural exchange programme
(b) The detail of scholarships awarded during the tenure of the present Government is as under:— —————————————————————————————— Sr.No Year Name Number of Number of of the Scholarships scholarship Country offered awarded —————————————————————————————— 1. 2014 China 121 121 2. 2014 Korea 05 05 3. 2015 China 117 117 —————————————————————————————— Total: 243 243 —————————————————————————————— 245. *Ms. Shamas Un Nisa
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the number of trade agreements made between Pakistan and India during the last three years alongwith the volume of trade thereof?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): Pakistan has not signed any trade agreement with India in last three years.
During the meeting of Minister for Commerce of Pakistan by India in January, 2014, sides reaffirmed the commitment of their Governments to expeditiously establish normal trading relations and in this context to provide Non- Discriminatory Market Access (NDMA), on a reciprocal basis. The implementation of the decision depends upon resumption of composite dialogue. 15 The volume of trade between Pak-India for the last three years is as follow:—
Million US$ ———————————————————————— Years Exports Imports ———————————————————————— 2012-13 327.496 1809.867 2013-14 408.365 2049.382 2014-15 358.29 1699.60 ———————————————————————— Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics
246. *Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak
Will the Minister for Textile Industry be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan has no plant for producing specialized man made fiber; if so, the reasons thereof; and
(b) whether it is also a fact that textile producing countries have been using man made fiber in large quantity; if so, the steps taken by the Government to establish such plants in the country?
Minister for Textile Industry: (a) There are four polyester plants in Pakistan namely, Ibrahim Fibers, ICI, Rupali and Pakistan Synthetic Limited. The overall capacity is around 600,000 tons per annum. These plants have the capacity to manufacture various types of polyester fibers.
(b) Yes it is fact that other textile producing countires are using manmade Fiber in large quantities and mmf share global consumption is more than 65%.
Pakistan textile industry is based on our cotton value chain however, the fibre consumption mix is slightly changing. In 2013 Ibrahim Fiber Limited increased its production from 220,000 tons per annum to 390,000 tons per annum.
To increase the usage of MMf and to provide predictable tariff regime the National Tariff Commission carry out the study of entire Polyester value chain and provide protection to polyester. 16 Further, the manmade fiber was also placed in Technology Up-gradation Fund (TUF) Support Scheme under Textiles Policy 2009-14 and will also be placed in new Technology Up-gradation Fund (TUF) Support Scheme under Textiles Policy 2014-19.
Further, under SRO 809 the manmade fiber machinery also attracts zero duty.
Moreover, the products manufactured from imported polyester staple fiber has been provided with drawback under SRO 209 and recently it is extended to garments utilizing domestic polyester as well to encourge utilization of polyester.
247. *Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak
Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state the total number of NOCs issued for the import of vehicles by UN Agencies, NGOs and others through the office of Chief Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees during the last three years alongwith the details and purposes thereof?
Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen (Retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch]: No NOC has been issued for the import of vehicles by UN Agencies, NGOs and others through the office of Chief Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees.
248. *Ms. Munaza Hassan
Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:
(a) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Government to merge FATA in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or to declare it a separate province; if so, the time by which it will be implemented;
(b) if not, the reasons thereof?
Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen (Retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch]: (a) On 8th November, 2015 Prime Minister of Pakistan ordered constitution of the following Committee to finalize recommendations for Reforms in FATA:— 17 i. Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs. = In Chair.
ii. Lt.Gen (Retd) Abdul Quadir Baloch, Minister SAFRON. = Member.
iii. Lt.Gen (Retd) Nasir Khan Janjua, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security. = Member.
iv. Mr.Zahid Hamid, MNA. = Member.
v. Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan, Governor, KPK. = Member.
(b) 2 Since, 08th November, 2015 three meetings of the FATA Reforms Committee were held in Islamabad and a visit of Bajaur and Mohmand Agencies was conducted to obtain viewpoint of Tribes. The consultation process with the stakeholders continues, and the recommendations have not yet been finalized.
