63. - parliament of pakistan

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(29th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

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“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”

to be asked at a sitting of the National Assembly to be held on

Monday, the 22nd February, 2021

63. *Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar: (Deferred during 27th Session)

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

(a) on which rate sugar cane and wheat was given to farmers;

(b) what is the prevailing rate of sugar and flour, how same isdetermined/fixed;

(c) any plan for increasing rate for the farmers; and

(d) any plan for controlling sugar and wheat prices?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed FakharImam): (a) Minimum Support Price of wheat has been approved by the ECCof the Cabinet @ Rs. 1650/ 40 kg for 202021 crop, whereas price of wheatseed was reported in the range of Rs. 2850/ Rs. 3500/ 50 kg. In case ofsugarcane, the indicative price was announced @ Rs. 200/ 40 kg by Punjaband Rs. 202/ 40 kg by the Provinces.

(b) The prevailing price of wheat and sugar is @ Rs. 47.41/ kg andRs. 91.71/ kg as reported by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

(c) Price of wheat / wheat flour worked out by the Agriculture PolicyInstitute (API) on the basis of the cost of production of wheat crop. Afterconsultation of the provinces a summary to the ECC is submitted for obtaining

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their formal approval. In case of sugarcane, provinces are authorized to fix itin line with the Sugar Factories Control Act, 1950. Increase in the prices areregularly been made on every year, depending upon the cost of productionof crops.

(d) Prices are being controlled and monitored by the ProvincialGovernments in accordance with the profiteering and Hoarding Act, 1977.

29. *Mr. Saad Waseem: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleasedto state the steps being taken by the Government with thecollaboration of Provincial Governments, private sector and otherstakeholders to promote value addition of indigenous agriculturistproducts in the country?

Minister for National Food Security and Research(Syed Fakhar Imam): The following activities regarding the promotion ofagricultural value addition are being carried out by Federal Government withcollaboration of Provincial Governments, private sectors & other stakeholders:

i. Strengthening Markets for Agriculture and RuralTransformation (SMART Punjab).

ii. Rural Enterprises in Agriculture Development (READ)

iii. Establishment of Model Farms linked with improved supplychain and value Addition.

iv. Federal Government with collaboration of provincialagriculture departments has initiated a program underFederal PSDP “Promotion of Olive Cultivation onCommercial Scale in Pakistan”.

33. *Mr. Muhammad Afzal Khokhar: (Deferred during 28th Session)

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

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

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

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

Deferred for answer on Next Rota Day.

38. *Ms. Naureen Farooq Ibrahim: (Deferred during 28th Session)


(a) the province-wise number of children facing malnutrition in thecountry at present;

(b) whether it is a fact that a country wise survey has beenconducted recently; if so, when it was conducted and the resultsthereof; if not, the reasons thereof; and

(c) the details of integrated policy formulated by the Governmentto handle this challenge?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: (a) According to National Nutrition Survey 2018 (NNS2018)data, the Province wise figures for stunting are, Punjab 36.4 %,Sindh 45.5 %, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 40%, Balochistan 46.6%,Islamabad 32.6 %, KPNMDs 48.3%, Azad Jammu & Kashmir 39.3%, andGilgitBaltistan 46.6% respectively.

(b) Yes, the National Nutrition Survey was conducted during201819 which was country wise survey to assess the nutrition indicatorsaffecting mothers and children in the country. National Nutrition Survey201819 revealed showed that an estimated 40% children under the age offive years are stunted and nearly 17.7% are wasted in the country, whichexceed WHO emergency threshold levels.

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(c) As per advice and guidance of the National Health Task Force,comprehensive Nutrition PCI for the entire country including the federal areaswith the title, “Tackling Malnutrition Induced Stunting in Pakistan” has beenformulated. This PCI targets the beneficiaries of the “Sehat Sahulat Program”/high burden districts covering around 30% population of the country whichbelong to the most under privileged and marginalized segments of the societyand country. Stakeholder consultations are underway. The proposed cost isRs. 350 billion including Rs. 175 billion Federal share. The PCI was submittedto the CCI for concurrence of all the Provinces on 11th November, 2020 andhas been approved by the CCI.

Initiatives undertaken by the Nutrition Wing, Ministry of NHSR&Cduring past 5 years in collaboration with Provincial Departments of Health,UN Agencies and development partners include:

1. Stunting Prevention for chronic Malnutrition.

2. Counselling and Supplementation for prevention.

3. Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices.

4. Breast Feeding promotion and protection.

5. Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM).

6. Food Fortification (Salt iodization, Oil / Ghee & Wheat Flourfortification.

7. Adolescent Nutrition.

39. *Ms. Munawara Bibi Baloch: (Deferred during 28th Session)


(a) the number of districts in which Health Cards have beenprovided; and

(b) the areas which have been included in the programme alongwiththe details thereof?

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Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: (a) Sehat Sahulat Program is a social health protection initiativeof Federal and participating Provincial / Regional Governments. The programis providing health cards in 93 districts across Pakistan.

The list of districts is placed in AnnexureA.

(b) Sehat Sahulat Program and other social health protection initiativeshave been implemented in all districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK),GilgitBaltistan (GB), Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), District Tharparkar(Sindh), Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including merged Districts(MDKP). The programs have so far enrolled and providing hospitalizationservices to 10.11 million families.

The list of districts and enrolled families is placed in AnnexureA.

Federal Government is providing financial resources for theimplementation of program in ICT, AJK, GB, MDKP and District Tharparkarwhile provincial government of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa isimplementing the program in their own districts and from their own financialresources.

Currently the program has not been implemented in districts ofBalochistan and Sindh due to noncontribution of annual health insurancepremium by respective provincial governments.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

46. *Sheikh Rohale Asghar: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination be pleased to state the location-wise FederalGovernment Hospitals in the country at present?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination:

The Federal Government Hospitals are located in the countryat the following addresses:

1. Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Sector G8/3, Islamabad.

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2. Federal Government Polyclinic, Sector G6/2, Islamabad.

3. National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicines, Sector G8/2,Islamabad.

4. Federal General Hospital, Chak Shahzad, NIH, Islamabad.

5. Shaikh Zayad Postgraduate Medical Institute (Medical Complex)Khayabane Jamia, Punjab Block, DMuslim Town, Lahore.

6. Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Rafiqui Shaheed Road,Karachi75510.

7. National Institute of Cardio Vascular Diseases, Rafiqui HJ ShaheedRoad, Cantonment Karachi75510.

8. National Institute of Child Health, Rafiqui SJ, Shaheed Road,Karachi75510.

9. Federal Government Tuberculosis Centre Asghar Mall, Rawalpindi. 47. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

(Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Maritime Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the number of Ships can be anchored simultaneously on PortQasim and KPT, Karachi alongwith the detail of types andvolume thereof; and

(b) the number of foreign Ships anchored on the said ports duringthe last five years alongwith the detail of country-wise typesand volume thereof?


48. *Ms. Naureen Farooq Ibrahim: (Deferred during 28th Session)


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(a) the number of polio cases reported in the country during thelast two years alongwith province-wise details thereof; and

(b) the details of consolidated policy or plan formulated by theGovernment to cope up with this challenge?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: (a) Pakistan reported 147 Wild Polio Virus (WPV) cases in2019 including; 93 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 30 from Sindh, and 12 eachfrom Punjab and Balochistan. During 2020, a total of 81 WPV cases have sofar been reported, that include, 23 from Balochistan, 22 each from Sindhand KP, and 14 in Punjab.

