Questions for Oral Answers and Their Replies”

(40th 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

Wednesday, the 14th March, 2012

1. *Ms. Parveen Masood Bhatti:

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

(a) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the government to launch new residential schemes in the country in near future; if so, the locations thereof; and

(b) the steps being taken for launching such schemes?

Minister for Housing and Works (Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat): (a) (A) FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES HOUSING FOUNDATION (FGEHF)

Two residential schemes in Islamabad are under consideration in Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation (FGEHF) for government employees:—

i. A high-rise apartment scheme in Sector G-13/1 & 4, Islamabad.

ii. Plots scheme at Barakahu, Islamabad (Zone-IV).

The FGE Housing Foundation also intends to launch a new housing scheme for FG employees on ownership basis in Sector F-13 or F-14, Islamabad. 2 (B) PAKISTAN HOUSING AUTHORITY (PHA)

Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) is in the process of launching new residential schemes at I—16 and Kurri Road, Zones-IV, Islamabad. Detail is tabulated as under:— —————————————————————————————— Category Covered Area Units Location Imp. Time —————————————————————————————— El-Type Apartment 500Sft 1960 I–16, Isld June 2012 Row Cat-I House 50x90 4722 Sft 120 -do- Cat-II 40x80 3431 Sft 191 Kurri Area March 2012 -do- Cat-III 1995 Sqt Islamabad ——————————————————————————————

(b) (A) FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES HOUSING FOUNDATION (FGEHF):

i. Launch of apartments scheme in Sector G-13 is in advance stage. Applications have been invited from registered members of Housing Foundation seeking their option.

ii. The planning work on plot scheme in Bara Kahu has been completed and submitted to Capital Development Authority (CDA) for NOC which is still awaited. The Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan took Suo Moto notice on above mentioned scheme. The matter is still under consideration before the Supreme Court.

(B) PAKISTAN HOUSING AUTHORITY (PHA):

Pakistan Housing Authority have been taken following steps so far: -

Kurri Road Islamabad Project:

The work on the development of the infrastructure is in progress and shall be completed by February, 2013. The work on different category houses is likely to commence in the month of April after tendering during 1st week of March, 2012. 3

I-16 Project Islamabad:

Planning and designing of the project has been completed and has been submitted to CDA for approval.

2. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Industries be pleased to refer to Starred Question No.76 replied on 21-11-2011 and to state:

(a) the per litre price of cooking oil in the country as on 15th March, 2008; and

(b) the per litre price of cooking oil at present?

Minister for Industries (Ch. Pervaiz Ellahi): (a) The per liter price of cooking oil was Rs.150 in the country on 15th March, 2008 [Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS)].

(b) The per liter price of cooking oil is Rs.198 on 16th February, 2012 in the country at present [Source: Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS)].

3. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise plans made since March, 2008 till date for the storages of rains and floods water;

(b) the location-wise Dams constructed in the country during the said period under the said plans; and

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a) Construction of following dams is planned for storage of rains and flood water. Year wise plan of each dam is given as under:— 4 —————————————————————————————— Name of Project Start Completion* —————————————————————————————— Darawat Dam Project June 2010 June, 2013 Naulong Dam Project 2012 2015 Nai Gaj Dam Project 2012 2015 Kurram Tangi Project 2012 2015 Ghabir Dam Project 2012 2015 —————————————————————————————— * Subject to availability of funds as per requirement and timely releases.

(b) The work on above dams is at different stages of Award and Construction. —————————————————————————————— S. No. Name of Dam Location —————————————————————————————— Under Construction

1. Darawat Dam Jamshoro, Sindh

Under Award/Detailed Engineering Design

2. Naulong Jhal Magsi Balochistan 3. Nai Gaj Dadu Sindh 4. Ghabir Chakwal Punjab 5. Kurram Tangi North Waziristan Agency, Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 6. Munda Dam Mohmand Agency (FATA), KPK 7. Tank Zam Dam D.I.Khan, KPK. 8. Hingol Dam Lasbela, Balochistan —————————————————————————————— (c) The discharge downstream Kotri for last four years is as under:—

2008 5.674 MAF 2009 3.998 MAF 2010 50.497 MAF 2011 11.963 MAF —————————————————————————————— 5 4. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Industries be pleased to refer to Starred Question No.79 replied on 30-12-2011 and to state:

(a) the steps being taken to re-start the closed industrial units in the country; and

(b) the steps being taken to rehabilitate the sick industrial units in the country?

Minister for Industries (Ch. Pervaiz Ellahi): (a) The following steps have been taken to restart the closed industries in the country during the year 2010-11 till date:

1. Primary and Input Industries.

A group of primary industries has been supported which include steel & chemical.

a. Steel and other Metals:

The Government has reformed the steel sector and extended full support to develop indigenous metallurgical capabilities & more metallurgy institutes.

b. Chemicals:

The government has facilitated the establishment of a Petrochemical Complex near a major port, or refinery as a private-public partnership.

2. Technology Transfer

A sustained effort has been made for internal technology transfer from innovative and productive organizations.

3. Promotion of Value Addition

The Government has supported value addition in industry through a two- tier export tariff regime. Under such a program, in a given period, exports within the quota will be allowed zero rated or a lower (in quota) export tax, while exports in excess of the quota levels will be charged higher (out of quota) export tax. 6 4. Compliance with Standards

The Government has enforced strict control over imports of products that do not meet the quality, safety or other standards.

5. Government Procurement.

The government has enforced SRO 827(I)/2001 strictly to give preference to local firms in all Government tenders. This has been without prejudice to quality and safety benchmarks.

6. Industrial Clusters & Science Park.

HEC and NAVTEC, in conjunction with IDB, has reviewed the curricula and infrastructure in universities, colleges and technical training institutes to make them more relevant to industry.

7. Compliance with WTO Provisions.

The Government has created a special unit in the Ministry of Industries to oversee the prices.

8. Skills Development

The Government has consolidated technical training in the country, and increase allocation to human resource and skills development in the PSDP.

9. Logistics

The Government has constructed logistic hubs outside all major cities, and connecting these through highways to the industrial hotspots and ports.

10. Environment Matters

Tax incentives and tax a rebate has been afforded to companies which establish effluent treatment plants and testing and certification laboratories.

(b) The total amount of funds allocated for rehabilitation of the sick industrial units in the country during the year 2010-11is as under : 7

 Establishment of the first ever SME credit Guarantee Fund: worth 10 billion. SMEs unable to produce collateral for bank loans will benefit from this facility. (Scheme stands launched on 19th March 2010)

 Venture Capital Fund of PKR 10 billion is being financed in the same manner as the SME Credit Guarantee Fund.