@249. *Ms. Munaza Hassan
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Bangladesh has extended the ban on the export of jute to Pakistan;
(b) whether it is also a fact that the jute industry of Pakistan is being highly affected therefrom;
(c) if the answers to parts (a) and (b) above are in the affirmative, the details of problems being faced by the said industry of Pakistan therefrom; and (d) the steps taken by the Government to control the said problems?
Minister for Commerce (Engr.Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) To encourage the use of jute within Bangladesh and to discourage the use of plastic bags under the Packaging Act, Bangladesh imposed a ban on export of Jute on 1st November, 2015 for one month. On 2nd December, 2015, the ban was indefinitely extended.
@Transferred from Textile Industry Division. 18 (b) The jute industry of Pakistan may be affected because Bangladesh is Pakistan’s major supplier of jute. Trade figures for import of jute from Bangladesh are given in supplementary material. (c) Due to this ban, there may be problems of availability of raw material for the jute industry of Pakistan. (d) Ministry of Commerce and the relevant Pakistani Associations approached the Bangladeshi authorities to relax the ban. As a result, on 7th January, 2016, the ban was partially lifted to allow the L / Cs already opened to be honoured. This has brought some relief to the Pakistani industry. Ministry of Commerce is continuing its efforts to have the ban lifted completely. 250. *Ms. Aisha Syed Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state the total development funds allocated for the Federally Administered Tribal areas during budget 2015-16 alongwith the utilization thereof? Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt.Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Qadir Baloch]: The development budget of Federally Administered tribal Areas is reflected as one liner in the Federal PSDP. During 2015-46 Rs. 18626.720 million (local component) has been allocatd. Releases are made by the Federal Government on quarterly basis. In 1st quarter of the current FY 2015-16 Rs. 3725.344 million (20% of the allocated fund) have been released on 31-08-2015. From the releases Rs. 2777.122 million have been utilized on different schemes of various sectors (Annex-I). The 2nd quarter releases which is amounting to Rs. 3725.00 million (20% of the total allocation) has recently been made by the Federal Government on 31-12-2015. The sectors wise release is under process. Annexure I Sector-wise Utilization against 1st Quarter Releases of FATA ADP 2015-16 (Block Allocation): (Rs. in million) —————————————————————————————— S. Sector Allocation Ist Quarter Utilization No. Releases against Release —————————————————————————————— 1 Education 3967.803 659.254 517.207 2 Health 1508.279 356.794 289.509 ——————————————————————————————3 Public Health Engineering 1337.148 155.039 127.513 19
—————————————————————————————— S. Sector Allocation Ist Quarter Utilization No. Releases against Release —————————————————————————————— 4 Communication 3463.955 542.335 452.932 5 Housing 650.771 350.813 223.931 6 Power 249.817 0.000 0.000 7 Agriculture 377.333 148.561 130.303 8 Livestock & Dairy Dev: 453.150 47.544 31.030 9 Forests 568.513 124.269 91.253 10 Fisheries 13.367 2.522 2.522 11 Rural Development 496.975 89.030 29.107 12 Regional Development 1708.553 329.862 172.978 13 Irrigation 1014.845 181.803 129.370 14 Minerals, Inds & Tech: Educ: 239.799 57.736 30.316 15 Social Walfare 25.295 10.464 2.535 16 Sports, Culture & Youth Affairs 129.397 17.318 7.976 —————————————————————————————— Total FATA ADP 2015-16 16205.000 3073.344 2238.517 —————————————————————————————— 17 FDA+Akhuwat program 2422.000 652.000 538.605 —————————————————————————————— Grand Total: 18627.000 3725.344 2277.122 —————————————————————————————— 251. *Ms. Asyia Naz Tanoli
Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state the steps taken by the Government to encourage the players of Blind Cricket Team since 1-7-2013?
Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken upon itself to assist the promotion and development of Blind Cricket Team in the country. In this regard, a budget is allocated on annual basis to fund various cricket activities of Blind Cricket Team.
The following cricket activities have been organized since 2013, all funded by PCB to encourage Blind Cricket Team. 20 —————————————————————————————— Domestic Events Month/Year —————————————————————————————— PBCC Challenge Cup, Faisalabad December, 2015
Agha Shoukat Ali Memorial Trophy, Karachi October, 2015
Agha Shoukat Ali Memorial Trophy, Abbottabad June, 2015
Blind Cricket T-20 Trophy, Bahawalpur March,2015
Blind Cricket T-20 Trophy, Islamabad and Peshawar April, 2014
PBCC Agha Shaukat Ali Memorial Trophy, Bahawalpur December, 2013 —————————————————————————————— International Events Month/Year —————————————————————————————— Asia T-20 Blind Cricket Cup, India January, 2016
ODI World Cricket of the Blind, South Africa December, 2014
Annual General Meeting of World December, 2014 Blind Cricket Council, South Africa
PBCC Home Series vs India February, 2014
Annual General Meeting of World Blind November,2013 Cricket Council, Islamabad ——————————————————————————————
252. *Dr. Shireen Mehrunnisa Mazari
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the authority who granted the approval of Pakistan’s commitment to the plan of Saudi Arabia for a Muslim States Military Alliance against terrorism since the Ministry was not in the loop; and
(b) whether it is a fact that the said Military alliance is a Sunni Alliance as the US has referred to it?
Reply not Received. 21 253. *Dr. Nafisa Shah
Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state the Constitutional requirements for convening the meeting of the Council of Common Interest?
Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada): In accordance with Article 154 (3) of the Constitution, the Council shall meet at least once in ninety days.
254. *Dr. Nafisa Shah
Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state the progress made by the Committee on FATA Reforms so far?
Minister for States and Frontier Regions[Lt.Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Qadir Baloch]: On 8th November, 2015 Prime Minister of Pakistan ordered constitution of the following Committee to finalize recommendations for Reforms in FATA:—
(i) Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs. = In Chair.
(ii) Lt.Gen (Retd) Abdul Quadir Baloch, Minister SAFRON. = Member.
(iii) Lt.Gen (Retd) Nasir Khan Janjua, Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security. = Member.
(iv) Mr.Zahid Hamid, MNA. = Member.
(v) Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan , Governor, KP. = Member.
(2) Since, 08th November, 2015 three meetings of the FATA Reforms Committee were held in Islamabad and a visit of Bajaur and Mohmand Agencies was conducted to obtain viewpoint of Tribes. The consultation process with the stakeholders continues, and the recommendations have not yet been finalized. 22 255. *Ms. Shakila Luqman
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to refer to Starred Question No.2 replied on 7-12-2015 and to state the ratio of trade of the country increased due to the steps taken by the Government to promote trade and set up Pakistani Trade Centres abroad?
Minister for Commerce (Engr.Khurram Dastgir Khan): As a result of concessions under GSP + Pakistan’s exports to EU have increased from US$ 6.21 billion in 2013 to US$ 7.54 billion in 2014 registering an increase of US$ 1.32 billion (21%). Exports of Textiles, Footwear and Leather showed a growth of 23%, 30% and 10% respectively.
An effort to increaee exports to US are progressing and are expected to increase positive results in corning years, in 2014-15 Pakistan has successfully retained its exports levels in American market as in 2013- 14.
Efforts to enhance trade with Thailand have shown positive results. Our (exports rose from US$ 112 million in 2013-14 to US$ l25 million in 2014-15.
The signing of PTA with Indonesia has also borne fruits as exports to Indonesia increased from LISS 123 million in 2013-14 to US$143 in 2014-15.
Pakistan continues to maintain export levels in Malaysia. There has been a , slight decline of US$ 10 million in 2014 -15 as compared to the previous year, which can be attributed to increasing competition with ASEAN partners.
