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 25th January, 2021

63. Admissibility is being re­considered.

122. *Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) the estimated loss to economy due to locust attack during the year 2019-2020;

(b) the reasons identified for spreading and continuous persistence of this locust menace on such a wide scale;

(c) steps taken by the Federal and Provincial Governments mutually so far to deal with this situation alongwith the outcome achieved so far;

(d) the future strategy adopted by the Government to deal with this issue; and

(e) detail of protective measures, being taken and weakness found during the locust eradication operation thereof?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed Fakhar Imam): (a) No significant loss to agricultural crops reported by any Provincial Government due to locust attack so far. However, partial damages to few crops were reported by farmers through NLCC in few districts (Khushab, 2 Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad) which were recovered later on and thus no significant loss to economy of the country caused by locust so far (Annex-A).

(b) The main reason behind the spread of locust is a global phenomenon resulting due to climate change that brought eight cyclones in Indian oceans during 2018. Moreover, due to law and order situation in Yemen, the locust was not controlled, that spread and migrated to Saudi Arabia, Oman and Horn of Africa. Thereafter it invaded Iran and the sub­continent. Resultantly, massive breeding and multiplications took place in Sistan (Iran) as well as Balochistan (Pakistan) that further migrated to other provinces in Pakistan & India.

(c) Federal Government in consultation with Provincial Governments took following steps to curb this menace. i. Federal Government allocated TSG amounting to Rs. 955.55 million during February 2020 to NDMA for curbing locust attack. ii. Invoked National Emergency on February 11, 2020. iii. Prime Minister of Pakistan Established National Locust Control Centre (NLCC). iv. The extensive Desert Locust Survey and Control operations were carried out through­out Pakistan during the invasion period to curb 2 this menace effectively. So far, 615,526 Km area have been surveyed 2 and 11,341 km area have been treated in the country. The province­ wise detail is as under:— —————————————————————————————— 2 2 Province Area Surveyed (Km ) Area Treated (Km ) —————————————————————————————— Balochistan: 190,665 4,808 Punjab: 193,122 4,693 KPK: 116,341 625 Sindh: 115,398 1,215 —————————————————————————————— Total: 615,526 11,341 —————————————————————————————— v. As a result of effective management, the locust has been eliminated from all 62 affected districts in Pakistan, and at present Pakistan is free from locust attack. 3 (d) Locust Emergency and Food Security (LEAFS) project was prepared in consultation with all the stakeholders and got approved from ECNEC. The main components of the project include:

a. Strengthening of Department of Plant Protection (DPP) on sustainable basis.

b. Livelihood protection and rehabilitation of affected areas.

c. Surveillance and Control Measures.

d. Early Warning, Preparedness & Food security.

On the request of MNFSR, the Federal Government is considering to allocate an amount of Rs. 26.4 billion for undertaking miscellaneous activities for the management of locust as outlined under National action Plan­II viz. purchase of pesticides, equipment, POL and other items. Part of this will be met by provinces which will be coped up from LEAFS project funded by World Bank. More than 1,100 teams and above 5,000 manpower with more than 700 control and surveillance vehicles are involved in surveillance and control efforts throughout Pakistan.

So far, 175,000 liters of Malathion ULV pesticides, 100,000 liters of Lambda Cyhalothrin ULV pesticides have been procured and 83 Micronaire ULV sprayers imported through NDMA from abroad.

Further, three DPP aircrafts are airworthy and five Army Aviation Helicopters have been fitted with spray kits for use against locust.

Process of recruitment of 100 Entomologists, 50 Locust Assistants and 50 drivers is underway to meet the technical and skilled staff requirement of locust wing of DPP.

(e) Following protective measures were adopted during locust control operation:

 DPP imparted trainings to locust warriors as well as workers of Agri. Departments, Pak Army, CAA, Rangers etc. for safe use of Pesticides. 4

 More than 500 PPE kits were provided by NDMA for protection of applications.

 Only the need­based application of pesticide was made after proper surveillance and indiscriminate use was strictly prohibited. Following weaknesses were observed during the locust control campaign.

 Severe shortage of technical manpower (Entomologists) with DPP for surveillance and control activities.

 Very limited quantity of ULV Micronaire sprayers (only 22) in the beginning.

 Lack of capacity of Aerial Wing of DPP.

 Acute shortage of vehicles for mounting ULV sprayers. Most of the weaknesses have been overcome and the rest are being addressed.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

29. *Mr. Saad Waseem:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Government with the collaboration of Provincial Governments, private sector and other stakeholders to promote value addition of indigenous agriculturist products in the country?

Reply not received.