(b) Tackling Polio eradication as a national public health emergency,the government develops and implements a yearly National Emergency ActionPlan (NEAP) with a goal to interrupt Poliovirus transmission. Highlights of thestrategies & interventions contained in NEAP 2020 are summarized below:

Conduct a series of national and subnational door to door Poliovaccination campaigns to give immunity boost to under 5year agechildren against Polio virus.

Ensure that vulnerable children on the move are also vaccinated attransit points established at key locations including international,interprovincial & interdistrict borders, railway stations, bus stands,etc.

Build synergy with EPI and align efforts for strengthening routineimmunization coverage against all vaccine preventable diseasesincluding Polio.

Maintain laser focus on Super highrisk UCs and core reservoirsensuring high quality programme performance and routineimmunization coverage.

Use appropriate media to promote awareness, identify influencersand engage with priority communities to address their concernsregarding vaccination.

Work with relevant stakeholders to deliver an integrated package ofservices (basic health, nutrition, safe water and sanitation) to themost vulnerable communities.

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Maintain close coordination with the Afghanistan Programme foralignment of efforts aiming optimal vaccination of children residing inbordering areas.

Have strong coordination with LEAs and Armed Forces to ensuresafe work environment for the frontline workers enabling them tovaccinate all children in difficult to reach and security compromisedareas as well.

After a challenging 2019, Pakistan made a good start of its fresh battleby conducting high quality SIAs and Routine Immunization activities acrossthe country. The efforts were however, interrupted as the programme had totake a pause due to COVID19 Pandemic from midMarch onwards Duringthe period, all capacities and resources of the Polio Programme were effectivelyutilized in support of the ongoing COVID surveillance and response as well asrisk communication activities.

Thanks to the commitment of top Political leadership and support ofall stakeholders, Routine Immunization services were resumed from May anddoor to door Polio vaccination activities in July, despite challenges associatedwith the COVID19 pandemic. Since then, following Polio vaccination roundshave been successfully conducted:

Case response in Jul and Oct (in 169 UCs and 4 districts respectively).

Nationwide round in September (in all districts).

Subnational round in August and October (in 130 & 128 districtsrespectively).

Extended outreach activities were also conducted to cover thechildren missing different scheduled vaccinations.

Working with the EPI, an enhanced outreach plan was devised andimplemented to reach almost 1.3 million eligible children who had misseddifferent vaccines during COVID19 lock downs and movement restrictions.The achievements during difficult time are widely acknowledged & appreciatedby national and international stakeholders.

The Programme shall continue to implement enhanced outreach forRoutine Immunization and has also scheduled two more back to back

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nationwide rounds (from 30th Nov. and 4th Jan. respectively) aiming tovaccinate 40 million under 5 children across Pakistan to push the virus backtowards core reservoirs. Thereon, the Programme intends to use all its strengthsand tools to interrupt the virus during 2021.

Reaching and vaccinating all targeted children in scheduled campaignsis critically important for Pakistan. The Ministry accordingly looks forwardfor the continuous support and advocacy of this esteemed forum to protectthe future of our children from the crippling disease of Polio as well as otherdeadly vaccine preventable diseases.

51. *Mr. James Iqbal: (Deferred during 28th Session)


(a) whether it is a fact that the vaccine for corona virus is beingprepared in the country;

(b) if so, the names of companies preparing the same?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: (a) No, at present vaccine for corona virus is not being manufacturedin the country.

(b) Nil, as above.

52. Admisibility is being reconsidered.

53. *Sheikh Rohale Asghar: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is possible to ply Bullet Trains in the country underthe CPEC;

(b) if so, the time by which it will be plied and the names of thecities between which such track would be plied?

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Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a)Pakistan Railway is going to upgrade main LineI (MLI) track from Peshawarto Karachi under CPEC. The speed will be enhanced up to 160 km/hr. Thetrack will be fenced from both sides and Lxings will be converted to overheadbridges or underpasses. However, the matter of Bullet train is not underconsideration at this stage.

(b) As above. 54. *Sardar Ayaz Sadiq:

(Deferred during 28th Session)


(a) the name of the training institutions/academies which areworking under the Division for capacity building of its employeesat present;

(b) the details of teaching faculty of said institutions alongwith theirqualifications and experiences;

(c) the syllabus being taught in said institutions;

(d) the institution and post-wise number of employees trained duringthe 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 theinstitutional capacity of said institutions/academies?

Reply not received.

1. *Mr. Muhammad Aslam Khan:


(a) whether it is a fact that the incumbent Chairman, PARCpossesses Ph.D degree in Economics; if so, the reasons forappointing him in agriculture sector;

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(b) whether it is not a violation of PARC Ordinance;

(c) the detail of the Ph.D holders who were included in the

Summary forwarded by the Ministry to the Prime Minister; and

(d) the detail i.e name, educational qualification and experience of

the incumbent Chairman of PARC?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed

Fakhar Imam): (a) No. The present Chairman, PARC (Dr. Muhammad Azeem

Khan) holds the degree of Ph.D from the University of Reading, UK with

research work in Resource Economics (copy of degree of Doctor of

philosophy in agriculture within the Faculty of Agriculture and Food

with the Title of Thesis “The hierarchy of farmer’s objectives and their

relationship with the inclusion of new crops in the irrigated farming

systems of Pakistan’s Punjab” is annexed at “A”).

It is pertinent to mention here that on the same degree and credentials,

he was appointed as Chief ScientistII (BS21/SPS12) and served as Director

General, NARC till his retirement in December 2017. Afterwards, he was

selected as Member (Food Security & Climate Change) in MPI scale at

Planning Commission, Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform, Govt.

of Pakistan where he served till 10102019 before selection as Chairman

PARC in MPI scale.

(b) No. Section (9)(2) of PARC Ordinance, 1981 states that “The

President of Pakistan shall appoint an eminent scientist connected with

agriculture to be the Chairman on such terms and conditions as he may

determine” (“B”).

The appointment of present Chairman, PARC has been made by thePresident of Pakistan in accordance with aforesaid provisions of the Ordinance.

However, it is to inform that the matter of appointment of Chairman

PARC was challenged before Honourable Islamabad High Court, Islamabad

vide W.P. No. 3413 of 2019 (Muhammad Safdar Janjua vs. Federation of Pakistan

etc.). After the detailed arguments by the concerned parties, the Honourable High

Court has dismissed the petition vide order dated 27122019 (“C”).

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Furthermore, the aforesaid judgment was assailed by the petitioner before

Honourable Supreme Court of Pakistan in Civil Petition No. 48 of 2020,

which was also dismissed with costs being devoid of merit vide judgmentdated 12052020 (“D”), wherein the Honourable Supreme Court has held

that:

“8. It is settled law that for issuance of a writ of quo-warranto,there are two fundamental requirements namely, the appointmentunder challenge must be to a public office and such appointmentshould have been made without the authority of law or in violationof any law. Having failed to point out any illegality or violation ofstatutory provision, the Petitioner was rightly denied relief by theHigh Court. Further, the learned counsel for the Petitioner has failedto show any legal, procedural or jurisdictional error or defect in thejudgment of the High Court that may furnish basis for interference.”