 With a view to promote industrialization and value addition and or promotion of exports, an Export Investment Support Fund worth PKR 40 billion has been established.

I. PSDP Related Interventions aimed at Reviving the Industrial Sector:

The objectives targeted in our PSDP (2011-12) aim at rejuvenating the industrial sector through 40 projects worth Rs. 5,430 Million with focus on;

a. Innovation and efficiency in industrial sector.

b. Building high skilled human capacity through targeted worker skills development programs.

c. Provision of technology through technological up-gradation; provision of sophisticated machines, equipment, tools & spares in Common Facility Centers and machine pools; CAD/CAM facilities.

d. Research and development in key industrial sectors.

e. Targeted development of small and medium business entities to boost employment and reduce poverty.

f. Industrial infrastructure development through Industrial Parks and development of Industrial Estates.

II. Attracting FDI by incentives of 100% ownership; right to repatriate capital; joint public –private ventures. (BOI)

III. Exemption of supplies to Export Processing Zones: 8 The supplies to Export Processing Zones were exempted from central excise duty vide SRO 333(I)/2002. However, the entry relating to supplies to EPZs could not be given in Third Schedule of the Act at the time of promulgation of Federal Excise.

Act, 2005. To remove this adequacy, a new entry has been inserted in Table-I of the Third Schedule of Federal Excise Act to exempt goods imported or purchased locally for use in further manufacture of goods in export processing zones.

5. *Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the new Dams are being constructed by India on the River Indus;

(b) if so, the steps being taken by the government to stop the construction of those Dams?

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a) The Indus Water Treaty 1960 allows India to construct new Run of the River Hydroelectric Plants and Storage Works on the Western rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum) within the design criteria and the storage works under the limitations as provided in the Treaty. Under the Treaty India is bound to supply information about their new projects to be constructed on the waters of Western rivers six months in advance before construction.

Currently Nimoo-Bazgo Hydroelectric Plant is a major project on river Indus which is under construction. Pakistan raised objections on the design of the Plant. These objections were discussed in three meetings (103rd, 104th and 105th meetings) of the Permanent Indus Commission from May/June 2009 to May/June 2010. Pakistan’s question with regard to freeboard/parapet wall was addressed by ICIW during the meeting by making openings (4x4") in the solid parapet wall at the dam crest level. With regard to the other questions Pakistan may take up the issue at the level of Neutral Expert/Court of Arbitration.

Beside Nimoo-Bazgo Hydroelectric Plant, India has officially expressed its intention to undertake construction of the following projects: 9

(i) Dumkhar Micro Hydel Project (0.5 MW) (ii) Marpachoo Hydroelectric Plant (0.75 MW) (iii) Dah Small Hydroelectric Plant (6 MW) (iv) Hanu Small Hydroelectric Plant (5 MW)

Pakistan raised objections on the design of these plants. These objections are being dealt with at the level of Permanent Indus Commission.

(b) As stated above India is obliged to supply information six months in advance before construction of new hydroelectric plants under the provisions of Indus Waters Treaty 1960. Regarding information about new plants/dams by India, received from other sources, India has formally been asked to supply information about those plants. Further, strict vigilance is being kept on Indian projects as to ensure they are not Treaty voilative. The planned projects would similarly be taken up to effectively protect water rights of Pakistan under the Treaty provisions.

6. *Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq:

Will the Minister for Industries be pleased to state:

(a) the per car rate of profit being earned/charged by the car manufacturing companies in the country at present; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration by the government to reduce the rate of said profit; if so, when it will be implemented; if not, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Industries (Ch. Pervaiz Ellahi): (a) The car manufacturers operate in the private sector and determine car prices and rate of profit at their own.

(b) The private sector as regard pricing is de regulated —because of free market economy. 10 7. *Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken by the government to generate electricity from the reservoirs of Thar Coal during the year 2011-12; and

(b) the results achieved therefrom?

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a) Ministry of Water and Power and Thar Coal and Energy Board is vigorously pursuing to develop infrastructure like laying of Transmission line, Water supply schemes, laying of rail lines, constructions of roads, development of Coal field etc. for early completion of Thar Coal Project.

(b) PC-I for Thar-Matiari-Rahim Yar Khan Transmission has been submitted to Planning Commission for its placement in its upcoming CDWP meeting. Ministry of Water and Power is vigorously pursuing Economic Affairs Division/ Planning Commission for arranging foreign/local funding for developing infrastructure schemes of Thar Coal fields. Also a successful under ground Coal Gasification Project was conducted on December 11, 2012.

Status of Projects at Thar Coalfield:-

i. Block-I – Global Mining Company of China, Mining of 5 MTPA & 900 MW – Phase-I GMC intends to invest US$ 1.5 billion in key infrastructure projects.

ii. Block-II – Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, (JV: 40% Sindh Government; 60% Engro 2 x 600 Power Plant planned Open Pit Mining @ 6.5 Mtpa.

iii. Block-III-A – Cougar Energy (UK), 400 MW Planned Under Ground Coal Gasification Project Ergo Exergy Technology planned.

iv. Block-IV – China Three Gorges Corp, Open cast 10 mtpa mine & 1500 MW.

v. Block-V – UCG Project, Under Ground Coal Gasification Project 2x50 MW IGCC Power Plant Planned. 11

vi. Block-VI – Oracle Coalfields, PLC (UK), Strip mining; 5 mtpa MoU signed with KESC for 300 MW.

Update on Infrastructure Development by GOS

Water: LBOD Waste Water supply and treatment at Nabisar, PC-I approved by PDWP

LBOD Treated Water Supply from Nabisar to Thar Coalfield, PC-I approved by PWPD

Drainage: Construction of 50 Cusecs Drainage and Wastage Effluent Channel from Thar, Approved by PDWP, Consultant Selection, Contractor Selection.

Aviation: Construction of Thar Airport, CAA executing the scheme, GOS funding the scheme.

RO Plants: Installation of 25 RO Plants (President’s Directive), Approved by PDWP, Contract awarded.

Installation of 85 RO Plants in Coalfields areas, Completed by 80% and more than 40 are already operational.

Total Projects financed by GOS 38.92 billion.

