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(50th 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

Wednesday, the 20th December, 2017

63. *Mr. Muhammad Jamal Ud Din: (Deferred on 11-12-2017)

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of incidents of land-mines explosions occurredsince the repatriation of Temporarily Displaced Persons to SouthWaziristan Agency;

(b) the total number of persons injured in said incidents alongwithnames, tehsils, CNIC numbers and tribes thereof separately;

(c) the total number of persons injured in said incidents to whomcompensation has been paid by the Government;

(d) the compensation paid to the families of persons who have diedin said incidents; and

(e) the steps being taken by the Government to clear these explosiveland-mines?

Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. General (Retd.) AbdulQadir Baloch]: (a) So far, twenty two (22) incidents of land mines explosionshave occurred in South Waziristan Agency since the start of repatriation ofTemporary Dislocated Persons (TDPs) there.

(a) Twenty (20) persons were injured while 14 persons have died duringthe said incidents (Annex-I).

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(c) Two (02) injured persons have so far been given compensation bythe Government.

(d) Three (03) families of such deceased have been given compensationby the Government.

(e) De-mining activities are being undertaken by Pak Army at recentlyopened/ de-notified areas of South Waziristan Agency. In this context, Pak Armya well as Political Administration, SWA agency have conveyed precautionarymeasures/ instructions to local people so has to avoid untoward incidents in thefuture. Several notice have also been issued by Pak Army for general public tillcompletion of de-mining activities there Since it is arduous task, it will take sometime to clear the entire agency from mines.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

64. *Syed Imran Ahmad Shah: (Deferred on 11-12-2017)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) whether the foreign office has record of Pakistan national, whohave applied and got political asylum abroad during the lastfive years; if so,  the country-wise details thereof;

(b) the reasons pleaded by each of above persons during the saidperiod; and

(c) the steps being taken by the Ministry to asses the situation andtake remedial steps in this regard?

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a)European countries, Australia and New Zealand do not share information regardingforeign prisoners, illegal migrants and asylum seekers due to strict privacy laws.However, information acquired from the host authorities of the following countriesis as follows:

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(b) The reasons pleaded by each of above persons during the said periodare as under:

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(c) The steps being taken by the Ministry to assess the situation andtake remedial steps in this regard are as under:

i. Maintains close contact with Missions abroad on the issue and receiveregular reports and monitor the evolving situation;

ii. Pakistan Missions abroad, under Ministry’s instructions and guidance,are seized of the situation and they try their level best to assist andcensure the safety, welfare and security of our nationals abroad withinthe parameters of international laws and laws of the host country;

iii. Coordinates efforts with Ministry of Interior and other lawenforcement agencies to control human smuggling from Pakistan asit is costing Pakistan both in terms of precious lives and Pakistan’simage abroad.

70. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan: (Deferred on 11-12-2017)

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:

(a) the date-wise funds/amount allocated for the establishment ofa University in the Federally Administered Tribal Areasalongwith the utilization thereof;

(b) whether the construction work of said University has beencompleted; if so, the details of work; if not, the reasons thereof;

(c) the action taken against those persons who are responsible fordelaying work thereof; and

(d) the time by which the construction work of said University willbe completed?

Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. General (Retd.) AbdulQadir Baloch]: (a) Total funds allocated for the Establishment of FATA Universityby the HEC through CDWP/PSDP approved Project are Rs. 1592.733 Million,out of which Rs 335 Million has been released and a sum of Rs. 84.957 millionhas been expended during the year 2015-16 & 2016-17 as per detail given below.

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(b) (i) A total land of 468 kanals has been acquired for the establishment ofthe University.

(ii) A consultant firm M/S structural Engineering Solution (SES)Peshawar has been hired for the preparation of Master Planning &Detailed designing of the FATA University.

(iii) For starting the preliminary work, a PC-1 for the Establishment ofProject Management Unit for the Establishment of FATA Universitywas approved by the FDWP out of FATA ADP at a total cost ofRs. 40.006 M in April 2016.

(iv) The University was made operational in a small portion of GovernmentDegree College Darra Adam Khel, FR Kohat in October, 2016,after its renovation as the building was in a dilapidated condition dueto war on terror.

(v) Accordingly, the First academic session in the subjects ofManagement Sciences, Mathematics, Sociology & Political Sciencewere started in November, 2016.

(vi) The Web Site of the FATA University (www.fu.edu.pk) has beendeveloped & launched.

(vii) Various Committees & Selection Boards were constituted for thehiring of the faculty and other staff.

(viii) Twenty oversees scholarships were advertised out of which 07 wereawarded.