30. *Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak:

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

(a) the names and details of diseases caused by water and air pollution in our country indicating also the percentage/number of patients affected by each of these diseases annually in Pakistan; and 5 (b) the protective measures being adopted by our Government to reduce the prevalence of such air and water borne diseases in the country? Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) ————————————————————————————————————— Prevalence (Number Rate /100,000 AIR BORNE DISEASES of cases per year)* population (numbers in one lac population)* ————————————————————————————————————— Tuberculosis 32,578,730 14,540.00 Lower respiratory infections (pneumonia, 315,603 140.85 Bronchiolitis and bronchitis) Upper respiratory infections (Mumps, 6,354,262 2,835.93 tonsillitis, pharyngitis) Otitis media (Middle ear Infection) 5,633,941 2,514.45 Meningitis 401,311 179.11 Encephalitis 176,930 78.96 Diphtheria 18 0.01 Whooping cough 157,522 70.30 Measles 10,209 4.56 AIR POLLUTION DISEASES Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 3056397 1364.08 Asthma 3192552 1424.85 Tracheal, Bronchus and lung cancer. 19,632 8.76 Ischemic Heart diseases 4,101,096 1,830.33 Stroke 1,563,878 697.96 WATER BORNE DISEASES Diarrheal diseases 4,403,176 1,965.15 Typhoid fever 74,748 33.36 Paratyphoid fever 30,253 13.50 Intestinal nematode infections 50,850,311 22,694.66 (worm infestation) Polio 147 (2019 year) ­ Acute hepatitis A 554,999 247.70 Acute hepatitis E 67,056 29.93 ————————————————————————————————————— * IHME Burden of Diseases data Pakistan estimates 2019. 6 (b) 1. Prevention of air borne diseases

 The control and prevention of airborne transmission of infections is not simple; it requires the control of airflow with the use of specially designed ventilation systems, the practice of antiseptic techniques, wearing personalized protective equipment (PPE), and performing basic infection prevention measures. Other prevention tips include good ventilation to swap indoor and outdoor air.Ventilation methods, such as opening a window or using fans, help to exchange dirty air should be adopted.

 Reducing the public health impacts of air pollution requires addressing the main sources of pollution, including inefficient fossil fuel combustion from motor vehicle transport, power generation and improving energy efficiency in buildings and manufacturing.

 Reducing the health effects from urban air pollution is largely requires the attention of individuals and requires action by public authorities at all levels (National, Regional/Provincial etc.).

 The public health sector is playing a leading role in involving a multisectoral approach for prevention of exposure to air pollution, by engaging with and supporting the work of other sectors (i.e. transport, housing, energy, industry) to develop and implement long­term policies and programs aimed to reduce air pollution and improve health.

2. Prevention of water borne diseases There are several ways to prevent these illnesses:

 Use good environmental management. Flush or discard any stool in the toilet and clean surrounding area using hot water and detergent. A chlorine­based disinfectant is recommended. Practice good personal hygiene. Frequent and careful hand washing is important among all age groups, for at least 20 seconds Take food safety precautions

 Wash and/or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating.

 Drink and eat only pasteurized dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream) and juices. 7

 Thoroughly cook all meats (meat, poultry and seafood). For example, ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 71°C/1 60°F.

Drink properly treated water. Water from private water supplies should be routinely tested twice a year for Total Coliform and E. coli. Inorganic analysis on private water supplies should preferably be done every two to three years.

31. *Ms. Shams Un Nisa:

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

(a) how transparency mechanism is ensured in allotment of Government accommodations by the Estate Office; and

(b) the details of allotments of Government accommodations by the Estate Office in Islamabad since 2015; and

(c) details of name, grade and department of the allottees alongwith their position or status in General Waiting List dates of issuance of offer/consent letter and date of allotment in each case?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema): (a) After the Judgement of Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan dated 19­10­2011 allotment of Government houses/quarters are being made strictly on merit on maturity of turn on respective General Waiting List of the Federal Government Servants under Rule 6 & 7 of Accomodation Allocation Rules, 2002. General Waiting list is being maintained / updated by Estate Office regularly. IT Section of Estate Office has been established. The Federal Government employees may apply online or through mail for registration on General Waiting List. The General Waiting List is being maintained under Rule 6 of Accomodation Allocation Rules, 2002 and is also available in the Estate Office website www.estate­office.gov.pk

(b) The details of allotment of Government acomodations by the Estate Office in Islamabad since 2015 are placed at Annex-I. 8

(c) Details of name, grade and department of the allottees along with their positions or status in General Waiting List dates of issuance of offer/ consent letter and date of allotment in each case is placed at Annex-II.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

32. Admissibility is being re­considered.

33. *Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khokhar:

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

(a) whether Government has taken notice that buying power of public at large of medicines is significantly decreased since the inception of the incumbent Government; if so, the details thereof;

(b) what steps are being taken by the Government to decrease the prices of medicines forthwith; and

(c) average prices of essential/life saving medicines as on May, 2018 and detail of prices at present?

Reply not received.