Set of incentives, Concessions and Protections for-Development of Indigenous Resources:—

i. Thar Coalfield be declared as Special Economic Zone, and the projects of development of Thar (also including coal mining and power generation) be declared as “Projects of National Security”.

ii. 20% ($based) IRR to firms which achieve Financial Close before December 31, 2015 for Mining & Power Projects based on indigenous coal and additional half a percentage IRR i.e. 20.5% IRR for firms which Financial Close by or before December 31, 2014. 12 iii. Zero percent customs duties on import of coal mining equipment and machinery including vehicles for site use.

iv. Exemption on withholding tax to shareholders on dividend for initial 30 years.

v. Exemption on withholding tax on procurement of goods and services during project construction and operations.

vi. Exemption for 30 years on other levies including special excise duly, federal excise duty, WPPF and WWF.

vii. In addition to The aforesaid incentives, Coal Based Power Projects and Coal Mining Projects in Sindh shall have the same incentives, concessions, protections and security package as that available to IPPs developed pursuant to Power Generation Policy 2002 (as amended from time to time).

viii. TCEB to also function as the Coal Pricing Agency.

8. *Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the estimated duration of loadshedding of electricity for upcoming summer in Rural and Urban areas of the country separately; and

(b) the steps being taken to control the said loadshedding?

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a) The duration of load shedding is based on shortfall between Generation & Demand of electricity. On the basis of the actual shortfall, the duration of load shedding of electricity in Rural & Urban areas of the country for the up-coming summer shall be estimated.

(b) Following strategies are adopted to control load shedding.

1. 3393 MW of new power plants are added since 2008. 13

2. Rehabilitation of GENCOs is being undertaken under USAID financial assistance of US $ 51.621 millions to recover 315 MW of lost capacity.

3. In order to improve the financial viability for purchase of RFO for thermal plans the following steps are taken.

• Timely release of subsidy to power sector.

• Effective measures through reduction of losses.

• Improvement in recovery of receivables.

4. Provision of 10 Million CFL to reduce the load on system.

5. 1500 MW Wind Power Projects are being installed in private sector.

6. On Grid Solar System are being installed.

9. *Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Industries be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of small and medium industries in the country at present;

(b) the year-wise total number of industries closed down during the last four years due to power shortage; and

Minister for Industries (Ch. Pervaiz Ellahi): (a) The total number of Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) in the country is approximately 3.2 million (source Economic Census 2005 published by the Federal Bureau of Statistics).

(b) Due to sheer number of SMEs spread across the country, a vast number of these enterprises are not organized formally or located in specified 14

industrial estates. Therefore, number of enterprise creation and closure due to power shortage is not readily available with Ministry of Industries. However, efforts are being made to collect data with the significant Trade Associations and various Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

(c) Ministry of Industries through Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) during 2008-11 have launched following initiatives for industrial growth and employment generation:—

(i) Infrastructure Development and Productivity Enhancement Projects for SMEs.

(ii) SMEDA’ s Industry Support Programme.

(iii) Early Recovery & Restoration of Flood Affected Communities in Pakistan.

(iv) Economic Revitalization of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA.

(v) Publication of policy guidelines for investors/Enterprenours.

Detail of these steps is Annexed.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

10. *Syed Asif Hasnain:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of new dams being constructed at present alongwith the locations thereof; and

(b) the total amount of funds allocated for Bhasha Dam during the current financial year, 2011-12 alongwith the percentage of construction work completed on the said dam; so far? 15 Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a) At present following new dams are being constructed:— —————————————————————————————— Name of Dam Location —————————————————————————————— Gomal Zam South Waziristan Agency, D.I. Khan, KPK Darawat Jamshoro, Sindh Diamer Bhasha* Near Chilas (KPK & Gilgit-Baltistan) Satpara Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan

Under Award/Detailed Engineering Design

Naulong Jhal Magsi Balochistan Nai Gaj Dadu Sindh Ghabir Chakwal Punjab Kurram Tangi North Waziristan Agency, Bannu, KPK Munda Dam Mohmand Agency (FATA), KPK Tank Zam Dam D.I.Khan, KPK. Hingol Dam Lasbela, Balochistan —————————————————————————————— *Pre-construction activities i.e Construction of Office Building at Chilas, Construction of Project Colony in Thor Valley, Composite Model Village-II at Harpan Das, Renovation/Repair of WAPDA Officer’s Hostel, Lab Building & Security Guard rooms at Chilas are in progress.

(b) The allocation for Diamer Bhasha Dam for the year 2011-12 is amount Rs. 20.500 billion. —————————————————————————————— Description Allocation 2011-12 %age of work (Rs. Million) completed so far —————————————————————————————— Land Acquisition 18000 10 Infrastructure Works. 2500 25 —————————————————————————————— 16 11. *Syed Asif Hasnain:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state the steps being taken by the government to control the over and average billings of electricity in the country?

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): Following steps have been taken to control over billing and average billing of electricity in the country:—

i. Strict watch over working of meter readers and meter reading staff.

ii. Surveillance and monitoring by supervisory and monitoring staff regarding meter readings recorded by meter readers.

iii. Follow up Teams have been constituted to control the incorrect billing.

iv. Strict disciplinary action for recording bogus/wrong meter reading. Penalties under E&D Rules to the employees involved in wrong meter reading are imposed by senior officers.

v. Surprise visits to check consumption of heavy load connections.

vi. Replacement of old/sluggish meters.

vii. Establishment of Customer Service Centers to entertain / redress the customer’s complaints of incorrect meter reading or excess billing.

Due to the above mentioned actions, the billing complaints in 2011 were reduced from 3.35% in 2010 to 1.83%.

12. *Ms. Shireen Arshad Khan:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Ghazi Barotha Power Channels have been closed; if so, the reasons thereof;

(b) the total reduction of electricity in Megawatt (MW) occurred due to the closure of the said channels; and 17 (c) the total amount of financial loss suffered to WAPDA therefrom so far?

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a), (b) and (c) It is not fact that Ghazi Barotha Power Channel is closed. It is functioning to its full capacity and has not been closed since its commissioning.