Since 2011 Pakistan’s exports to Australia have hovered around US$ 160 -170 million. There was a sharp increase in 2013 to the tune of US$ 261 million as a result of unprecedented rise in exports of home textile products during the same year. However, competition from India and ASEAN has again reversed this trend and exports declined to US$160 million in 2014-15. Nonetheless, efforts under the Pak.- Australia Joint Trade Commission, has led to exports of mangoes successfully. The issue of export of dates and kirmow is also being pursued actively at the JTC level.
Details of percentage increase in the bilateral trade of the relevant countries in response to steps taken by the Government to promote trade is at Annex-I. 23
The government has not set up any trade centers abroad.
The reply sent earlier to Starred Question Nol is at Annex-II.
(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)
256. *Ms. Shakila Luqman
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to increase the trade relations with South Africa?
Minister for Commerce (Engr.Khurram Dastgir Khan): South Africa is the largest trading partner of Pakistan on the African continent and is the second largest economy of Africa after Nigeria. The bilateral trade between both countries is around US$ 746 million (Exports US$ 259.704 million, imports US$ 486.564 million) (2014-15). Government of Pakistan has taken following steps to enhance the bilateral trade:—
Pakistan is pursuing an aggressive market strategy to gain greater market share through participation in larger number of exhibitions. Till 2012, TDAP was only participating in two exhibitions, while in 2015, TDAP participated in five exhibitions in South Africa.
TDAP sponsored / subsidized several trade visits to South Africa in 2015, which included visits of Cutlery Association (February and April), Lahore Chamber, Fan Association and Footwear Association to provide exposure and knowledge of the market to Pakistani businessmen.
TDAP has regularly been sponsoring South African businessmen for their participation in Expo, Pakistan, which has greatly helped in enhancing Pakistani exports. Minister for Defense Production visited South Africa in April, 2015 and held meetings with the South African businessmen to encourage them to invest in Pakistan and to import from Pakistan. The Minister also chaired a seminar on ‘doing business with Pakistan’.
Pakistan mainly imports coal from South Africa. The coal based power plants being established in Pakistan will further cement bilateral trade relations once they become operational. 24 257. *Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to increase trade relations with the United Arab Emirates?
Minister for Commerce (Engr.Khurram Dastgir Khan): The following steps are being taken to increase trade relations with the United Arab Emirates:—
A. Promotional activities
More than 41 trade events including International Trade Exhibitions and Fairs, Fashion Shows, Product Promos and Investment Road Shows were organized in the UAE from March 2013 to December 2015. Another 13 events are planned for January-June 2016.
A 13 member business delegation from UAE visited Expo Pakistan 2015.
Efforts are being made to reactivate Pak-UAE Joint Business Council, which will enhance business-to-business interaction between the two countries. B. Market Access Initiatives
The number of accredited Pakistani slaughter houses have been increased by 50% since 2013. Currently, 12 Pakistani Meat Processing / Slaughter houses eligible to export to UAE have been approved by the UAE authorities. Export of beef increased by 24% to US$ 43.61 in million 2014-15 from US$ 35.1 million for the financial year 2012-13.
Due to persistent efforts of the Pakistan Government, ban on export of Pakistani poultry to UAE will be lifted shortly. Health Clearance Certificate on behalf of Ministry of National Food Security and Research, Government of Pakistan, has been submitted to the UAE authorities concerned.
Efforts are also being made to increase export of rice to UAE by strengthening linkages with leading rice importers based in UAE. 25 258. *Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to promote trade relations with Canada?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (1)Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is making efforts to regularly participate in major fairs being held in Canada.
(2) TDAP participated in SIAL Canada, food and beverage trade Show, held in 2015. Regular participation in SIAL show is expected to foster stronger trade links between the two partners.