34. *Mr. Saad Waseem:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to refer to the Starred Question No.148 replied on 07-02-2020 and to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) has failed to furnish due response of short comings which were pointed out by the CDA in response to revising of layout plan of the scheme of Bhara Kahu;

(b) if so, the reasons thereof;

(c) date on which such shortcomings were transmitted to FGEHA; and 9

(d) what steps are being taken by the Government to fulfill codal formalities to get approval of such layout plan expeditiously?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema): (a) Shortcomings in Bara Kahu, Housing Scheme as pointed out by the CDA had been incorporated in the layout plan by expanding width of roads to 40 feet and increase in green areas.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) The CDA has conditionally approved the layout plan subject to fulfillment of some short comings vide letter dated 05­06­2013.After removal of short comings, the FGEHA itself approved the Layout plan under FGEHA Act, 2020.

(d) FGEHA is now empowered to approve layout plan as per section 7(2)(b) of FGE Housing Authority Act, 2020 and accordingly approval of the scheme has been granted by FGEHA.

35. *Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel: Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state: (a) the number of inquiries conducted in the Multan Circle in the past three years alongwith details of accused persons, allegations/charge sheet against each authority designation of authority sanctioned inquiry and the officer who conducted the inquiry and proposed the penalty in inquiry report; (b) detail of review/appeals in each of the afore mentioned case and procedure adopted to dispose them of; (c) detail of remissions granted in punishment/penalties in the last three years and reason thereto; and (d) apart from imposing penalties against guilty persons, what other steps have been taken to improve service delivery/quality?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a) 31 numbers of inquiries conducted in the Multan Circle in the past three years, the detail is as Annex­A. 10 (b) Nil.

(c) Nil.

(d) A proper procedure is being adopted to conduct preliminary enquiry on the offence committed by employees irrespective of grade and then regular enquiry under E&D Rule being conducted and in result thereof staff penalized if found guilty in the enquiry report to improve service delivery/ quality.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

36. *Mr. Ali Gohar Khan:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the details of deficit of Railways from the year 2005 to year 2020; and

(b) the steps taken or being taken by the Government to reduce the said deficit?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a) The details of deficit of Pakistan Railways from 2004­05 to 2019­20 are given below:—

(Rs. In Billion) —————————————————————————————————–– Year Revenue Subsidy Total Expenditure Surplus/ receipts by GoP resources Deficit(-) —————————————————————————————————–– 2004­05 17.830 3.950 21.780 21.063 ­3.233 2005­06 18.184 8.515 26.699 27.371 ­9.187 2006­07 19.195 6.828 26.023 30.310 ­11.115 2007­08 19.975 7.304 27.279 32.645 ­12.670 2008­09 23.160 9.034 32.194 41.769 ­18.609 2009­10 21.889 18.432 40.321 42.042 ­20.153 2010­11 18.613 32.642 51.255 45.560 ­26.947 2011­12 15.450 30.467 45.917 44.798 ­29.348 —————————————————————————————————–– 11

—————————————————————————————————–– Year Revenue Subsidy Total Expenditure Surplus/ receipts by GoP resources Deficit(-) —————————————————————————————————–– 2012­13 18.078 30.366 51.444 48.582 ­30.504 2013­14 22.805 33.500 56.305 55.332 ­32.527 2014­15 31.927 37.000 68.927 59.174 ­27.247 2015­16 36.584 37.000 73.584 63.577 ­26.993 2016­17 40.083 37.000 77.083 80.784 ­40.701 2017­18 49.576 38.398 87.974 86.198 ­36622 2018­19 54.514 37.000 91.514 87.283 ­32.769 2019­20 47.588 45.000 92.588 97.740 ­50.152 Un­audited —————————————————————————————————–– (b) The following immediate steps have been taken to decrease the Railways deficit FREIGHT SECTOR

 Freight Deposit Account (FDA), approximately worth Rs. 2.5 billion, based agreement with Maple Leaf Cement Factory. The Chishtian Logistics, Mughal Iron & Steel and MOUs, with Bestway Cement, FF/ Steel, Fatima Group for transportation of Rock Phosphate and Pak Pacific Container Terminal for containerized traffic have been signed.

 Introduction of competitive freight rates to attract road traffic to Railways.

 High capacity/High Speed Hopper Trucks have been inducted in the current fleet for swift movement/ unloading of coal.

 Outsourcing of commercial management of the following cargo express trains:

i. Cargo Express 501­Up/ 502­Dn.

ii. Cargo Express 503­Up/ 504­Dn.

As a result earning of Rs. 1274.36 million occurs per annum. 12 PASSENGER SECTOR

 Commercial Management of Luggage Vans and break vans with different trains is being outsourced.

 Online e­ticketing has been introduced to facilitate passengers and to attract him towards rail travel.

 Passenger fares have been revised comparative to road rates which has resulted in a significant increase in the number of passengers and a proportional increment in revenue generations.