13. *Ms. Shireen Arshad Khan:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the location-wise details of big Dams in the country having water capacity of more than one million acre feet at present alongwith the year-wise quantity of electricity in MW produced therefrom during the last four years; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the government to produce more electricity therefrom in near future; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a) There are two big dams in the Country namely Tarbela (3478 MW) and Mangla (1000 MW) having water storage capacity of more than one million acre feet (MAF). The location, storage and generation data of last four years is as under:— —————————————————————————————— Name Live Year-wise Quantity of electricity produced in (GWh) of Big Location Storage ————————————————————— Dams (MAF) 2007-8 2008-9 2009-10 2010-11 ———————————————————————————————————————— Tarbela Swabi, Dam Khyber 6.625 14867 13946 13834 15909 Project Paktunkhwa

Mangla Mangla, Dam District 5.066 4568 4636 4639 5969 Project Mirpur, AJ&K ———————————————————————————————————————— (b) Tarbela Dam Project:

After completion of Tarbela 4th extension the generation capacity will enhance by 1410 MW. The project is in design stage. Project construction is expected to start this year with planned completion period of four years. 18 Mangla dam Project:

644 GWh per annum additional electricity willl be produced after the completion of Mangla Dam Raising project through 2.88 MAF additional storage.

WAPDA plans to conduct Feasibility Study for Up-gradation of Mangla units through Consultants which envisages that the capacity of Mangla Power Station will increase to 1310 MW after completion of Up-gradation/Rehabilitation.

14. *Mrs. Nisar Tanveer:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the percentage of recovery of electricity dues of each Power Company as on the 31st December of 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively;

(b) the components, which are included to calculate the overall losses of power companies;

(c) whether it is a fact that such losses are adversely affecting the consumers; if so, the steps being taken to mitigate those adverse effects; and

(d) the steps being taken to enhance the recovery rate of power companies and make the power companies efficient?

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a) Percentage of recovery of each power company as on the 31st December of 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 is provided as Annexure-A.

(b) The components included to calculate the over-all losses of power companies are as under:- —————————————————————————————— Energy Energy Sold Energy %age loses purchased by the lost company —————————————————————————————— 1 2 3=(1-2) 4=(3/1*100) —————————————————————————————— 19 (c) These losses do affect the customers. However this effect is limited to the level of target losses allowed by the NEPRA. Following steps are taken to control mitigate these losses:—

(a) Constitution of Task forces

(b) Field survey for kunda connections

(d) Lodging of FIRs

(e) Incentive policy to regularize the kunda connections

(f) Implementation of DAWN RAIDS in the kunda infested areas

(g) A public awareness campaign who is underway too educate the people not to restore kunda culture

(h) Reward for detection of theft

(i) Heavy punishment for field staff involved in pilferage of electricity

(d) The following measures have been adopted to enhance the recovery rate of the power companies:—

• Timely execution of equipment removal order against the defaulters

• Strict vigilance over payment of electricity bills of big industrial, commercial and tube well consumers

• Physical checking of the premises of the permanently defaulting consumers to make sure that the defaulters are not using electricity from any other source.

• Follow-up of court cases / settlement of billing disputes

• Timely delivery of electricity bills to consumers

• Circle review and regional review of committees have been activated for reviewing the disputed cases 20 • Provincial Finance Secretaries are being perused for recovery of outstanding dues against the major defaulting departments of provincial governments

• Reconciliation with government departments to recover the legitimate dues/arrears

Annexure-A

—————————————————————————————— Period 1/2008 to 1/2009 to 1/2010 to 1/2011 to 12/2008 12/2009 12/2010 12/2011 S# DICSOs % Recovery % Recovery % Recovery % Recovery ———————————————————————————————————————— 1. LESCO 94 97 95 97 2. GEPCO 93 98 98 99 3. FESCO 94 100 98 100 4. IESCO 95 99 93 94 5. MEPCO 94 96 95 99 6. PESCO 91 85 81 84 7. TESCO 11 70 507 45 8. HESCO 70 66 57 64 9. QESCO 87 67 54 45 ———————————————————————————————————————— BILLING VS COLLECTION 89 91 102 89 ——————————————————————————————

15. *Mrs. Nisar Tanveer:

Will the Minister for Textile industry be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the value added products of raw cotton are not being encouraged in the country;

(b) if so, the steps being taken to encourage and promote the value added products of raw cotton in the country?

Minister for Textile industry (Makhdoom Shahabuddin): (a) It is incorrect to state that value added products of raw cotton are not encouraged. In Textiles Policy 2009-14, special focus has been given to the promotion of exports 21 of valued added textile goods. Textile Policy aims to achieve the export target of $ 25 billion by year 2014 by doubling the rate of value addition from current $ 1000 per bale to $ 2000 per bale.

(b) Ministry of Textile Industry under Textile Policy 2009-14 has taken following initiatives to promote value added textile products which include.

1. Drawback of Local Taxes & Levies

To compensate our value-added textiles exports to offset the costs imposed on them directly and indirectly by a variety of government agencies and disruptions caused by law and order problems. However, this support would be linked partially to performance.

Processed Fabric 1% of the FOB value of exports Home textiles 2% of the FOB value of exports Garments 3% of the FOB value of exports

In addition, those who will achieve an increase of 15% in exports relative to last year will be given 1% additional draw-back.

2. Export Finance Scheme (EFS)

To reduce the working capital cost, a support of 2.5% is provided on Export Finance Scheme of State Bank of pakistan.

3. Stitching Machine Operator Training Program ( SMOT)

In order to overcome the shortage of trained manpower for value added sector, Ministry has run a program under which labor have been trained in the factories so that efficient labour may become available for the exporters of value added textile products.

4. Establishment of Pak-Korea Garment Technology Institute

Govt. with the help of Korean International Co-operation Agency (KOICA) has establish an institute in Karachi which impart training in following disciplines: 22

I. Garment Technology II. Knitwear technology III. Apparel Marketing IV. Line Supervisor V. Stitching Machine Operator & Maintenance

5. Infrastructure Development

Ministry of Textile Industry has initiated following project in order to provide state of the art infrastructure for the textile / garments manufacturers.

1. Lahore Garment City, Lahore 2. Faisalabad Garment City, Faisalabad 3. Karachi Garment City, Karachi 4. Pakistan Textile City, Karachi

16. *Mr. Muhammad Riaz Malik:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Jinnah Hydro Power project has started its power generation;

(b) if so, the quantity of electricity in MW being generated therefrom at present?

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a) The first unit 12 MW of Jinnah Hydropower Project has been commissioned (out of 8 units of 12 MW each, total 96 MW). At present, test running of first unit is under progress after which continuous power generation will start. Remaining 7 units will start generation of electricity by December, 2012.

(b) The commercial operation of first unit for power generation of maximum 12 MW will start after successful completion of 30 days reliability Test. 23 17. *Mr. Muhammad Riaz Malik:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the water reserve in Tarbela Dam is very low; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) the quantity of water in each Dam in the country at present?