(3) Commercial Section Vancouver, Canada is successfully running its Business Liaison Program, which is the main part of export strategy. The purpose is to facilitate the exporters utilizing the services of the agents for acting as representatives of the potential export units in Pakistan.
259. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to increase/promote trade relations with China?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): The following steps have been taken / are being taken to improve bilateral trade volume:—
1. China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) on trade in goods was signed on 24th November, 2006 and implemented from 1st July 2007. FTA on Trade in Services was signed on 21st February 2009 and is operational from 10th October 2009.
2. Pakistan and China have already started negotiations for the second phase of Pak-China FTA since 2011. So far six meetings have been held in this regard. Next meeting is scheduled to be held in Islamabad, in February, 2016. 26
3. To enhance trade and cooperation between the countries, Pakistan is hosting a Pak-China Business Opportunities Conference over 4 days across Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. A 100 member business delegation from China is expected to attend. They will meet senior officials and business entrepreneurs from Pakistan.
260. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the total number of Pakistanis imprisoned in Spain at present who have not been released so far despite completing period of imprisonment; and
(b) the steps being taken by the Government for their release?
Reply not Received.
261. *Dr. Mahreen Razaque Bhutto
Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the Special Economic Zone Act has been extended to FATA;
(b) if so, the benefits to be accrued to local industries therefrom?
Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt.Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Qadir Baloch]: (a) Yes. The Act Special Economic Zone Act has been extended to FATA vide SRO No. 156 (1) /2015 dated 20th February, 2015.
(b) FATA is rich in minerals and certain areas (for e.g. Wana in SWA) have significant agro-based potential. However, businesses in FATA are prone to very high transaction costs for various reasons and need special incentives to flourish.
If nurtured through a conductive policy, FATAs rich mineral and agro potential could be exploited through high value exports.
Investment in the industrial activity in FATA is likely to be encouraged as the SEZ Act 2012 provides for certain incentives such as exemption form custom duties and taxes on capital goods as well as in connection of SEZ enterprises for a period of 10 years. 27 262. *Ms. Aliya Kamran
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Jeep track is available till Afghan Border Wakhan via Gilgit to Gazar;
(b) whether it is a fact that 20 km wide Afghan line is available to link the other countries of the Central Asia by which link would be developed with in few minutes from Tajikistan;
(c) if the answers of parts (a) and (b) above are in affirmative the location located for the construction of Gilgit Industrial Zone alongwith the details of technical work has been completed therefor so far?
Transferred to Communication Division for answer on Next Rota Day.
263. *Ms. Parveen Masood Bhatti
Will the Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the construction work of Sports Complex, Bahawalpur has not been completed so far; if so, the present status thereof; and
(b) the time by which the construction work of said Complex will be completed?
Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada): (a) Pakistan Sports Board initiated a scheme viz. “Construction of Multipurpose Sports Hall at Bahawalpur” in 2006. in accordance with the instructions contained in the Cabinet Division’s Notification No.4-9/2011-Min-I dated 29th June, 2011, ongoing sports development projects located in Punjab Province were transferred to the Government of Punjab vide Ministry of Sports’ Notification No.1-24/2010-C&C dated 30th June, 2011 for further execution/ completion. At present, work is stopped.
(b) The Projects have already been devolved to the Government of Punjab for further execution/completion. It is now for the Provincial Government to complete the project. 28 264. *Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi
Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCC) is not interested to arrange a bilateral cricket series with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB);
(b) whether the PCB is continuously approaching to the BCCI to arrange/hodl a cricket series between Pakistan and Indian Cricket Teams;
(c) if the answers to parts (a) and (b) above are in the affirmative, the reasons thereof; and
(d) the future course has been envisaged by the PCB till the bilateral series will not take place?
Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain Prizada): (a) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been informed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had sought approval from its government for playing bilateral cricket with Pakistan but no response from Government of India has been received.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have had various discussions on bilateral series but as informed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the series could only materialize if the same was approved by the Government of India.