 Outsourcing of commercial management of the following passenger trains have been completed:

i. Lasani Express (125­Up/ 126­Dn) ii. Faiz Ahmed Faiz (209­Up/ 201­dn) iii. Attock Passenger Train (201­Up / 202­Dn) iv. Jand Passenger Train (203­Up/ 204­Dn) v. Freed Express (37­up/ 38­Dn) vi. Mehr Express (127­Up/ 128­Dn)

 Pakistan Railways was earning Rs. 1539 million from the above trains, while the bid offered totals at Rs. 1718 million. This has resulted in a benefit of Rs. 179 million per annum for Pakistan Railways.

 Outsourcing of the commercial management of the following passenger trains is underway:

i. Sir Syed Express (35­Up/ 36­Dn) ii. Hazara Express (11­up/ 12­Dn) iii. Shalimar Express (37­Up/ 38­Dn) iv. Mianwali Express (147­Up/ 148­Dn) v. Narowal Passenger Trains ( 211­Up/ 212­Dn) vi. Mehran Express (151­Up/ 152­Dn) vii. Moenjaodaro Express ( 213­Up/ 214­Dn) viii. Badr Express (111­up/ 112­Dn) 13 37. *Mr. Muhammad Moeen Wattoo:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that almost 100% employees working on Dasu Hydro Power Project and its ancillary projects belong to District Kohistan and KPK;

(b) if the answer to part (a) above is in affirmative, the domicile- wise details of employees and the reasons for not following the quota policy of the Government?

Minister for Water Resources (Mr. Muhammad Faisal Vawda): (a) Dasu Hydropower Project is run­of­river project and presently the largest run­of­river in the country. It has installed capacity of 4,320 MW and would generate 12,222 GWh of energy annually on completion of Stage­I. Dasu HPP comprises of very complex and specialized construction activities and in order to achieve it, very experienced & highly qualified team of National and International engineers, experts, skilled & unskilled manpower is required. It is hardly possible to get such and experienced workmen from District Kohistan / KP alone, therefore, it is not true that 100% employees working on Dasu Hydropower Project belong to District Kohistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

However, in compliance to the directives of Prime Minister of Pakistan issued to WAPDA vide letter dated 15­01­2016, (Annex-I), preference is given to local population of the area for recruitment of Non­Technical and unskilled posts.

(b) The details of employees recruited from local population in compliance of Prime Minister of Pakistan’s above mentioned directives is attached at (Annex-II).

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

40. *Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that Homeopathic Doctors do not write medicine name and detail on their prescription; 14 (b) the action being taken by the Government against such doctors;

(c) whether there is any intention of Government to design such website on which complaints could be made against them;

(d) the reasons for not printing prices on medicines to fix Homeo Pathic medicines prices alongwith the time by which it would be practically implemented and the details of action taken or being taken against them;

(e) if so, the detail of total number of cases on which action have been taken so far?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Homeopath Practitioners adhere to the principles of case­taking of patients, which are taught to the students in fourth year. They write names of medicines alongwith other necessary details thereof, on the prescription. Special focus is given on this particular aspect i.e. prescription and administration of drugs to patients, during practical trainings of students during and after graduation of DHMS.

(b) As no such complaint has even been received in the Council, the question of action to be taken against a Homeopathic practitioner, does not arise.

(c) Efforts are underway for introducing a dynamic link on the existing official website of National Council for Homoeopathy, for receiving and responding to general complaints. Currently, the general public approaches the Council for lodging complaints through official email of the Council. Besides, the complainants can also approach the Provincial Healthcare Commissions/Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority for redressing of his/her complaints against a Homoeopathic practitioner.

(d) Fixation as well as printing of prices of Homoeo­pathic medicines are followed under the labeling rules of DRAP.

(e) As above replied in para “b”.

41. *Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khokhar:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state: 15 (a) name of each employee, post, department from where he/she came to any department, which comes under the administrative control of Ministry and mode of his/her appointment in such departments, whom one or more plot or flat or both either from Federal Government Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) or PHA or from both, allotted so far alongwith present status of such plots/flats,

(b) whether such plots further have been sold out;

(c) whether rules allow to allot one or more plots/flats from both FGEHA and PHA to aforesaid employees; if so, the details thereof;

(d) arrangements made by the Government for those employees to apply for such plots/flats of other departments;

(e) if so, the details thereof; if not, the reasons thereof;

(f) detail of corrective measures being taken by the Government?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema): (a) A list showing names, designations & departments of those employees who were posted in FGE Housing Authority and were allotted plots/flats by the FGE Housing Authority as deputationists is as enclosed (Annex-A).

(b) The detail is mentioned in Annex-A.

(c) Yes, these plots/flats were allotted as per policy approved by the executive committee of FGEHA in its 83rd & 103rd meeting and Executive Board 6th meeting (Copies of decision at Annex-B). Employees are eligible for allotment of only one plot.

(d) For this purpose, Membership Drives have been launched for registration of FG employees & others specified groups. Further, all the Federal Government employees are entitled to apply for allotment of plots / flats in the schemes of FGEHA irrespective of their posting. 16 (e) The detail of allotments issued to FG employees and others by FGEHA is enclosed at Annex-C.