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a) It is usual that reservoirs are low during winter because of withdrawal of water for rabbi crops. The reservoir level as compared to last 10 years is higher this year as 0.423 MAF against 0.350 MAF average of last 10 years. The reason is less inflow and high irrigation indent. Today i.e on 27-02-2012 average inflow of water is 10,200 cusecs and irrigation indent is 55,000 cusecs.

(b) the present useable quantity of water in Tarbela and Mangla Dam is 0.423 and 0.616 Million Acre Feet (MAF) respectively.

18. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the present status of the construction work of Munda Dam Project; and

(b) the time by which the said project will be completed?

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a) Present Status of Munda Dam Project is as under:—

Feasibility study completed in March 2000. M/s SMEC – Nippon-Koi – NESPAK – ACE JV have been appointed for carrying out detailed engineering design and tender documents of project in 24 months. The consultancy contract agreement for consultancy services signed on February 16, 2012.

Agence Francaise de Development (afd) indicated to provide 10 million Euro and 100 million Euro for detailed engineering design and construction respectively. EAD is further processing the case. 24 Revised PC-II amounting to Rs.1,478 million submitted to Planning Commission on February 03, 2012 for approval of CDWP/ECNEC.

(b) Completion Schedule of the Project subject to availability of required funds is as under.—

• Detailed Engineering 2 Years (Starting March 2012) Design

• Construction of Project 7 Years (Starting 2014-15)

19. *Rana Mahmood -ul- Hassan:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Katzarah Dam was included in Part-II of WAPDA, vision 2025 for preliminary study; and

(b) whether it is also a fact that the said study has not been completed as per its schedule; if so, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a) It is not, a fact that Katzarah Dam was included in Part-II of the WAPDA Vision 2025 for preliminary study.

(b) Pre-feasibility study of Skardu/Katzarah Dam project was completed in March 2007. According to the study, proposed Dam site will have significant negative environmental impact not only in the immediate vicinity of the dam but also in distance areas of the dam. Due to harmful environmental, social, cultural and human impact of the Skardu/Katzarah Dam on Baltistan, further studies have been excluded from WAPDA Vision 2025.

20. *Rana Mahmood -ul- Hassan:

Will the Minister for Industries be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been totally neglected during the budget 2011-12; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) the steps being taken for the development/growth of SMEs at present? 25 Minister for Industries (Ch. Pervaiz Ellahi): (a) This is not correct. The development portfolio of this Ministry contains 40 projects at total cost of Rs. 5,430 Million out of which 27 projects with cost of Rs. 2,588 are dedicated for SME sector only. These projects are implemented/ executed through the platform of SMEDA. This year (2011-12) an amount of Rs. 816.446 million has been allocated to this Ministry for the development projects whose 81% i.e. Rs. 663.462 million has been allocated to the projects of SME sector. As such SMEs have not been neglected in 2011-12.

(b) various steps have been taken to uplift SMEs in \Pakistan. The main points are as under:—

I. A dedicated legal services cell, through its helpdesks at all SMEDA regional offices, assists SMEs in resolving their legal issues.

II. SMEDA’s Accounting Package has been developed to assist SMEs in maintaining cost effective accounting systems.

III. Strategy development for Furniture and Surgical Instrument sector was completed whereas Leather Sector Development Strategy is being developed.

IV. SMEDA in collaboration with international agencies like Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), Senior Experts Services (SES, Germany) and Asian Productivity Organization (APO) and Local experts is providing technical assistance to SMEs.

V. SMEDA in partnership with JICA has been involved in an on-going Industry Support Programme providing expert advice to Textile & Auto Sector

VI. Facilitation to SMEs from international donors e.g. UNDP and World Bank

a. SME Development Component is the largest component of Economic Revitalization of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA (ERKF) Project. The component aims at providing direct support to local SMEs to accelerate economic recovery in the two regions affected by crisis and floods. ERKF is the World Bank funded project. The total cost of the project is US $20 Million. 26 b. The loan agreement between the Italian Government and Government of Pakistan amounting to 7.75 million Euros is one of the many initiatives directed towards alleviating the problem of access to finance. To implement the project, an Investment Promotion Unit (IPU) has been set up in collaboration with UNIDO.

c. In July, 2006, Government of Pakistan launched “Aik Hunar Aik Nagar” (AHAN) -Rural Enterprise Modernization Project based on “One Village One Product” concept of Thailand.

VII. Various publications to enhance the rudimentary knowledge of SME Entrepreneurs. i.e. SMEDA Research Journal, SMEDA Newsletter, Investment Guides and Trade in Services.

VIII. Establishment of Information Resource Center (Digital Library)

IX. e-Services for SMEs i.e. SMEDA Web Portal & Industrial Information Network.

X. SMEDA conducts a round of consultation with different stakeholders for obtaining views/ inputs related to the SME Sector for compiling Budgetary and Trade Policy proposals. Chambers of Commerce & Industry and Trade Associations are also involved in various activities being carried out by SMEDA at regional level.

21. *Mr. Wasim Akhter Sheikh:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Meter Rent is being charged from the consumers in their monthly electricity bills. if so, the details thereof alongwith the criteria adopted in the determination of the said rent

(b) whether it is also a fact that price of meter is being charged from the consumer on the installation of electric meter; if so, the details alongwith the justification thereof; and

(c) whether there is any proposal under consideration to exempt such charges; if so, when it will be implemented? 27 Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a) At present no Meter Rent is being charged from new electricity consumers because cost of Meter is recovered at the time of getting connection on Full Cost Deposit basis. However, in case of old connections, the meter rent are being charged because the consumer was not required to pay full cost at the time of connection. The rent is being charged at following rates:— —————————————————————————————— Description Monthly Meter Rent Rate —————————————————————————————— (a) Single Phase Meter (low tension). Rs.7.50

(b) Polyphase Meter (low tension) Rs.15.00 upto 20 amp.

(b) At present the price of meter is being charged from the consumers and being recovered alongwith cost of other material for provision of new connection. Pursuant to NEPRA’ s Consumer Eligibility Criteria (SRO 743(I)/ 2003) the customers have to deposit full cost including cost of meters.

22. *Mr. Mohammad Pervaiz Malik:

Will the Minister for Industries be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise amount of losses suffered by Utility Stores Corporation (USC) during the last 3 fiscal years alongwith reasons thereof;

(b) whether it is a fact that the above losses were submitted for insurance claims; if so, the details alongwith the present status thereof; 28 (c) Whether it is also a fact that such losses were reported to concerned authority; if so, the detail alongwith outcome thereof; and

(d) the steps being taken to streamline the affairs of USC in order to safeguard the corporation from further losses in future?