(b) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) signed an agreement in 2014 under which Pakistan was scheduled to host India in December 2015. The PCB has only been reminding BCCI to honour the commitment it had made in 2014.
(c) As at part (a) above.
(d) A suitable window is being sought to host future bilateral cricket between Pakistan and India. 29
265. * Sahibzada Tariq Ullah
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:
(a) the time by which the Welfare Fund for the Overseas Pakistanis was established alongwith the purposes thereof;
(b) the total amount collected by the OPF during the tenure of the present Government alongwith the profit earned therefrom; and
(c) the head-wise utilization of the said fund?
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): (a)
ESTABLISHMENT OF WELFARE FUND:
Welfare Fund was established in the year 1979 under the Emigration Ordinance 1979.
PURPOSE OF WELFARE FUND:
To advance social welfare of Overseas Pakistanis and their familes by identifying their problems and by contributing to their soultions.
Establishment of Vocational Training Institutes.
Establishment of Housing Colonies, Townships for Overseas workers and their familes.
To give scholorships, stipend or grants to the childern of Overseas Pakistanis for study in the fields of technology, science, arts and managtemen; in Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK).
Establishment of Education/Religeous institutions for Overseas Pakistanis if Pakistan & AJK. To give grants to Overseas Pakistanis, societies, associations, community centers etc. 30
To open Offices and branches for conducting the operations of the Foundation in any part of Pakistan & AJK.
To establish or manage or to invest in commerical, industrial or service Enterprises.
(b) DETAIL OF WELFARE FUND COLLECTED AND UTILISED DURING THE REGIM OF PRESENT GOVERNMENT
Provisional/Un-Audited Data Amount Rs. In Million —————————————————————————————— Welfare Fund Collected Since May-2013 To December-2015 4,153.89 Interest Earned 222.97 —————————————————————————————— Total Funds: 4,376.86 —————————————————————————————— (c) HEAD WISE UTILISATION —————————————————————————————— Welfare Activities 566.91 Training Activities 41.10 Educational Activities 1,841.22 Yaran-E-Watan (Publicity & Marketing) 24.89 Administrative Expenditures (net of other income) 553.40 —————————————————————————————— Total Expenses: 3,027.52 —————————————————————————————— Excess of Welfare Fund Over Welfare Activities 1,349.34 —————————————————————————————— 266. *S.A. Iqbal Qadri
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) whether any amount was charged from 29 dignitaries of Gulf countries to whom Government issued permission for hunting of Houbara Bustard during the year 2014-15;
(b) if so, the name of those dignitaries alongwith the date of permission thereof?
Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) & (b) Ministry of Foreign Affairs only issues allocations of hunting areas to Gulf dignitaries after due process, without charging any fee. Subsequently, hunting permits are issued by Provincial Governments in accordance with their local rules and regulations. 31 267. *Mr. Muhammad Moeen Wattoo
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the total number of Embassies of Pakistan abroad at present;
(b) the total expenditures incurred thereupon separately during the last two years till date alongwith the details thereof; and
(c) the counry-wise services rendered/achievements made by said Embassies during the said period alongwith the details thereof?
Reply not Received.
268. *Mr. Ramesh Lal
Will the Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit- Baltistan Councils are exempted from audit; if so, the reasons thereof; and
(b) the time by which the special audit of the said Councils will be carried out?
Reply not Received.
269. *Ms. Shahjehan Munir Mangerio
Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:
(a) the total funds received by the Government from foreign Governments for the welfare of the persons belonging to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) during the tenure of the present Government;
(b) the agency-wise utilization of said funds in FATA; and
(c) whether audit of the said funds was conducted; if so, the details; if not, the reasons thereof?
Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen (Retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch]: (a), (b) & (c) 32 (Annexures have been placed in (Annexures Assembly Library) National the 33 270. *Mr. Siraj Muhammad Khan
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan has access to markets of Japan;
(b) whether it is also a fact that Pakistan requires 1.4% concession on various duties where as average 5.3% tariff has been imposed on Pakistani imports; and
(c) the time by which technical assistance of JAIKA will be initiated for value addition on Pakistani Textile alongwith the details thereof?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) Both Pakistan and Japan are member of World Trade Organization and has accorded Most Favoured Nation (MFN) treatment to each other. Due to this MFN treatment, Pakistan has market access to Japan like other member countries of WTO. In calendar year, 2014, Pakistan exports to Japan were US$ 193.92 million. Pakistan major exports include cotton yarn, woven fabrics, copper waste and scrap, bed linen and leather goods.
(b) Japan already has a number of bilateral and multilateral agreements with our competitor countries which has put Pakistan at a disadvantageous position.
Japan Free Trade Agreements with counties —————————————————————————————— Country Dates —————————————————————————————— Singapore 30 November, 2002
Mexico lst April, 2005
Malaysia 13th July, 2006
Thailand 1st November, 2007
Indonesia 1st July, 2008 —————————————————————————————— 34 —————————————————————————————— Country Dates —————————————————————————————— ASEAN (Malaysia, Philippine, Thailand, 1st December, 2008 Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Lao People a Democratic Republic Cambodia, Brunei)
Philippines 11th December, 2008
Switzerland 1st September, 2009
Vietnam 1st October, 2009
India 1st August, 2011 ——————————————————————————————
Indian and Bangladeshi (being LDC) textiles and clothing exports including countries mentioned above are already zero rated due to their trade agreements and LDC status, whereas a number of Pakistani products are attracting a high duty of 13.4% as well. Although Pakistan has GSP status and is getting on average 1.4% lesser duties than developed countries but is attracting 5.36% more than India/Bangladesh on average. The issue of a level playing field for our exports was raised with Japanese side in a recent G2G dialogue. Both sides agreed to conduct a joint study on an Early Harvest Program between the two countries.
(c) Economic Affairs Division identified priority areas for Japanese Grant/Technical cooperation for Japanese FY 2015 as specified by the Government of Japan/JICA. Ministry of Textile Industry submitted project proposal titled “Project for Skills Development and Market Diversification (PSDMD) Garment Industry of Pakistan”. Economic Affairs Division has informed that project submitted by the Ministry of Textile Industry has been approved by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) subject to clearance by the Fact Finding Mission.
A Fact finding mission visited Pakistan and a call meeting was held on 15-06-2015 between JICA team and Secretary, MinTex, further JICA team met with concerned department needs namely Pakistan Readymade Garment Technical Training Institute (PRGTTI) and Pakistan Knitwear Training Institute (PKTI) situated in Lahore under the administrative control of Ministry of Textile 35 Industry and managed by the Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufactures and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) and Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturer. Association (PHMA), and record of discussion was signed on 30-06-2015. In light of record of discussion a draft MoU was provided recently by JICA and concurrence of this Ministry has been communicated and reply is awaited.
The project approved has three components, a Japanese international marketing consultant, familiar with international marketing practices along with the compliance requirement, marketing and product diversification to facilitate the textile sector specially SME, would be placed in Ministry of Textile Industry. The Ministry would only be providing office space for the JICA expert along with arranging training seminars. The second component pertains capacity building of two EDF funded institutes namely Pakistan Readymade Garment Technical Training Institute (PRGTTI) and Pakistan knitwear Training Institute (PKTI) situated in Lahore under the administrative control of Ministry of Textile Industry and managed by the Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) and Pakistan. Hosiery Manufacturer Association (PHMA), respectively. The associations have to provide office space for JICA expert and carry out trainings. Third component relates to training institute at Faisalabad Garment City, the responsibility in this case is to establish the training center, carry out the trainings and provide office space for JICA expert.
ISLAMABAD: ABDUL JABBAR ALI, The 17th January, 2016. Acting Secretary.