(c) The Ministry of National Food Security and Research

(MNFS&R) advertised for the appointment of Chairman, PARC in the NationalPress vide advertisement dated 03022019 and thereafter a corrigendum

was issued vide advertisement dated 07022019 to make the process more

transparent and competitive all the 55 applicants were allowed to take part in

the process of appointment of Chairman, PARC.

(d) The personal profile of Chairman, PARC Dr. M. Azeem Khan

is at (“E”).

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

2. *Mr. Saad Waseem:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state the lateststatus of Dasu Hydroelectric Power Project and details of purchased/

acquired land for the project from the respective Government and

matter ancillary thereto?

Minister for Water Resources (Mr. Muhammad Faisal Vawda):

Latest status of Project is as under:

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Works

Preparatory Works Contracts commenced in 2015. At present, 10No. Contracts amounting Rs. 50 Billion have been awarded andwork is in progress.

Main Civil Works (Dam & Powerhouse) Contracts amounting Rs.180Billion commenced in June 2017. Work on 02 diversion tunnels,flushing tunnel (traffic tunnel) and underground power house is inprogress.

ElectroMechanical Works (EM01) Contract amounting Rs. 52.50Billion has been signed and mobilization advance has also been paid.Contract has been effective w.e.f 01022021. Equipment designwork is in progress.

Land Acquisition

Land acquisition issues that delayed the Project for two years wereresolved in November 2019 after approval of Revised Land Ratesby the ECNEC and the Cabinet Division, which resulted in increasein PCI cost form Rs. 486 Billion to Rs. 511 Billion.

Subsequently, Ministry of Water Resources and Govt. ofKhyber Pakhtunkhwa convened follow up meetings to expedite theland acquisition process.

Total land requirement has also been revised from 9,875 acres to5,740 acres as per latest revenue record received from the DistrictAdministration.

At present, 2,432 acre out of 5,740 acre land has been acquiredand compensation payments to affectees are being made.

As per revised timelines, District Administration will complete theland acquisition process by 30062021.

Local Area Development Program

An amount of Rs. 3.132 Billion is allocated in PCI for Local AreaDevelopment Program (LADP), which is to be spent over theconstruction period of project.

Process of identification of Local Area Development schemes inconsultation with locals and line departments remained continued

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since 2015 to 2017. Resultantly, 44 Nos. LADP schemes wereidentified and being implemented in 03 phases.

Feasibility & Design of 07 No. priority schemes under PhaseI relatedto infrastructure improvement is completed. Status of these 7 schemesis as under

Installation of Solar Street Lights at Komila and Dasu town iscompleted.

Commencement for construction of RCC Bridge at JalkotNullah issued and work is in progress.

Bids opened for Rehabilitation of Rural Health Centre.Evaluation is completed and Contract will be awarded soon.

Advertisement for “Invitation for Bids” for another 2 schemes,(i) Rehabilitation and up gradation of Drinking Water Supplyand (ii) Reconstruction of Jamia Masque at Komila will bepublished in few days.

Bidding documents for remaining 2 schemes are underpreparation.

Feasibility & design of remaining 37 schemes under Phase 2 & 3 isin progress.

Financing of Project

i. World Bank

Agreement between the Government of Pakistan, WAPDA and theWorld Bank for an IDA credit of US$ 588.4 Million along with anIDA PCG of US$ 460 Million signed on 25082014. LoanAgreement is effective since 20112014 and US$ 267 Million hasbeen utilized to date.

ii. Local Commercial Banks

Agreement with Local Commercial Banks led by M/s HBL forfinancing up to Rs. 144 Billion signed on 29032017. 1st tranche ofRs. 25 Billion has been received in May 2017 and Rs. 25 Billionhave been utilized to date.

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iii. Foreign Commercial Bank

Agreement with M/s Credit Suisse Bank for US$ 350 Million Creditsigned on 29062017. 1st tranche of US$ 188 million received on30062017 US$ 101 Million has been utilized todate.

3. *Mr. Faheem Khan:


(a) the details of controlling authority of Ports and ShippingDepartment and up to what extent powers are conferred underthe relevant provisions of law alongwith the procedure thereof;

(b) what is the procedure for detention and whether they are actingbeyond/above the law in detention on procedure;

(c) whether it is a fact that every shipping company maintainsseparate tariff; if so, the reasons thereof;

(d) whether there exists is any law, in this regard; and

(e) the name of the regulating authority or regulator thereof;

(f) the time by which remedy or compensation will be made to theaffectees for this injustice?


4. *Ms. Shams Un Nisa:


(a) whether it is a fact that the Pakistan Medical Commissioncontinues to court contentious issues;

(b) a month before approximately 150,000 aspirants medicalstudents across the country appeared in their MDCAT, the PMCcame up with latest innovation expanding their syllabus;

(c) if so, reasons thereof?

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Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: (a) Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) being a regulatoryauthority with a mandate to provide for the regulation and control of the medicalprofession and to establish a uniform minimum standard of basic and highermedical education, training and recognition of qualifications in medicine anddentistry and whoever act in contravention of provisions of PMC Act, 2020will be dealt as per law.

(b) There has been no latest innovation or expanded syllabus, ratherthe syllabus was restricted to a common syllabus for all provinces. Relevantdocuments are attached for ready reference.

(c) As above.


5. *Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali:


(a) whether it is a fact that Islamabad-Sialkot train service has beensuspended; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) the time by which the said service will be restored or resumed; ifnot, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a)There has never been exclusive train between Islamabad Sialkot. However,a passenger train named Sialkot Express (171Up/ 172Dn) was plyingbetween RawalpindiLahore via Sialkot which was suspended on 17072010 being commercially not viable. However, a passenger train ShaheenPassenger (226Dn) is running between SialkotWazirabad which reachesWazirabad at 17:35 hours and connects with Subak Kharam (103Up) atWazirabad (103Up reaches Wazirabad at 17: 55 hours) to cater the need oftravelling public for Islamabad (Rawalpindi).

(b) At present there is no proposal under consideration to start anyexclusive train between Islamabad (Rawalpindi) and Sialkot due to no publicdemand, commercial nonviability and resource constraints.

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6. *Shazia Marri:


(a) whether it is a fact that Pakistan Railways has failed to paydues of pensionary benefits to its retiring employees for the lastfew years;

(b) if so, the details of each employee, whose dues of pensionarybenefits are still pending;

(c) since when the dues are pending alongwith the reasons ofpendency of such dues; and

(d) what steps are being taken by the Government to pay such duesto its retiring employees?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a)Pakistan Railways is regularly arranging payments of monthly pension to all itspensioners without fail. However, some payments pertaining to commutation /gratuity, leave encashment and pension arrears were held up due to financialconstraints as a result of spread of COVID19 during the year 201920. Inaddition, payments of commutation / gratuity, leave encashment and pensionarrears also could not be made due to financial constraints.