(f) Not applicable.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

42. *Mr. Riaz Fatyana:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Pir Mahal and Kamalia, District Toba Tek Singh Railways Stations are closed/not functional;

(b) if the answer to part (a) above is in affirmative, the reasons thereof; and

(c) there is any proposal under consideration of Government to reopen/restore the said Railway Station?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a) It is intimated that the Pir Mahal and Kamalia Railways Stations are fully functional till date. However, it is brought to your kind notice that only two trains were running in said section i.e. 121­Up/ 122­Dn ( Ravi Express ) and 207­Up/ 208­Dn (Waris Shah Fast) which were non­ operational due to Corona Virus Pandemic since 23rd March, 2020. Subsequently, both trains are suspended in the winter time table dated 15th October, 2020 (Annexure­A).

(b) The answer to part (a) is negative. This said stations are in fact fully functional.

(c) The said railway stations are already functional.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

43. *Choudhary Faqir Ahmad:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony be pleased to refer to the Starred Question No.85 replied on 23-10-2020 to state: 17 (a) the names alongwith official status of each person, who was part of auction committee that recommended the auction proceedings of the old building of the Ministry, where it was earlier constructed or stationed;

(b) the authority, who had given final approved of such auction;

(c) whether it is a fact that it has been allegedly reported in the electronic and print media that incumbent Minister of the Religious Affairs either had business partnership in the past or still have such partnership with the beneficial owner(s) of the entity to whom aforesaid building were given through auctioned;

(d) whether such reports were investigated; if so, the detail thereof; if not, the reasons thereof; and

(e) if such reports are true, what corrective measures are being taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony (Mr. Noor- ul-Haq Qadri): (a) a. The following members of the Committee auctioned the Basement of the building on 12­6­2019:— (i) Mr. Imran Khan, Deputy Secretary (Shrines), ETP Board, Lahore. (ii) Mr. Muhammad Nasir, Zonal Administrator ETP (NZ), Rawalpindi. (iii) Mr. Arman Jalal, Deputy Administrator, ETP Office, Rawalpindi.

b. The following members of the Committee auctioned the Ground Floor on 17­01­2020.

(i) Mr. Ihtisham Farooq, Assistant Account Officer, ETP Board, Lahore. (ii) Mr. Tanveer Hussain, Zonal Administrator, ETP (NZ), Rawalpindi. (iii) Mr. Arman Jalal, Deputy Administrator, ETPO, Rawalpindi.

Auction conducted by the committee however, could not be materialized due to procedural irregularities such as: 18 (i) Non deposit of full payment of one year’s advance rent by the highest bidder within the stipulated period of two days.

(ii) Miscalculation of actual area of premises.

c. Members of the Committee for re­auction the Ground floor on 26­06­2020:—

(i) Mr. Faraz Abbas, Deputy Secretary (General), ETP Board, Lahore.

(ii) Mr. Tanveer Hussain, Zonal Administrator, ETP (NZ), Rawalpindi.

(iii) Mr. Arman Jalal, Deputy Administrator, ETP Office Rawalpindi.

(b) Chairman ETPB.

(c) No such report was brought to the knowledge of the Ministry / ETP Board.

(d) No formal complaint was received accordingly no investigation was ordered.

(e) As in para (c) & (d) above.

44. *Ms. Zille Huma:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the medicines prices have been increased in the last month by present Government; and

(b) the detail of percentage of increase made in medicine alongwith reason thereof?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) of 94 drugs have been increased vide SRO. 1096 (I)/2020 dated 21st October, 2020 under hardship category as per Drug Pricing Policy­2018. 19 (b) List of 94 drugs along with detail of percentage increase is placed at Annex-A. Complaints of shortage/ non­availability of many essential medicines were received. In addition, many companies filed Petitions in Sindh High Court and Hon’ble Court directed to decide their applications for increase in maximum retail prices under Drug Pricing Policy­2018. The Hon’ble Supreme Court of Pakistan vide its order dated 29th June, 2020 also directed that Federal Cabinet decide the matter expeditiously. Applications for increase in prices under hardship category were evaluated on the basis of prices of raw materials, packing materials and finished goods and it was noted that increase was justified on the basis of increase in raw materials/imported finished goods and devaluation of Pak rupee. Accordingly, Drug Pricing Committee (DPC) made recommendations under Drug Pricing Policy­2018 which were examined by Task Force on Health on the direction of Federal Cabinet and after its recommendation, prices of 94 drugs were increased out of 110 drugs and same were notified vide S.R.O.1096(I)/2020 dated 21st October, 2020 after approval by the Federal Government.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

45. *Ms. Shahida Rehmani:

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

(a) the amount of economic losses borne due to locust attacks this year; and

(b) how will the Government deal with food in security threat in the wake of locusts alongwith details thereof?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed Fakhar Imam): (a) No significant loss to agricultural crops reported by any Provincial Government due to locust attack. However, partial damages to few crops were reported by farmers through NLCC in few districts (Khushab, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad), which were recovered later on and thus no significant loss to economy of the country caused by locust.