(ix) Procurements of essential items have been completed.

(x) The computer Lab & Library has been established.

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(xi) The constitution and approval of statutory bodies such as syndicate& senate are in progress.

(xii) A contracting firm M/S Shah Engineering & Co. has been hired forreclamation & Leveling of the purchased land on which the firm hasstarted work.

(xiii) Developmental Work i.e construction of boundary wall & Main Gatehas been started.

(xiv) The TESCO has been paid for the installation of a separate feederfrom Matani Grid Station and they have completed the task of fixingof electric poles, whereas, remaining work of generation etc isexpected to be finished within 1/4 weeks.

(xv) The PTCL, after receiving payment has connected the Universitythrough dedicated Optic Fibre and the staff and students are availingthe facilities of Telephone and Internet round the clock.

(xvi) The Tenders for the construction of Tube Wells and over- head tankhave been floated

(xvii) Bids from the reputed firms for the pre-qualification of thedevelopmental work such as construction of Administration, Academicblocks, Library, Hostels etc have been floated to select the bestfirms for the first University of FATA.

(c) The PC -1 for the establishment of FATA University has beenapproved for a span of 5 years w.e.f 2015-16 till 2019-20 and therefore hasenough time for its completion. However, the University Administration is workinghard to complete the project well before the target schedule. Therefore for thetime being no action is required.

(d) As per approved PC-1 the completion date of the developmentalworks is the end of Financial year 2019-20.

71. *Mr. Muhammad Jamal Ud Din: (Deferred on 11-12-2017)

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:

(a) the name and location-wise total number of Masajid and Madarisdemolished/affected during the operations in South WaziristanAgency (SWA);

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(b) the funds allocated for reconstruction/rehabilitation of eachMasjid/Madrasa in SWA during the financial year 2017-18; and

(c) the time by which the reconstruction/rehabilitation work of saidMasajid and Madaris will be completed?

Reply not received.

78. *Ms. Aisha Syed: (Deferred on 11-12-2017)

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:

(a) the details of ongoing development projects in the FederallyAdministered Tribal Areas since June, 2013; and

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

Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. General (Retd.) AbdulQadir Baloch]: (a) The development budget for FATA Annual DevelopmentProgram (ADP) is being reflected in the PSDP each year as “block allocation”.These funds are further distributed amongst 7 tribal Agencies and 6 FRs as performula, approved by the Governor, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Peshawar.

Year-wise details of FATA ADP schemes from the year 2013-14 to2017-18 as under:

(Rs.in million)——————————————————————————————

Year No of schemes Allocation/Releases

Ongoing New Total——————————————————————————————

2013-14 1000 281 1281 14919.370

2014-15 595 346 941 15372.000

2015-16 654 319 973 16204.720

2016-17 759 236 995 17912.000

2017-18 709 394 1103 21266.000——————————————————————————————

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From 2013-14 to 2016-17, total 1110 schemes of FATA ADP have beencompleted. Year-wise break of these completed schemes, as under:——————————————————————————————

Year No. of schemes completed——————————————————————————————

2013-14 4152014-15 2152015-16 1732016-17 307

——————————————————————————————Total: 1110

——————————————————————————————In FATA ADP 2017-18, total 1103 schemes are reflected which

includes 709 ongoing and 394 new. Out of the same, 387 schemes are fully fundedand targeted for completion subject to release of full funds during the CurrentFinancial Year and peaceful law & order situation in the area.

181. *Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan:

Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken notice ofpoor performance as shown by the players of the PakistanWomen Cricket Team in the recent World Cup held in England;if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether it is a fact that three players who were originally selectedfor the said World Cup have not been included in any match ofthe said World Cup;

(c) whether the PCB has also assessed the performance of tourselection committee and make them accountable on poorselection policy; and

(d) the steps being taken to strengthen the structure of the saidTeam?

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada):(a) PCB held a performance review for the poor performance of the PakistanWomen Cricket Team in the Women’s World Cup held in England. After

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reviewing the performance of the Team it was decided that the Women Cricketstructure needs to be revamped in order to improve the overall performance ofplayers both at domestic and International level. In addition the performance ofeach and every Pakistan Player was severely scrutinized. Not only was theirperformance reviewed for this particular event but their status for the past manyyears were also analyzed. Looking at the past performance of these players it wasdecided to give more opportunities to youngsters and try and build the benchstrength for International events. After the mentioned scrutiny, Sana Mir was relievedof her duties as captain and was replaced by Bismah Maroof. Nain Abidi,Asmavia lqbal and many other senior players were not even considered for therecently concluded Pakistan vs New Zealand Women Cricket series held in UAEin Nov., 2017.