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PCPPI—0109(2016)NA (S)—17-01-2016—650. 1 (28th Session)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT
————
“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”
For Monday, the 18th January, 2016
90. Ms. Shagufta Jumani: (Deferred on 08-01-2016) Will the Minister for Textile Industry be pleased to state: (a) the percentage of Pakistan’s cotton crop being sown with BT cotton seed; and (b) the steps taken by the Government to certify the said seed? Reply not received. 66. Ms. Shamas Un Nisa: (Deferred on 08-01-2016) Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state: (a) the names and designation of the employees working in Pakistan Embassy/Missions in USA at present; and (b) the names and designations of the said employees against whom complaints have been registered during their present postings alongwith the actions taken thereupon separately? Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) The requisite information is as follows: 2 3 4 5 6
(b) No public complaint has so far been received in the Ministry against any Officer/staff member presently posted in Pakistan Missions in the US.
68. Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the total number of persons appointed in the Ministry and its attached departments during the last three years alongwith the names, father’s names, designations, district of domiciles, qualifications and experiences thereof?
Minister for Foreign Affairs: The total number of persons appointed in the Ministry and its attached department during the last three years alongwith the names, father’s names, designations, district of domicile, qualifications and experiences is attached at Annex-A.
(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library).
69. Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state the country-wise total number of Pakistanis working abroad at present?
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): Bureau of Emigration & 7 Overseas Employment an attached Department of this Ministry has sent 8.7 million Pakistanis from 1971 to November, 2015. Country-wise statement is annexed.
Annexure-A 8
72. Shazia Marri: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state the total number of labourer students and permanent nationality seekers migrated to foreign countries during the last five years?
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): During the last five years (2011-2015), 3,417,231 Pakistanis got employment in foreign countries. The cases of students and permanent nationality seekers proceeding abroad other than the emigrant workers are not dealt with, by this Ministry.
73. Ms. Aasiya Nasir: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the total number of international conferences and events relating to women issues attended by the Prime Minister so far; and
(b) the details of Memorandum of Understandings signed and commitments made on said issues alongwith the follow-up of those covenants?
Reply not received.
77. Mr. Abdul Waseem: (Deferred on 08-01-2016)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:
(a) whether officers and labourers have been sent abroad during the last two years; if so, the province-wise details thereof; and
(b) the names of countries with whom the agreements have been signed in this regard? 9 Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): (a) During the last two years (2014- 2015)1,699,037 Pakistanis have proceeded abroad for the purpose of employment. Province-wise detail is at annex-I.
(b) The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development has signed the MoUs with Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Bahrain Libya, Qatar, Malaysia, UAE and Jordan. Annex-I
WORKERS REGISTERED FOR OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT BY BUREAU OF EMIGRATION & OVERSEAS -EMPLOYMENT DURING THE PERIOD 2014-2015 PROVINCE WISE —————————————————————————————— Year Federal Punjab Sindh K.Pakhtunkawan Balochistan Azad N/Area Tribal Total Kashmir Area —————————————————————————————— 2014 8943 383533 89703 167424 7258 52120 2073 41412 752466
2015 9028 478646 116935 220993 7686 64586 2899 45798 946571 —————————————————————————————— Total: 17971 862179 206638 388417 14944 116706 4972 87210 1699037 ——————————————————————————————
123. Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state:
(a) the total amount available under Workers Welfare Fund at present; and
(b) the year and head-wise details utilization of the said fund during the last three years?
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): (a) At present, Rs.150.622 billion is available in WWF Trust Fund Account maintained in AGPR by Ministry of Finance. 10 (b) The year and head-wise details utilization of the said fund during the last three years is at Annex-I
124. Ms. Shagufta Jumani
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development be pleased to state the location-wise name of the skill development institutions working in the country at present?
Transferred to Federal Education and Professional Trainning Division for answer on next Rota Day.
ISLAMABAD: ABDUL JABBAR ALI, The 17th January, 2016. Acting Secretary.
PCPPI—0109 (2016) NA—17-01-2016—650.