Federal Government in consultation with Provincial Governments took following steps to curb this menace: 20 i. Federal Government allocated TSG amounting to Rs. 955.55 million during February 2020 to NDMA for curbing locust attack.

ii. Invoked National Emergency on February 11, 2020.

iii. Prime Minister of Pakistan Established National Locust Control Centre (NLCC).

iv. National Action Plan­II (NAP­II) has furnished in consultation with Provincial Government and implemented accordingly.

v. Under the NAP­II an extensive Desert Locust Survey and Control operations were carried out through­out Pakistan during the invasion 2 period to curb this menace effectively. So far, 615,526 Km area 2 have been surveyed and 11,341 km area have been treated in the country.

vi. For the strengthening of DPP and Provincial Agriculture Department’s Locust Emergency and Food Security (LEAFS) project has prepared in consultation with all the stake holder and got approved from ECNEC subject to certain amendments in PC­I. vii. Further, three DPP aircrafts are airworthy and five Army Aviation Helicopters have been fitted with spray kits for use against locust. Three (03) pilots have been inducted in DPP Aerial Wing. viii. Process of recruitment of 100 Entomologists, 50 Locust Assistants is underway and 50 drivers have been appointed to meet the technical and skilled staff requirement of locust wing of DPP. As a result of effective management, the locust has been eliminated from all 62 affected districts in Pakistan, and at present Pakistan is free from locust attack.

47. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Maritime Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the number of Ships can be anchored simultaneously on Port Qasim and KPT, Karachi alongwith the detail of types and volume thereof; and 21 (b) the number of foreign Ships anchored on the said ports during the last five years alongwith the detail of country-wise types and volume thereof?

Reply not received.

49. *Dr. Mahreen Razzaq Bhutto:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) the number of Railway accidents occurred since 2019 alongwith number of causalities and losses incurred due to Pakistan Railways in each incidents; and

(b) what steps have been taken or being taken by the Government to reduce probability of such accidents?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a) Total number of accidents in which casualities occurred from 2019 uptill now are as under: —————————————————————————————— Total number of Accidents 2019 Upto-Oct-2020 5 4 —————————————————————————————— Number of causalities 108 45 Losses Rs. Million 57.68 0.028 —————————————————————————————— The details of each accident is placed at (Annexure-A).

(b) Steps being taken by the Government to reduce probability of such incidents is attached as (Annexure-B).

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

50. *Sheikh Fayyaz Ud Din:

Will the Minister for Industries and Production be pleased to state whether the Government has devised a strategy for sufficient availability of essential items at low prices in the open market in addition to the Utility Stores? 22

Minister for Industries and Production (Mr. Muhammad Hammad Azhar): The subject of price control has been devolved to the provincial governments through enactment of the Constitution (Eighteenth Amendment) Act, 2010. The action on the price control has to be taken by the Ministry of Interior at the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) under the Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act, 1977. In accordance with Sl. No 15(5) of Schedule­II to the Rules of Business, 1973, the Industries and Production Division has been assigned, interalia, keeping a watch, from the national angle, over general price trends and supply position of essential commodities. In order to meet such an end, Utility Stores Corporation (USC) serves as an instrument of the Federal Government, in accordance with the basic objectives set out in its Articles and Memorandum of Association.

The Federal Government has allocated the total grant of Rs.71.00 Billion to USC for procurement and targeted subsidy to be passed on to the deserving beneficiaries with provision of five essential commodities i.e. wheat flour, sugar, oil, Rice and pulses, under the Prime Minister’s Relief Package­2020 and the Prime Minister’s Relief Package launched in the backdrop of COVID­19, Pandemic. Rs.31 billion have already been released to USC. USC is continuously pursuing the procurement drive for essential commodities. Since the inauguration of Prime Minister’s Relief Package on 08­01­2020, USC has served approximately 38 Million beneficiaries till 08­10­2020. The Ramzan Relief Package­2020 was inaugurated on 17­04­2020 in which nineteen (19) essential commodities were provided at subsidized rates.

However five essential commodities are being provided at subsidized rates under the PM Relief Package­2020 launched for COVID­19 Pandemic. USC is maintaining its presence at the Federal and Provincial level through its chain of more than 4000 USC outlets operating under various Zones & Regions countrywide. The prices of five commodities have been maintained till date by USC as per below­given rates in accordance with the Cabinet decision in Case No. 88/04/2020 dated 11­02­2020: 23 —————————————————————————————— Sr. Commodities Current Subsidized No. Price —————————————————————————————— 1. Atta Per 20 Kg Bag 800 2. Sugar Per Kg 68 3. Ghee Per Kg 170 4. Rice Per Kg 15­20 Rupees less than the Market / Kg 5. Pulses Per Kg 15­20 Rupees less than the Market / Kg —————————————————————————————— 52. *Syed Mehmood Shah:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Government of Balochistan had submitted the proposal to pave the both sides of Putt Feeder Canal to Government of Pakistan;

(b) if so, what steps are being taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether the Government does not intend to pave the said canal; if so, the reasons thereof; and

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

Reply not received.