Minister for Industries (Ch. Pervaiz Ellahi): (a) USC have not suffered any losses during last three fiscal years. The Corporation has earned net profit during last three years as enumerated below:— —————————————————————————————— Sr. No. Year Profit (Rs. millions) —————————————————————————————— 1. 2008-09 452.00

2. 2009-10 708.00

3. 2010-11 913.00 ——————————————————————————————

(b) During the last three years, the warehouses and stores of USC were subjected to armed dacoities, theft burglary, loot arson and fire, the detail of these losses is being obtained from USC offices spread throughout the country and the same will be provided to National Assembly shortly. The Corporation has obtained insurance cover against various risks like dacoity, burglary, loot, theft and arson. All these cases were reported to Police. The insurance claims against the insurance cover of above mentioned loss has been lodged to the Insurance Company.

(c) The losses on account of theft, burglary arson and fire have been reported to National Insurance Company limited and the claims are vigorously pursued. The settlement of insurance claims is a continuous process in which a lot of documentation is required to be carried out (Details are annexed).

(d) The security arrangements have been made at / USC warehouses. Watch & Ward system has been tightened. The limits of the insurance have been enhanced to protect the losses in future. 29 30 23. *Ms. Qudsia Arshad:

Will the Minister for Industries be pleased to state whether it is a fact that the price of sugar has recently been increased at Utility Stores in the country; if so, the details alongwith the reasons thereof?

Minister for Industries (Ch. Pervaiz Ellahi): The ECC vide its decision dated 29-07-2010 had directed to keep the price differential of sugar in market at Rs. 10/= per kg for providing relief to the public through the Utility Stores Corporation. The price of sugar at that time was around Rs.65 in the market and the USC price was Rs.55/- kg.

The ECC vide its decision dated 20th January, 2012 has allowed the difference of Rs.5 per kg to be sold at USC outlets against the open market price. This is for the reason that the price of sugar has fallen considerably and has come down to around Rs.50.

The latest price of sugar sold at Utility Stores Corporation / Stores by the Government keeping in view the ECC decision has been reduced to Rs.42 per kg in USC.

24. *Ms. Qudsia Arshad:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the loadshedding of electricity is being carried out in the country due to nonpayment of dues to Power Generating Companies;

(b) if so, the steps taken by the government to solve the said issue since March, 2008 till date?

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a) It is true that Thermal Power Plants are not able to operate on full capacity due to shortage of fuel.

(b) The government is striving to provide uninterrupted electricity on affordable rates for which following measures are being taken: 31

Short term Measures

• 3393 MW of new capacity was added since 2008.

• Timely release of subsidy to power sector. So far 614.551 billion Rupees have been paid as subsidy by GOP from FY 2007-08 till to date.

• Effective measures through reduction of losses.

• Improvement in recovery position.

• Debt swap of Rs. 160 billion (out of which Rs. 136 billion has been arranged/paid and balance amount is in process) to pay off outstanding dues of power generation companies.

Medium and long term Measures

• Hectic efforts to get maximum gas for power plants from own resources as well from neighboring countries.

• Capacity improvement in existing power generation facilities.

• Improvement in the efficiency of power plants.

Installation of hydel and coal power plants.

25. *Mr. Sajid Ahmed:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state whether it is a fact that new electric meters installed throughout the country run too fast; if so, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): It is not a fact that new electric meters run fast. On the contrary, these meters are microprocessor based devices and measure consumption accurately. 32 26. *Mr. Sajid Ahmed:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the present status of providing free of cost energy savers to the people in the country; and

(b) the total number of the said energy savers provided so far?

Minister for Water and Power (Syed Naveed Qamar): (a) Procurement of 10 Million CFL has been awarded.

(b) So far no energy saver is provided, out of said procurement.

ISLAMABAD: KARAMAT HUSSAIN NIAZI, The 13th March, 2012. Secretary.

PCPPI—274(12) NA—13-3-2012—700. 1 40th Session

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Wednesday, the 14th March, 2012

(Originally Unstarred Question Nos. 15, 22, 24, 25, 115, 116, 124, 2, 4 and 5 were set down for answer during the 39th Session)

15. Ms. Shaheen Ishfaq:

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

(a) the location-wise under completion and proposed housing schemes of the Ministry in the country at present;

(b) the location-wise housing schemes launched by the Ministry during the last three years till date; and

Minister for Housing and Works (Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat): (a) (A) FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES HOUSING FOUNDATION (FGEHF)

On Going Schemes:

Housing scheme for Federal Government Employees in Sub-Sector G-14/1,2,3 was launched in January 2004 by Federal Government Employees Housing Foundation (FGEH).

Proposed Scheme:

Proposed scheme of G-14 storey apartments scheme in Sector G-13, Islamabad is recently launched by FGE Housing Foundation and applications are invited from employees & General Public. 2 (B) PAKISTAN HOUSING AUTHORITY (PHA)

Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA)’s under completion Housings Schemes located at Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Turbat Balochistan are details wise placed at Annex-A.

(b) (A) FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES HOUSING FOUNDATION (FGEHF)

Apartments Scheme captioned “Lifestyle Residency” in Sector G-13, Islarnabad.

(B) PAKISTAN HOUSING AUTHORITY (PHA)

Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) launched/completed schemes during the last years are details wise placed at Annex-B.

The whole Sector G-13 was acquired through ICT, Islamabad. However, land measuring 15.37 acres is reserved for Apartments Scheme.

(B) PAKISTAN HOUSING AUTHORITY (PHA)

Pakistan Housing Authority (PHA) has been acquired no land by purchase under Land Acquisition Act:—

 Only state land allotted by CDA to PHA at Kurri Road Project measuring 90.82 acres.

 101 acres of state land has been allotted by Government of Balochistan at Quetta. 3 4 5 22. Ms. Surriya Asghar:

Will the Minister for Ports and Shipping be pleased to state the ratio of the revenue of ports and shipping in the GDP of the country at present?

Reply not received.

24. Malik Shakeel Awan:

Will the Minister for Production be pleased to state the total number of persons appointed in the Pakistan Steel Mills, Karachi and its attached bodies during the year 2011-12 indicating also their designation and place of domicile?