(b) Outstanding 7,871 cases amounting to Rs. 5.931 billion pertainingto retired employees are required to be settled on account of commutation /gratuity, leave encashment and pension arrears. Retired employeewise detailof outstaying dues is attached as “Annexure” consisting of 190 pages.

(c) The payments pertaining to commutation / gratuity, leaveencashment and pension arrears were pending since the financial year201617 onward. However, payments to the years 201617 and 201718have been cleared except few ones in which some documentary evidences arerequired. Settlement of pension dues pertaining to the years 201819 and201920 is underway. Shortfall in revenue due to COVID19 and insufficientGrantinAid were the major reasons for pendency of pension dues of retiredemployees.

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(d) Ministry of Railways approached ECC twice for providingadditional GrantinAid to Pakistan Railways for settlement of their pensiondues but the request of Ministry of Railways could not be acceded to. However,Advisor to Prime Minister for Finance made commitment that necessary reliefprovided to Ministry of Railways in 3rd quarter. Ministry of Railways hasapproached Finance Division to provide advance grant of Rs.6.00 billion forpayment of pension dues (including payments on account of P.M AssistancePackage which is not part of pension dues). Finance Division has acceded tothe request of Ministry of Railways to provide Rs. 6.00 billion by staggeringthe amount to Rs. 1.000 billion per month with necessary budget cover in theform of supplementary grant in Revised Budget for CFY 202021. Thus,Finance Division have released Rs. 3.00 billion so far, whereas, another releaseof Rs. 1.00 billion is in pipeline and expected to be provided to Ministry ofRailways before 28022021. It is worth mentioning that Pakistan Railwayshas settled cases of retired employees amounting to Rs. 3.117 billion so far.


7. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony bepleased to state whether deposited amounts of all those intending toperform Hajj (2020), have been refunded to them by the Ministry?

Minister for Religious Affairs and InterFaith Harmony(Mr. NoorulHaq Qadri): Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmonyhas refunded Hajj dues to 148,325 out of 148,399 applicants of Hajj 2020(99.95%). However, 74 (0.05) pending cases relate to overseas/ deceased/unwilling applicants. The Banks are constantly directed to make efforts toensure 100% refund as early as possible.

8. *Ms. Shagufta Jumani:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that Estate Office makes allotments onhypothetical grounds to Government employees;

(b) whether it is also a fact that consequently, employees are unableto get possession of their allotted accommodation even after

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the lapse of many years despite being senior in General WaitingList (GWL);

(c) whether it is also a fact that Estate Office does not allot firstavailable Government accommodations to those who are seniorin GWL;

(d) if the answers to part (a) and (b) above are in affirmative, suchpractice of allotting Government accommodations by the EstateOffice is tantamount to support corrupt practices incontravention of directions given by the Honourable SupremeCourt in its Judgment;

(e) if so, what corrective measures are being taken by the Ministryto allot Government accommodation to seniors, shown in GWL?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq BashirCheema): (a) No it is not fact. After the judgment of Honorable SupremeCourt of Pakistan dated 19102011 the allotment of Government house/quarters is being made strickly on merit on maturity of turn on respectiveGeneral Waiting List of the Federal Government Servants under Rule 6 & 7 ofAccommodation Allocation Rules, 2002. General Waiting List is beingmaintained / updated by the Estate office regularly and in case if anyaccommodation is occupied on the basis of fake allotment immediate action istaken.

(b) No it is not fact that the employees are unable to get occupationof their allotted accommodation after lapse of many years. The allottedaccommodations are vacated from the illegal occpants as per rules. However,if any litigation is involved in any case the ejectment is carried out after disposalof stay order by the courts.

(c) No, utmost care is taken in allotting first available accommodationto the senior most Federal Government Servant, however, the allottees aresometime not able to get possession of their allotted house due to involvementof Rule 15(1), 15(2) and changes cases, or court cases therefore they areallotted alternative accommodation that is why sequence is disturbed.

(d) As above.

(e) As above.

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9. *Mr. Muhammad Alamgir Khan:

Will the Minister for Industries and Production be pleased to state:

(a) automobile corporations have been assembling vehicles sincedecades instead of manufacturing locally which incase the priceof vehicles; and

(b) what is the policy of Government in this regard?


10. *Mr. Gul Dad Khan:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state whether it isa fact that Mohmand Dam is being constructed in the areas of thethree ex-Agencies Bajaur, Malakand and Mohmand; if so, the detailsof area covered by the Dam Project?

Minister for Water Resources (Mr. Muhammad Faisal Vawda):Mohmand Dam Hydropower Project is located 5 km upstream of MundaHeadwork. Project key components i.e. Dam, Power House, Spillway,Switchyard and Diversion Tunnels are located in Tribal District Mohmand,whereas reservoir area is partially located in Tribal Districts of Mohmand,Bajaur, Malakand and Charsadda.

The details of area covered by Mohmand Dam Hydropower Projectis as under:

1. Tribal District Mohmand = 7,566 Acres

2. Tribal District Bajaur = 678 Acres

3. Tribal District Malakand = 290 Acres

4. District Charsadda = 238 Acres Total = 8,772 Acres

11. *Sheikh Fayyaz Ud Din:


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(a) the amount released by the Government under the head ofsubsidy for the cotton crop from the year 2020 and till date; and

(b) the amount utilized out of the said release and the detail ofexpenditures thereof?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed FakharImam): (a) & (b) Rs. 300/ million were released to Punjab against subsidy onwhitefly related Pesticides. Out of which approximately Rs. 0.5/ million havebeen utilized so far.

12. *Syed Agha Rafiullah:


(a) the region-wise details of persons alongwith district of domicileand permanent address as per CNIC who were appointed inPakistan Railways since August, 2018;

(b) whether such appointments were made through balloting; if so,the details of procedure of such balloting and the numberof candidates who were included therein; and

(c) whether persons, who applied for the said posts, had depositedany fee or amount alongwith their applications against suchposts; if so, the department-wise collection of amount collectedagainst each post?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a)Total 4252 persons were appointed in Pakistan Railways since August 2018,the detailed lists of persons, alongwith district of docmicile and permanentaddress as per CNIC through Pakistan Testing Service (PTS) as well asballoting (AnnexA).

Thirtyeight (38) persons in BS01 to BS05 appointed since 2018 &2020 in Ministry of Railways, Islamabad (AnnexB) prior to the issuance ofpolicy instructions of balloting and after discontinuation of said policy by theEstablishement Divison.

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(b) Appointment in 04 Divisons of Pakistan Railways (Rawalpindi,Multan, Lahore & Mughalpura) were conducted through balloting in BS01to BS05 in the light of instructions issued by the Establishment Division videits O.M. No. 3/2/2017RII dated 29 July 2019 (AnnexC) and the detailis as under:

RWP = 1031MUL = 1073LHR = 385MGPR = 79Total = 2568

(c) No fee was taken from candidates except in following fewcategories collected by the Divisonal Superintendent, Pakistan RailwaysRawalpindi, amounting to Rs. 8,71,350/ as (AnnexD).

CommercialEngineering

Transportation


13. *Syed Javed Husnain:


(a) whether there is any Research Division which is working in theMinistry; if so, the number of Scientists working thereinalongwith details of projects on which they are working;

(b) if not, whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to establish the same alongwith the time by whichit will be completed?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed FakharImam): (a) Presently there is no Research Division in Ministry of NationalFood Security and Research.