54. *Sardar Ayaz Sadiq:

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

(a) the name of the training institutions/academies which are working under the Division for capacity building of its employees at present; 24 (b) the details of teaching faculty of said institutions alongwith their qualifications and experiences;

(c) the syllabus being taught in said institutions;

(d) the institution and post-wise number of employees trained during the financial years 2018-19 and 2019-20;

(e) the institution-wise total expenditures incurred thereon; and

(f) the steps being taken by the Government to improve the institutional capacity of said institutions/academies?

Reply not received.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN, The 24th January, 2021 Secretary.

PCPPI—3082(2021) NA—24­01­2021—500. 1 (28th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Monday, the 25th January, 2021

34. Mr. Muhammad Aslam Khan: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the sewerage system of Block No.54, Category-V, Sector I-9/4, Islamabad is in extremely dilapidated condition;

(b) whether it is also a fact that all the pipes of block have been broken down and the waste of entire block falls on ground due to which there is an apprehension of spreading diseases;

(c) whether it is further a fact that as a result residents of this block are facing extreme inconvenience; and

(d) the steps being taken by the Government to repair the aforesaid pipes?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema): (a) It is a fact that the sewerage system of Block No. 54, Category­V, Sector I­9/4, Islamabad is in extremely dilapidated condition. The maintenance work could not be carried out since long time due to non­ availability of funds.

(b) It is a fact that some pipes of block have been broken. The flats of I­9/4 were constructed in 1980’s and extensive repair work is required to be carried out but due to paucity of funds maintenance work is due since long. 2

(c) The residents of block are facing difficulties as the waste of entire block falls at different places.

(d) Funds are demanded each financial year but the allocation is not made accordingly. The work will be carried out on receipt of funds.

20. Ch. Muhammad Hamid Hameed:

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

(a) whether the Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation awarded contracts of infrastructure and development of the land to the firms registered with Pakistan Engineering Council; if so, when where awarded; and

(b) the details of the works, names of the firms, registration with the Pakistan Engineering Council, Category of Registration, field of specialization of the projects under taken during the last five years?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema): (a) The Federal Government Employees Housing Authority has initiated several projects of infrastructure and development of the land during last five years. The details are Annexed­A.

(b) As above. (Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

21. Mr. Saad Waseem:

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

(a) is there any proposal under consideration of the Government to develop those sub-Sectors of G-14, Islamabad whom land has been acquired by the Federal Government Employees Housing Authority; (b) if so, the details thereof; and (c) if not, the reasons thereof? 3 Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema): (a) The Housing Scheme Phase­IV of the FGE Housing Authority (earlier Foundation) was launched in 2004 in sector G­14/1, 2 &3 Islamabad. About 4820 Kanal of land was acquired through Land Acquisition Collection (LAC) under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 in March, 2004. The consent award for Sub­Sector G­14/1, 2 & 3 was announced on 29­01­2005 @ Rs. 5,90,000/­ per Kanal for total land 4820 Kanals and the infrastructure development work was taken up by the Housing Authority. Development of Sub­Sector G­14/4 has been completed, while 70% rehabilitation work has been completed and infrastructure development work of G­14/2, 3 is in progress. Overall 60% physical progress has been achieved. Remaining work will be completed once issue of built up properties (BUPs) solved for which FGEHA is striving hard. Consultant has been hired for Sub­Sector G­14/1 and topographic survey has been completed.

(b) a. The Award of built up property in G­14/1, 2 is yet to be made for which survey of the BUPs is going on. Whereas, Rs. 1,889,183,730/­ has been awarded as compensation for 529 BUPs in G­14/3 by the LAC office ICT, Islamabad.

b. The LAC announced award of BUPs of village Thallah Syedian & Jhangi Syedian (G­14/3).

I. 406 BUPs on 07­11­2014. II. 123 BUPs supplementary award on 20­03­2017.

c. Due to resistance shown by locals of G­14/1, the assessment of BUPs has been completed through GIS technology.

d. It is also relevant to mention here that a high level Cabinet Committee was constituted on the direction of Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2007. Which decided to accommodate old and genuine affectees / locals of G­14 in Sub­Sector G­15/3, for the said purpose, layout plan of sub­sector G­15/3 has been principally approved by the Executive Board of FGEHA in its 4th meeting held on 03­10­2019 and finally approved on 03­03­2020

e. G­14/2 & 3­ consultant hired. 4 f. Sector wise details, provisionally handed over plots to the respective allottees of G­14/2 & 3, Islamabad is as under: —————————————————————————————— Cat G-14/2 G-14/3 —————————————————————————————— I — 333 II 78 303 III 104 10 IV 71 03 V 101 — —————————————————————————————— Total 354 649 —————————————————————————————— Total: 354 + 649 = 1003 (Provisionally handed over plots)

g. About 57 allottees have taken final possession letters and 12 allottees have applied for issuance of NOC for approval of building plans. Four allottees have started construction of house in Section G­14/3 and G­14/2.