Minister for Production (Mr. Anwar Ali Cheema): (i) During 2011, 80 persons were appointed in PSM as per details given below:—

Appointed on regular basis 47 Appointed on contract basis 33 —— Total: 80 —— (ii) A list indicating their names, designation and domicile is attached.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

25. Mr. Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that a large number of appointments were made in WAPDA since March, 2008 till date;

(b) if so, the justifications thereof?

Reply not received. 6 115. Moulvi Asmatullah:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to refer to Un-Starred Question No. 63 replied on 21-11-2011 and to state the authority in each case who issued the allotment letter and allowed the employees of PTCL to reside on standard rent basis in the government owned houses and lats in Islamabad before and after the privatization of PTCL alongwith the justification in each case?

Reply not received.

116. Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state the month- wise total amount of electricity bills recovered from each suite of Parliament Lodges, Islamabad during the last three years till date alongwith the time by which the outstanding amount will be recovered from defaulters?

Reply not received.

124. Mrs. Shakeela Khanam Rashid:

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

(a) the names and designations of those employees who are residing in Family Suites in Sector F-5/1, Islamabad at present alongwith the monthly rent being charged therefrom; and

(b) whether the said rent is equal with the rent of quarters/houses of other sectors; if not, the reasons thereof?

Reply not received.

2. Malik Shakir Bashir Awan:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state: (a) whether it is a fact that there is a water leakage in the wash rooms of family suits of Gulshan-e-Jinnah, Sector F-5/1, Islamabad for the last three months; if so, the reasons thereof; 7

(b) whether it is also a fact that complaints for the said water leakage have been registered in the relevant Inquiry office; if so, the details thereof; and

(c) whether it is further a fact that no action has been taken to control the said leakage; if so, the reasons thereof alongwith the damages occurred therefrom?

Reply not received.

4. Mr. Mohammad Pervaiz Malik:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the DESCO-wise details of Industrial defaulters of rupees 10 million and above at present;

(b) the names of owners of those industrial units alongwith the total amount outstanding against each;

(c) the DESCO-wise detail of industrial defaulters of rupees 10 million and above whose outstanding dues are ordered to be paid in installments during the year 2010-11 till date alongwith the authority who granted approval for the said installments; and

(d) the steps being taken to recover such outstanding dues?

Reply not received.

5. Mr. Wasim Akhter Sheikh:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state the period required by WAPDA to give Tubewell connections to agricultural consumers after depositing the amount of demand notice?

Reply not received. 8

1. Ms. Parveen Masood Bhatti:

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

(a) the year-wise residential sectors established/constructed in Islamabad during the last four years; and

(b) the year-wise total expenditures incurred on the repair of government houses in those sectors during the said period?

Reply not received.

2. Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Production be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of persons appointed in Pakistan Machine Tool Factory, Karachi during the last three years till date;

(b) the total number of employees working in the said factory at present; and

Minister for Production (Mr. Anwar Ali Cheema): (a) PMTF has not appointed any employee during the last three years in regular cadre (workers/ officers) due to ban on employment as the company is on privatization list. However, in order to complete work in hand, causal employees are appointed on as required basis.

(b) The present manpower is: —————————————————————————————— CADER REGULAR CONTRACTUAL CASUAL —————————————————————————————— OFFICERS 94 20 — WORKERS 782 18 571 —————————————————————————————— TOTAL 876 38 571 —————————————————————————————— 9 (c) Inspite of acute financial crisis, the company is maintaining welfare of its employees through subsidized Conveyance, Residential facilities, Utilities, Education and Medical facilities. These facilities are attributed to the Management CBA PEACE AGREEMENTS, the terms of which negotiated between management and CBA.

3. Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to refer to Starred Question No.17 replied on 30-12-2011 and to state:

(a) the total number of Flats of Sector G-6, Islamabad, the possession of which has been taken by the Estate Office; and

(b) the name of persons/employees to whom said Flats have been allotted so far?

Reply not received.

4. Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the per head total amount paid to each Khudam-ul-Hujjaj during Hajj-2011; and

(b) whether those Khudam-ul-Hujjaj performed Hajj-2011 during their Hajj duty?

Minister for Religious Affairs (Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah): (a) Per head amount paid to each officer in BS-17 and above during Hajj duty at Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was SR.100/- whereas the officials from BS-1 to 16 were paid SR. 80/- per day.

(b) Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj were on duty in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Most of the personnel were wearing Ahram. It is presumed that they would have performed manasik-e-Hajj besides rendering service to the Hujjaj. 10

5. Ms. Tasneem Siddiqui:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs be pleased to state the rent of each residential building hired in Makkah Mukarramah and Medina Munawwarah for Hujjaj during the Hajj 2009, 2010 and 2011 separately?

Minister for Religious Affairs (Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah): The details regarding payment of rent of each residential building hired in Makkah Mukarramah during Hajj 2009, 2010, & 2011 are at (Annex-I). However, summary of buildings during the said years is given below :— —————————————————————————————— Hajj Year No of Buildings hired —————————————————————————————— Hajj, 2009 259 Hajj, 2010 212 Hajj, 2011 222 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2. In Madinah Munawwarah Hujjaj are accommodated at flat rates of rent in buildings located within the radius of distance from the boundary of Haram Sharif approved by the Cabinet in Hajj Policy. These rates for under reference Hajj years are as under:— Hajj, 2009 = SR.400/-per Pilgrim Hajj, 2010 = SR.500/-per Pilgrim Hajj, 2011 = SR. 450/- per pilgrim

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

6. Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state the names, designations, and departments of spouses whom government accommodation is allotted In Islamabad during the last four year?

Reply not received. 11 7. Syed Asif Hasnain:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that large number of changes have been made during the last four years to improve the performance of Pak PWD particularly in Karachi; if so, the details alongwith the reasons thereof; and

(b) whether it is also a fact that some inefficient officers have been appointed in the said department during the last four years; if so, the reasons thereof?

Reply not received.

8. Mr. Muhammad Riaz Malik:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the per head amount of compensation given to Pakistani Hujjaj died during Hajj 2011; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration to enhance the said amount; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Religious Affairs (Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah): (a) According to Clause-35 of Hajj Policy & Plan 2011, per head amount of compensation payable to the deceased Hujjaj is Rs. 200,000/- (copy of the extract of Hajj Policy, 2011 is enclosed).