23

(b) There is no proposal for creation of separate Research Divisionas the Attached Departments / Subordinate Offices of this Ministry likePakistan Agriculture Research Council, Agriculture Policy Institute etc.;already carrying out the relevant Agriculture Research work.

14. *Mr. Muhammad Aslam Khan:


(a) the reasons for not granting health allowance to the contractemployees working in the PIMS, Islamabad;

(b) whether it is a fact that regular annual increment is received bythe said contractual employees and they are also receivingincrease in the salary; if increase is made therein;

(c) whether they are entitled for Government home to be allotted/hired; if so, the reasons for not granting health allowance tothem; and

(d) whether employees working on deputation in PIMS are receivingsaid health allowance?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: (a) According to Finance Division No. F. 2(13) R2/2012172dated 27032012 (AnnexA) stating that “Health Allowance is not admissibleto a person who is employed on contract or work charged basis or who ispaid from contingencies”.

(b) Contract employees who are appointed in BPS scale are grantedannual increments in their basic pays.

(c) According to Government rules all the contract employees areentitled for hiring of house / allotment of government accommodation. Theallotment and hiring of houses in PIMS are being made on seniority / meritbasis.

24

(d) According to Finance Division letter No. F. 2(13) R2/2012172 dated 27032012 (AnnexA) and Finance Division letter No. F. 2(13)R2/2018162 dated 2nd June 2020 (AnnexB) stating that Health Allowanceis admissible to deputationist w.e.f the date of grant of this allowance i.e.01012012 or date of posting of an employee on deputation which is later asper deputation policy of Establishment Division O.M. No.1/13/87R.I dated03121990 on case to case basis after settlement of the terms and conditionof deputation with the approval of Establishment and Finance Division.


15. *Mr. Muhammad JamalUdDin:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony bepleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to implementUniform Prayer Timings in Islamabad Capital to bring religiousHarmony among different Muslim Sects?

Minister for Religious Affairs and InterFaith Harmony(Mr. NoorulHaq Qadri): The religious diversity of the country demands thatfollowers of each sect may be allowed to perform their religious obligationsaccording to their established principles/teachings. Therefore, it is not advisableto develop uniform timings for Azan and Prayer in the country. 16. *Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir


(a) whether Government intends to set up Urea Plants in thecountry; if so, the details thereof; and

(b) the time by which the proposed plants are likely to startmanufacturing various soil nutrients?


17. *Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel:


25

(a) whether it is a fact that Government allowed a Chinese companyto conduct vaccine trial on a human in the country;

(b) whether it is was limited to a trial or an agreement is executedto obtain a vaccine in return; if so, the details of the agreement;

(c) in addition to the Covid-19 vaccine gifted by China,whether others companies have been contacted for obtainingthe vaccine;

(d) if so, quantity and at what price of the said companies willprovide this vaccine to Pakistan; and

(e) details of persons inoculated with the vaccine, gifted by China,alongwith date of first and second dose of vaccination to eachof above person?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: (a) Yes, Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) of Pakistan hasallowed the Chinese company to conduct phaseIII clinical trial on humanafter successful Preclinical trial (on animals) and clinical trial PhaseI & II (onhumans) in China. The said vaccine is Recombinant Novel Coronavirus Vaccine(Adenovirus 5 vector) Ad5nCoV has been developed jointly by CanSinoBioand Beijing Institute of Biotechnology in early 2020.The trial of CanSinoBiovaccine was conducted in Pakistan, Mexico, Russia, Argentina and Chile.

NIH and CanSinoBio jointly carring out this trial in Pakistan. The fiveaccredited research centers selected for vaccine trial include Shifa InternationalHospital (Islamabad), Indus Hospital (Karachi), Aga Khan University Hospital(Karachi), Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centerand University of Health Sciences (Lahore).

In Pakistan, the initial results for safety & efficacy are very promisingand meet the WHO standards for authorization and use, CanSinoBioCovid19 vaccine showed 74.8 % efficacy in preventing symptomatic casesand a 100% success rate in stopping severe disease among Pakistanis in aninterim analysis.

(b) There is an understanding that the Chinese company CanSinoBiowill provide half million doses initially to Pakistan on priority basis followed bybulk supply.

26

(c) Yes, other companies have been contacted for vaccine availabilityincluding Sinopharm, CanSinoBio, AstraZeneca, Sputnik, J&J and PfizerPakistan has applied for COVAX facility grant to provide vaccine to 20 % ofits population.

(d) From COVAX facility grant, we have applied for vaccine for 45million of the population free of cost. The negotiations with the companies areunder process for quantity and price.

(e) The total number of vaccinated persons is 55,508 till to date.

18. *Mr. Riaz Ul Haq:


(a) the production of cotton recorded in the country during the lastten years;

(b) the reasons for reduction in the production recently; and

(c) the steps being taken by the Government to increase theproduction of cotton?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (SyedFakhar Imam): (a)——————————————————————————————

Year Production (000 ha)Punjab Sindh Pakistan

——————————————————————————————201516 6343 3476 9917201617 6978 3597 10671201718 8077 3776 11946201819 6826 2939 9867201920 6336 2746 9178

—————————————————————————————— (b) Reasons for decline in production:

8. Significant increase in competing crops.9. High cost of cotton of production.

27

10. Severe Pest attack.11. Lower prices.12. No intervention price announced by govt.13. Reduction in cotton crop area.14. Climate change.

(c) Steps to increase Cotton production:

Government has taken several measures which includes:

vii. Rs. 6 billion Subsidy on whitefly specific pesticides.viii. Rs. 2 billion Subsidy allocated for cottonseed during the crop

season 202122.ix. Seed germination issues resolved with Seed Association of

Pakistan.x. Rs. 8 billion for Markup subsidy on agriloans and Rs.1.5 billion

for tractor subsidy for farmers.xi. Proposing the cotton hedge trading as market correction measure.xii. Improvement in the extension services by using technology like

Tele Cotton.

19. *Mr. Saad Waseem:


(a) whether Government has assessed the real number of layoff ofmanpower from all kind of industrial sectors due to decliningoutput and shutdown since the inception of incumbentGovernment; if so, the detail thereof;

(b) whether such trend is tantamount to failure of the incumbentGovernment; and

(c) what remedial steps are being taken by the Government in thisregard?


28

20. *Ms. Naz Baloch:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination be pleased to state what steps are being taken to copeup with the malnutrition issue in the country?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: Pakistan is suffering from high burden of malnutrition with 40.2%children stunted (Chronic malnutrition) and 17.7% wasted (Acute malnutrition)in Pakistan as per National Nutrition Survey 2018 (NNS2018).

Unfortunately, there has been no direct Federal Government Fundingfor federal areas in the past.

Recently as per advice and guidance of the National Health Task Force,a comprehensive Nutrition PC1 for the entire country including the federalareas with the title, “Tackling Malnutrition Induced Stunting in Pakistan” worthPKR 312.4 billion for (5 years 202126) has been prepared. This PC1 targetspopulation especially mothers and children in 67 high burden malnutritiondistricts of the country. The PC1 has been prepared after comprehensiveconsultations with the provinces and has also been endorsed by the Council ofCommon Interest (CCI). The PC1 has been submitted by the Ministry ofNHSR&C to the Planning Commission for approval.