(c) As above.

22. Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that during the past three years low rank employees have been penalized/proceeded excessively by the railway authorities against each one, particularly in Multan Circle to cover up the negligence of high-ups; and

(b) what steps are being taken by the Government to protect the low grade employees being victimized due to the inefficiency of their seniors officers?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a) It is apprised that a proper procedure has been adopted to conduct inquiries on the offence committed by lower rank employees as well as officers and have been penalized if found guilty in the inquiry Reports irrespective of the grades of officials/ officers. 5 (b) No victimization has been occurred of the low grade employees, the punishment awarded to any employee is only in the light of findings of the inquiry report. It is evident from the fact that following Senior officer of Multan Division have been awarded major punishment of dismissal from service on the offences proved in the enquiry report:

(i) Mr. Muhammad Ali Rajpar, ex­DS/MUL (ii) Mr. Aamir Mahmood Khan, ex­DSE/MUL (iii) Mr. Muhammad Ajmal Shaffi, ex­ASE/MUL

Mr. Naseer Ahmed Khan, ex­DTO and Khizer Hayat Sharif, DSE/ MUL were placed under suspension in the case of accident of 27 Up at Jetha Bhutta station on 04­07­2020.

23. Syed Agha Rafiullah:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that Federal Government employees are entitled to get free medical treatment at AFIC/NIHD, Rawalpindi in the light of President’s Directive No.216 of 1981; if so, the details of such directive;

(b) whether Ministry has taken notice of non-implementation of such directive in letter and spirit; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(c) what corrective steps are being taken to ensure true implementation of aforesaid directive in order to facilitate the Federal Government employees to get free medical treatment at AFIC/NIHD, Rawalpindi?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Yes, it is a fact that Federal Government Employees are entitled to get free medical treatment at AFIC/NIHD, Rawalpindi in the light of President’s Directive No. 2016 of 1981.

They can avail all available Indoor, Out Door and Investigations free of cost in AFIC/NIHD according to these directives. 6 (b) Till date no complaint regarding Non­Implementation has been received.

(c) Request from the department is received in the M/O NHSR&C and patients are referred to AFIC/NIHD with a referral letter), at AFIC/NIHD patients are fully entertained.

24. Mr. Abdul Shakoor:

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

(a) the names of Private Hospitals in Federal Capital, Islamabad which are providing treatment facility for Corona; (b) whether it is a fact that the private hospitals of Federal Capital are charging heavy fee for fourteen days regarding Corona treatment; (c) the complete details with name and address of each Corona patients admitted in private hospitals and the detail of fee received from them; (d) if so, the steps being taken by the Federal Government in this regard?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination: (a) Names of Private Hospitals in Federal Capital Islamabad are as under which are providing treatment facility for Corona:

(1) Ali Medical Complex (AMC) (2) Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital (ANTH) (3) Maroof International Hospital (MIH) (4) Isolation Hospital and Infection Treatment Centre (IHITC) (5) Kalsoom International Hospital (KIH) (6) Max Health G­8 (7) Quaid­e­Azam International Hospital (QIH) (8) Shifa International Hospital (9) Rawal Institute of Health Sciences (RIHS) (10) Riphah Hospital (11) Life Care Hospital 7 (b) Fee charged by the private hospitals from the COVID­19 patients depends on many factors such as:

 Prescription suggested by the physician

 Severity of the disease i.e., if the patient requires CPAP, BiPAP or ventilator

 Any Co­morbidities

 Duration of the hospital stay

 Recovery of the patient

 Facilities provided by the hospital

(c) The complete details with name and address of each Corona patient admitted in private hospitals are attached.

(d) In this regard, Islamabad Health Care Regulatory Authority (IHRA) Act 2018 has been promulgated. In the said Act, the provisions regarding fixation of fee structure has been incorporated and same shall be implemented once the rules are notified.

26. Jam Abdul Karim Bijar:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to refer to the Un-Starred Question No.24 replied on 23-10-2020 and to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Secretary of the Ministry has failed to act upon directions of High Court in writ Petition No.1758/ 2019 within stipulated time frame, consequently, a mechanism could not be devised to get back Government accommodations, have been occupied by the employees of WAPDA;

(b) if so, reasons thereof;

(c) whether the failure by Ministry is tantamount to contempt of the court;

(d) whether the Minister himself has taken notice of such failure; if so, the details thereof; and 8 (e) what corrective measures are being taken by the Ministry to devise a mechanism with regard to aforesaid directions of the High Court; and

(f) the action taken by the Government to hold accountable responsible for such failure?

Reply not received.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN, The 24th January, 2021. Secretary.

PCPPI—3082(2021) NA—24­01­2021—500.