(b) On the recommendation of Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prime Minister was pleased to increase the death compensation amount from Rs.200,000/- to Rs.300, 000/-for Hajj-2011. 12

Annexure

34. INFORMATION EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION

The Ministry shall launch an appropriate awareness campaign, employing all channels of communication, to provide information, education, awareness and training to the intending pilgrims. In this connection, a joint collaboration may be established with the Ministry of Hajj Affairs, KSA and other concerned Saudi agencies,

35. HUJJAJ MOHAFIZ SCHEME :

The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) would launch Hujjaj Mohafiz Scheme based on the concept of “Takaful” (risk management) during Hajj-2011. Each Haji would be required to contribute a non-refundable amount of Rs. 400/- into the scheme. The amount so collected from the Hujjaj would be deposited in Modarabah Banks in Pakistan. The said Scheme would compensate Hujjaj against the following losses/cases:—

—————————————————————————————— Sr. No. Description Amount for Compensation —————————————————————————————— I. Death due to natural causes, road accidents, suffocation or stampede. Rs. 200,000/-

II. Accidental disablement resulting loss of one limb. Rs. 50,000/-

III. Accidental disablement resulting loss of two or more limbs. Rs. 100,000/-

IV. Repatriation / Emergency evacuation due to illness. Rs. 50,000/- ——————————————————————————————

36. CONNECTIVITY THROUGH CELL PHONE NETWORK:

The Ministry of Religious Affairs, as part of its endeavor to facilitate Hujjaj in Saudi Arabia, would enter into collaboration with a cell phone company to offer connectivity facility during the Hajj – 2011. The Cell Phone Company would facilitate to sell a SIM functional in KSA, to Hujjaj (Optional), at the embarkation point. 13

37. INVOLVEMENT OF PAKISTANI COMMUNITY IN KSA:

Efforts will be made to involve Pakistani Community in KSA for voluntary services in Mashair, free of cost, with the spirit of rendering services to their Pakistani brethren. A detailed programme will be issued by D.G. Hajj, Jeddah with the approval of Ministry. Similar voluntary efforts would be welcomed in other areas, subject to approval by the DG (Hajj).

38. IDENTIFICATION:

(I) As per Saudi Taleemat, the requirement of “Abaya” is a part of “female Ehram”. Therefore, every female Hujjaj under Government and HGO scheme shall carry at least two “Abayas” with her preferably in black colour. A Pakistan flag sticker will be affixed on the back of “Abaya” for identification. All the female pilgrims shall ensure that they would wear “Abaya” on departure to Saudi Arabia till return.

9. Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of applications received by Faisalabad Electric Supply Company for agriculture tube well connections during the period from January, 2007 to July, 2008;

(b) the total number of connections provided to those applicants so far; and

Reply not received. 14

10. Ms. Shahnaz Saleem:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that salaries have not been paid for the last six months to the employees of National Construction Limited (NCL), Quetta; if so, the reasons thereof alongwith the time by which the salaries will be paid to those employees; and

(b) whether it is also a fact that the services of the contractual employees of NCL have not been regularized so far; if so, the reasons thereof alongwith the time by which the services of those employees will be regularized?

Minister for Housing and Works (Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat): (a) Yes, the salaries of the project employees of NCL at Quetta have not been paid over the last 6 months or so due to non-payment of bills by the Client since 30-06-2011. NCL is working on QWSEIP for PMU, Quetta since 2004 and has successfully completed 78.31% of work so far. Unfortunately, due to the non-release of verified bills against work done amounting to Rs.880.00 Million, NCL is constrained to put “on hold” its liabilities of the project including the salaries. NCL is working under the aegis of M/o Housing and Works and receives no budgetary allocation or grant from the Federal Government. It has to generate its funds from the work acquired in the open market through competitive bidding. Nevertheless, as soon as NCL’s bills are cleared by PMU, Quetta, the salaries of the employees will be immediately released.

(b) The strength of NCL’s employees on the projects is maintained on “as-needed” basis. The workforce is generally hired on the acquisition of work and tapers off as the project nears its completion. Therefore, the question of regularizing the services of workers hired for a particular project does not arise.

11. Mrs. Nisar Tanveer:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that monthly salaries have not been provided regularly since long to the maintenance staff/employees of Pak. 15 PWD, Islamabad; if so, the reasons thereof alongwith the time by which monthly salaries will be provided to those staff/ employees regularly; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration to allocate the maintenance funds separately by Pak. PWD for the said purpose; if so, when it will be implemented; if not, the reasons thereof?

Reply not received.

12. Mr. Wasim Akhter Sheikh:

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

(a) the names, designation, date of birth and departments of those officers working in BPS-19 and above who have applied for allotment of government accommodation by General Waiting List (GWL) before 28-2-2008; and

(b) whether it is a fact that no government accommodation has been allotted to those officers during the period from 1-3-2008 till date by GWL; if so, the reasons thereof?

Reply not received.

13. Malik Shakir Bashir Awan:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the government houses have not been allotted to earthquake affectees working in the National Assembly and Senate Secretariats as decided by the Ministry during the year 2006; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration to allot government accommodation to those employees; if so, when it will be implemented?

Minister for Housing and Works (Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat): (a) No such allotment has been made nor any decision pertaining to the 16 year 2006 for allotment of government accommodation to the earth-quake affectees working in National Assembly/Senate exist on record.

(b) As above

14. Mr. Sajid Ahmed:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether there exist any procedure for the disposal of the Verses of Holy Quran and Ahadith of the Holy Prophet which are published in the daily newspapers, magazines and periodicals collected from various places of the country; if so, the details thereof; and

(b) whether it is a fact that many associations and persons are voluntarily performing services for disposing of said Verses and Ahadith; if so, the procedure adopted by the Ministry for their patronage?

Minister for Religious Affairs (Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah): (a) Appropriate arrangerments are being followed in the country for the disposal and preservation of sacred papers which contain Verses of the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W). Main steps are indicated below:— (i) Green boxes in all Mosques across the country and at public places have been placed for the collection of such papers.

(ii) Local Bodies regularly dispose off these papers as per guidelines of Shariah.

(iii) Public opinion is mobilized through print media and the newspapers/ journals regularly make appeal to the readers to obnserve sanctity of the sacred papers in the following words. 17 (b) Yes, procedure adopted by the Ministry as above.

15. Dr. Darshan:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that transformers of 50 KV installed at Village Juma Khan, Narejo, Tehsil Mehr, District Dadu have been burnt; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration to replace such transformers with 100 KV transformers; if so, when it will be replaced?

Reply not received.

KARAMAT HUSSAIN NIAZI, Secretary. ISLAMABAD: The 13th March, 2012.

PCPPI—274 (2012) NA—13-3-2012—700.