Nevertheless, multiple initiatives have been introduced through theNutrition Wing, Ministry of NHSR&C during past 5 years in Collaborationwith Provincial Departments of Health, UN Agencies and development partnersas continued nutrition response to prevent and treat malnutrition among mostvulnerable especially children.

These interventions include:

1. Stunting Prevention for chronic Malnutrition.2. Counselling and Supplementation for prevention.3. Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices.4. Breast Feeding promotion and protection.5. Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM).6. Food Fortification by (Salt iodization, Oil/Ghee (Vit AD) & Wheat

Flour fortification (Iron/Folic Acid).7. Adolescent Nutrition ( Young Girls & Boys).

29

21. *Mr. James Iqbal:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination be pleased to state the total number of personsinoculated with anti-corona vaccine in the country so far?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: As per priority in terms of risk, Pakistan like rest of the Worldhas prioritized frontline healthcare workers for the administration of Covid19vaccine. As of the 15th Feb., 2021 a total of 46,236 frontline healthcareworkers have been administered vaccine.

22. *Mr. Muhammad Alamgir Khan:


(a) it was announced that medical seats of Balochistan andEx-FATA will be increased from 29 seats to 265 seats; and

(b) what is the recent progress in this regard?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: (a) PMC has already increased/ enhanced 586 seats in Publicmedical/ dental colleges to accommodate the HEC Scholarship program seats,EXFATA seats and any other provincial quotas AnnexA.

(b) Progress may please be obtained from respective provincialauthorities.


23. *Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir:


(a) whether Government is planning to make any relaxation in foodprocurement norms;

(b) if so, the details thereof?

30

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed FakharImam): (a) Yes.

(b) On the basis of lesson learnt, Provincial Government is advised tosubmit their procurement plan with efficient procurement policy. Provinces areasked not to follow the previous practice of imposing AntiHoarding and Profiteeringact, 1977 in unjustice manner, free movement of wheat across the border,monitoring over ports of exit and realistic price of the commodity. Public sectormay also consider no to compete with each other, rather to compensate and restrictto their jurisdiction for wheat procurement.

24. *Ch. Muhammad Hamid Hameed:


(a) whether it is a fact that the Prime Minister of Pakistan approvedspecial financial package summary for frontline healthworkforce of Federal Government during last financial yearbased on lists compiled by the Federal Hospitals;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the said lists were finalised afterdue approval by the Prime Minister;

(c) whether it is further a fact that as per prevailing Rules ofBusiness, 1973, those lists could not be changed or alteredwithout re-submission of amended lists and re-approval fromthe Chief Executive;

(d) whether any difference found between the lists approved withsummary by the Prime Minister and final lists of distribution ofthose funds in case of Federal Government Polyclinic,Islamabad; if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the detail of action taken or being taken by theGovernment against the persons responsible for making suchviolations of the rules and regulations in the matter?

Reply not received.

31

25. *Ms. Naz Baloch:


(a) whether any trial tests of Covid Vaccines have been conducted;and

(b) details of the success ratio achieved therefrom?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and

Coordination: (a) Yes, a phaseIII clinical trial on COVID19 vaccine namelyRecombinant Novel Coronavirus Vaccine (Adenovirus 5 vector) Ad5nCoVwas conducted in Pakistan after approval of regulatory authorities includingDrug Regulatory Authority (DRAP) of Pakistan and National BioethicsCommittee (NBC) of Pakistan.

The vaccine is developed jointly by CanSinoBio and Beijing Instituteof Biotechnology. The trial of this CanSinoBio vaccine is being carried outsimultaneously in Pakistan, Mexico, Russia, Argentina and Chile. 40,000subjects globally and 18000 subjects in Pakistan participated. The study wasdesigned into 4 cohorts to determine the safety, efficacy and immunogenicityagainst the novel coronavirus 2019 or SARSCoV2.

In Pakistan, the trial is being conducted through joint collaboration ofNIH (Pakistan) and CanSinoBio. The five accredited research centers selectedby National Institute of Health (NIH) for vaccine trial, include ShifaInternational Hospital (Islamabad), Indus Hospital (Karachi), Aga KhanUniversity Hospital (Karachi), Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital& Research Center and University of Health Sciences (Lahore).

(b) In Pakistan, the initial results for safety & efficacy are verypromising and meet the WHO standards for authorization and use. CanSinoBioCovid19 vaccine showed 74.8 % efficacy in preventing symptomatic casesand a 100% success rate in stopping severe disease among Pakistanis in aninterim analysis.

32

26. *Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali:


(a) whether it is a fact that the Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistanhad fixed the target to establish five thousand more Utility Storesin the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa;

(b) if the answer to part (a) above is in affirmative, the name ofdistricts where the Utility Stores have been established alongwithdetails; and

(c) the number of Utility Stores established in district Chitral, LowerDir and the names of such respective areas?


27. *Ms. Nasiba Channa:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state the names andnumber of passenger trains being plied in Interior Sindh at present?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): It isapprised that mail/ Express and passenger trains originating from Karachi toup country run via main line and connect important cities of Sindh namelyJungshahi, Jhimpir, Kotri, Hyderabad, Tando Adam, Nawabshah, Rohri, andGhotki. Apart from these Mohinjo Daro Passenger (213Up/214Dn) is alsorunning in interior Sindh via Dadu, Radhan, Larkana and Sukkur. SimilarlyMehran Express (149Up/ 150Dn) is running between Karachi Mirpur Khasvia Tando Jam, Tando Allahyar, Mirpur Khas. It is also apprised that JaffarExpress (39Up/ 40Dn) is also connecting important cities like Jacobabad,Sukkur and Rohri.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN,The 21st February, 2021 Secretary.

PCPPI—3199(2021) NA—21022021—500.

1

(29th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Monday, the 22nd February, 2021

38. Mr. Muhammad Riaz:(Deferred during 27th Session)

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination be pleased to state whether the number of Coronapatients in the country are gradually decreasing at present?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and

Coordination: Although the trend of epidemic curve and the number of thecases were decreasing in the months of July and August but Slight increase inthe cases has been observed in the month September 2020, attributed to theincreases in the testing capacity and reopening of all sectors in the country.However, a steady increase in the number of cases has been observed frommid of the October along with the resurgence of the pandemic and secondwave around the globe. At present, a steady decrease in the number of casesand death has been observed in the month of February 2021.

The number of the Cases is decreasing steadily while the number ofdeaths are showing fluctuating decline till 16th February 2021, as comparedto 2nd July 2020, 2nd August 2020 and 28th December 2020.Currently thetally has reached up to 564,824 cases.

February 16th February, 2021

Total Cases = 564,824New cases = +958Daily deaths = +47Recovered = 527,061

2

December 28th, 2020Total Cases = 473,309New cases = +1,853Daily deaths = +55Recovered = 423,892

December 23rd, 2020Total Cases = 465,070New cases = +2,256Daily deaths = +111Recovered = 417,134

October 2nd, 2020Total cases = 313,431New cases = +625Daily deaths = +15Recovered = 298,055

August 2nd, 2020Total Cases = 279,699New cases = +553Daily deaths = +6Recovered = 248,577

July 2nd, 2020Total Cases = 217,809New cases = +4,087Daily deaths = +78Recovered = 113,623

25. Sheikh Rohale Asghar:(Deferred during 28th Session)


(a) whether there is any plan to run circular railway in Rawalpindi/Islamabad;

(b) if so, the time by which the plan will be materialized?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati): (a) Atpresent there is no plan to run circular railway in Rawalpindi/Islamabad.

(b) Nil

3

26. Jam Abdul Karim Bijar:(Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to refer to theUn-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 failedto act upon directions of High Court in writ Petition No.1758/2019 within stipulated time frame, consequently, a mechanismcould 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 ofthe court;

(d) whether the Minister himself has taken notice of such failure; ifso, the details thereof; and

(e) what corrective measures are being taken by the Ministry todevise a mechanism with regard to aforesaid directions of theHigh Court; and

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

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq BashirCheema): (a) No it is not true. The fact of matter is that mechanism has beenframed by the Ministry of Housing & Works and Ministry of Energy authoritiesamicably in a meeting held on 19102020. Ten houses have been vacated upto 31122020 (AnnexI) and rest of Government accommodations shall arevert back to the pool of Estate Office by 31122021. However the allotteeswho had been allotted accommodation prior to the promulgation ofAAR2002 shall be allowed to retain the accommodation till their date ofsuperannuation. Minutes of the meeting are placed at AnnexII.

(b) As above.

4

(c) The mechanism has been devised with the consensus of bothMinistries within time frame allowed by the court. So there is no question ofcontempt of court.

(d) As above.

(e) As above.

(f) As above.


1. Mr. Mohsin Dawar:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state the detailsof Tank-Zam Dam in District Tank?

Minister for Water Resources (Mr. Muhammad Faisal Vawda):

Feasibility study of the project was completed by WAPDA with funding fromG/o KP in year 1988;

Upon the request of G/o KP WAPDA appointed consultants forpreparation of Project Planning Report and Tender Documents. Consultantssubmitted draft Project Planning Report in December 2010, which wasincomplete as the Survey & Geological / Geotechnical investigations werenot carried out due to Security reasons.

Upon directions of MoWR, WAPDA took up the matter withIrrigation Department, G/o KP on 21022019 for arrangement of funding forthe project, being the ultimately beneficiary of the project.

Govt. of KP, vide letter dated 05032019 (Annex-I), informedWAPDA that no fiscal space is available with Provincial Govt. for this scheme.

WAPDA, vide letter dated 24042019 (Annex-II), requestedG/o KP to consider funding the project study in the FY 202021.

However, funds could not be allocated by Government of KP inFinancial year 202021. Further action regarding the project will be takenupon confirmation of financing from ADP of KP or through PSDP.


5

2. Choudhary Faqir Ahmad:


(a) annual target of production of wheat fixed in wheat season of2019 and 2020;

(b) total production of wheat in aforesaid season;

(c) the estimated consumption of the same in the country duringthe year 2019 and 2020;

(d) whether statistics of annual production and consumption of thewheat in the years 2019 and 2020 permitted the Government toallow export of the same during years 2019 and 2020;

(e) if so, was there any assessment made in this regard; if so, thedetails thereof; if not, the reasons thereof;

(f) whether Ministry was on broad while taking such decisions ofexporting the wheat;

(g) whether the decision of export of wheat proved to be detrimentalto the people of Pakistan; if yes; and

(h) what steps are being taken to make the responsible accountable?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed FakharImam): (a) 27.030 MMT

(b) 25.249 MMT

(c) 27.470 MMT

(d) ECC on 20112019 decided to allow PASSCO to export aquantity of 0.10 million tons, through open bidding process. The ECC of theCabinet on 29th January, 2019 further allowed PASSCO to export 0.5 milliontons of surplus wheat / wheat product. The export was made on the basis ofearlier bidding held on 11th January, 2019 @ Rs. 32759/ per ton. Out of

6

1.0 million tons of wheat, allocated by the ECC, PASSCO could only exporta quantity of 0.163 million tons through open bidding process. However, onthe recommended of the MNFS&R, ECC of the Cabinet on 17072019imposed immediate ban on the export of wheat/wheat flour.

(e) Assessment of wheat stock was made and stocks were sufficientto cater for the requirement of the country.

(f) yes

(g) Nil

(h) On the direction of the PM Office, FIA made the inquiry in thiscontext and deliberate the reasons thereof.

3. Dr. Nafisa Shah:


(a) what were the reasons of failure to achieve desired targetprocurement of wheat during the last two years;

(b) details of cost in dollars which was incurred in importing wheat;and

(c) what measures are taken or being taken by the Government toovercome shortage of wheat in the country?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Syed Fakhar

Imam): (a) Main reasons of failure of assigned wheat procurement targetswere:

(i) Low production due to erratic weather pattern.

(ii) Impact of Yellow Rust, a fungal disease.

(iii) Panic buying by the public sector.

(iv) Restriction over the movement of wheat.

(v) Imposition of AntiHoarding and Profiteering Act, 1977.

(vi) Hoarding by the private sector and smuggling.

7

(b) Average CNF price of imported wheat by TCP and under G2Garrangement was estimated @ US$ 275.97/ per MT at Karachi.

(c) Following measures are being taken to overcome the shortage ofwheat in the country:

(i) Productivity enhancement through provision of inputs at subsidizedrates and mechanization.

(ii) Effective procurement.

(iii) Prior import arrangements

(iv) Strict monitoring over port of exit.

4. Mr. Murtaza Javed Abbasi:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to refer tothe Starred Question No. 12 replied on 23-10-2020 and to state:

(a) if the maintenance of Government accommodations situated inSector I-9/4, Islamabad is due since long then why werenot funds reserved for the purpose of maintenance in recentyears;

(b) whether it is a fact that negligence in reserving funds is foundfor maintenance of Government accommodations in I-9/4,Islamabad;

(c) whether the conditions of such Government accommodationsare worsening by every passing day alongwith status of workingmade by concern authorities to provide such funds;

(d) the details of total funds reserved for maintenance ofGovernment accommodations during the last three years;

(e) the amount spent for the same purposes in I-9/4, Islamabad;and

(f) if so; what steps are being taken by the Government for themaintenance of Government accommodations in the aforesaidsector on priority basis?

Reply not received.

8

5. Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali:


(a) whether it is a fact that years old waiting list for allotment ofGovernment houses is available on the website of Estate Office,Islamabad out of which hundreds of officers and employees havebeen allotted houses during some years;

(b) the time by which an updated list shall be uploaded on the websiteby excluding the names of those officers and employees whowere allotted houses till 25-12-2020;

(c) the detail of officials/officers who are responsible for not updatingsuch waiting list for years; and

(d) what action has been taken by the Government, in this regard?

Reply not received.

6. Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony bepleased to state the amount spent for the welfare of Minorities duringthe present regime till to date?

Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Faith Harmony

(Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri): This Ministry is dealing with Minority Welfare Fundwhich is utilized for welfare and uplifting of minorities. During the regime ofpresent Government, this Ministry spent an amount of Rs. 211.193 Millionout of this fund as per following details:—

Financial Assistance—————————————————————————————–

Financial Funds Persons / AmountYear Allocated Beneficiaries Sanctioned in

Million—————————————————————————————–

201819 23.702 3135 12.046201920 26.382 4126 15.935202021 20.696 3186 12.380

—————————————————————————————–

9

Small Development Schemes—————————————————————————————–

Fin. Funds Schemes AmountYear Allocated Sanctioned Sanctioned in

(in Millions) Million—————————————————————————————–

201819 Rs. 41.426 Nil201920 Rs. 38.5 28 Rs. 35.8/202021 Rs.38.5 19 Rs. 26.002/

—————————————————————————————–Scholarships

—————————————————————————————–Funds Amount Sanctioned in Students

Allocated Million—————————————————————————————–

201819 Rs.37.59 M 2934201920 Rs. 34.44 M 2888202021 Rs.37.00 M Under process

—————————————————————————————–

7. Mr. James Iqbal:

Will the Minister for Railways be pleased to state the total number offunctional and non-functional railways boggies and locomotivesavailable in the country, at present?

Minister for Railways (Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati):

Present status of the Railway coaching stock is as under;

On Books = 1718 Nos.Functional = 1067 Nos.NonFunctional = 651 Nos.

Present status of the Freight Wagons is as under;

On Books =14448 Nos.Functional = 10624 Nos.NonFunctional = 3824 Nos.

10

The nonfunctional Coaches and Wagons are being regularly attendedat C&W shop Moghalpura and Carriage Factory Islamabad to put them backfor train operation.

There are 461 Diesel Electric Locomotives owned by PakistanRailways at present, out of these 331 Locos are available for train operation,whereas 130 locomotives are out of service at present. Detail is as under;

i. 69 DPU locos are held up for repair, repowering of this fleet isunder negotiation with Chinese companies.

ii. 12 Nos. locomotives met with accidents on various dates andlocations, fabrication work and procurement of spares is underprocess of these locomotives.

iii. 49 locomotives are under normal schedule / maintenance. TheseLocomotives will be rolled out after schedule repairs turn by turn.

8. Ms. Uzma Riaz:Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that in November, 2020, the FederalGovernment Employees Housing Authority (FGEHA) put anadvertisement on their website that all the members may deposittheir installment for Green Enclave Bhara Kahu, Phase-I;

(b) whether it is also a fact that it was also mentioned in the saidadvertisement that balloting for the plots will be made withinfew weeks;

(c) if so, the amount collected in each category after the saidadvertisement and reasons for not conducting the said balloting?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir

Cheema): (a) The said advertisement was published in daily newspapers aswell as on official website of FGE Housing Authority in Oct, 2020.

(b) In the said advertisement, it was mentioned that the FGE HousingAuthority is going to conduct balloting process.

(c) Amount received from November, 2020 to 12th February, 2021are as under:

11

—————————————————————————————–CAT Amount Received

—————————————————————————————–I 67,476,650II 69,829,335III 54,573,655IV 54,535,928V 40,075,858

—————————————————————————————–Total 286,491,426

—————————————————————————————–

9. Ms. Uzma Riaz:


(a) the present status of the development of Green Enclave, BharaKahu, Phase-I, Federal Government Employees HousingAuthority (FGEHA); and

(b) the time by which the possession will be handed over to theallotees?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq Bashir

Cheema): (a) About 38 % Infrastructure development work has beencompleted.

65% Construction of bridge & access road has been completed.

(b) In phase wise manner Possession will be handed over to theallottees from 31st December, 2021 onwards.

10. Mr. James Iqbal:


(a) whether the land has been acquired for the construction ofCancer Hospital in Islamabad;

12

(b) if so, the detail of total area acquired alongwith location of suchland?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: (a) There is no project under consideration at presently toconstruct a cancer hospital in Islamabad. Hence no land has been acquired.

(b) Not applicable.

11. Mr. Ramesh Lal:


(a) whether it is a fact that Federal Government Housing Authorityhas acquired land in Sector F-15, Islamabad; if so, the rate atwhich the award has been made;

(b) the reasons for not paying the amount so far and details thereof;

(c) how much area from the land of Jammu and KashmirCooperative Housing Society, Islamabad is included in theacquired land alongwith detail thereof; and

(d) the time by which the amount will be paid?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq BashirCheema): (a) Yes, land measuring 2239 kanal and 2 marla in Sector F15 / 3& 4 has been acquired by FGE Housing Authority through award on28092017 at the rate of Rs. 25,30,000/ per kanal.

(b) The affectees can collect the payments, however, there is lowturnout as the case for enhancement of rate is subjudice in the Islamabad HighCourt. (Rs. 38,00,000/ per kanal is expected to be enhanced). Outcome ofthe case is awaited. Whereas, payment amounting to Rs.1,28,549,300/ of50 kanal has been disbursed so far.

(c) Approximately 100 kanals. They have approached the DC Officefor processing of payments. Due vetting of revenue records and proceduralformalities via Registrar cooperative will have to be fulfilled, before the paymentis processed.

13

(d) Payment is ready to be processed and disbursed, depending onas and when the affectees approach to DC/LAC Office.

12. Moulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali:


(a) the amount received by Federal Government Employees HousingAuthority from the sale of commercial area in G-13, Islamabad;

(b) the reduction or concession to be given to the allottees in theprice of apartments, which are being constructed at KashmirHighway in G-13, Islamabad;

(c) the time by which allottees will be informed regarding concessionmade in price of their allotted apartment;

(d) whether any special concession including extension of timeperiod in the payment of installments from this income will begiven to the persons nearing to retirement;

(e) if so, the time by which such concession will be extended; and

(f) if not, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Housing and Works (Chaudhary Tariq BashirCheema): (a) The amount received from auction of Commercial area ofG13, Islamabad as on 15th February, 2021 is Rs.3,338,743,112/

(b) Utilization plan of auction proceeds is yet to be approved by theExecutive Board of FGE Housing Authority. Once the utilization plan isapproved, auction proceeds may be utilized for cross subsidize to the allotteesof G13/14 and development works.

(c) Same as above.

(d) No such policy exists.

(e) N/A.

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(f) After the approval of Executive Board regarding utilization planof auction proceeds, Cost of apartments shall be reduced proportionately andthe impact would be passed on to the allottees in the form of reduced paymentof remaining installments.

13. Ms. Kishwer Zehra:


(a) the name of persons to whom the commercial and industrialplots have been allotted in Port Qasim Authority during the lastfive year alongwith the details thereof;

(b) whether the commercial and industrial plots of those personswere cancelled by the authorities and now have been restored;if so, what criteria is adopted for the same alongwith detailthereof;

(c) the number of in cadre officers serving in the Port QasimAuthority and the number of officers who have the double chargeand the number of officers who are posted on temporary basisalongwith the detail of such categories thereof;

(d) the number of vacant posts in Port Qasim Authority at presentand reasons for not filling the same so far; and

(e) the details of record showing revenue collected by the authorityduring the last three years?

Deferred for answer on Next Rota Day

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN,The 21st February, 2021. Secretary.

PCPPI—3199(2021) NA—21022021—500.