(b) PCB has formulated a tour policy which is adhered to by the tourselection committee comprising of Head Coach, Captain and Manager. As perthis policy the head coach, captain and manager select the playing 11 keeping inview the playing conditions and opposing team. It is pertinent to mention that thereare several factors which are kept in mind before selecting the playing 11 for eachmatch i.e. the pitch condition, weather conditions, opposing team’s weakness andabove all performance of players in training sessions. The same policy was followedin the Women’s World Cup. Furthermore there were only 2 players who were notincluded in matches and that is not because they were not good enough but simplybecause another team player was better suited for each particular match.

(c) As mentioned above the performance of everyone involved with theteam was scrutinized. The selection Committee was suspended and was replacedby a new panel. The head coach and Manager both were relieved of their dutiesand a new head coach and Manager were nominated with the team. Since thePakistan Women Team is in the rebuilding process, PCB is making every effort toimprove the overall structure of women’s cricket. It is pertinent to mention that 4games out of the 7 matches played in the World Cup were very close and theresult could have gone in any teams’ favor. The results also show that the PakistanTeam lost games at specific moments which means that with better planning wehave the potential to beat any team of the world. This point was highly prominentin the recently concluded PAK vs NZ Women Cricket series held in UAE in Nov.,2017 wherein the Pakistan Team played competitive cricket and created historyby beating New Zealand in the 3rd ODI. A feat which was not done before.

(d) Following steps have been taken for building up a strong NationalTeam:

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PCB appointed a foreign coach on trial basis for the Pakistan WomenCricket Team for the Pakistan vs New Zealand Women CricketSeries held in Sharjah in Nov., 2017. The trial proved to be highlysuccessful wherein the Pakistan Team played competitive cricketand beat NZ for the first time in the 3rd ODI. After the conclusion ofthe series PCB has advertised the post of head coach for the PakistanWomen Cricket Team and soon PCB will be appointing a head coachfor a longer tenure.

The domestic structure of women’s cricket is being revamped inorder to find young talented players and to broaden the existing poolof women players. In this regard as per the new structure there areplans to setup 5 Cricket Academies. These academies will be run byprofessional personnel whose main role will be to unearth youngtalent in every region. Furthermore the academies will give anopportunity to every player to practice on a daily basis and improveher skill and overall game.

Trials will be held in every region in order to explore new talent. Thenew structure will help in the development at grass root level. Thenew system is extremely cost effective and with this change PCBanticipates improvement in the next 2 years.

The PCB domestic tournaments are being revamped in order toimprove the overall standard of cricket wherein cricket will be playedat a more competitive level.

There are plans to induct Ex Pakistan players into the new set up inorder to work with the youngsters and improve their overallperformance. We have had youngsters like Diana Baig, NashraSandhu, Waheeda Akhtar and Maham Tariq who have performedextremely well in the past and with the new structure being introduced,PCB is hopeful that the standard of women’s cricket will surelyimprove and the overall results will be better.

182. *Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:

Will the Minister for Commerce and Textile be pleased to state thesteps being taken by the Government to increase intra-ECO trade byremoving structural and textual flaws?

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Minister for Commerce and Textile (Mr. Muhammad PervaizMalik): ECO is an organization of ten (10) Islamic countries namely Pakistan,Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan,Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.

Despite cultural and geographical proximity, intra-ECO trade is far belowits true potential.

In order to enhance intra-ECO trade, an Agreement called the ECO TradeAgreement (ECOTA) was signed during the 2nd Ministerial Meeting on Commerce/Foreign Trade on July 17, 2003 by five out of ten ECO Member States namely,Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Turkey.

The Agreement has not been implemented as yet due to non-submissionof Tariff Concession Lists by Iran and Tajikistan and non-ratification of Annexesto the Agreement.

Ministry of Commerce has been requesting Iran and Tajikistan to expeditecompletion of formalities so that the Agreement could be operationalized and intra-ECO trade gathers pace.

In addition to expediting the process of operationalization of ECOTA,this Ministry would also be hosting the 5th ECO- Ministerial Meeting onCommerce and Trade in Islamabad on 24th January, 2018. Ministry of Commercehosted a 3rd Seminar on Trading Patterns in ECO Region in May, 2016 and 4thSeminar on Trading Patterns in ECO Region for the relevant government officersof the Member States of ECO Countries was also hosted by Pakistan Instituteof Trade and Development (PITAD), Islamabad on 24-25 October, 2017. TheSeminar provided opportunities to the officials of the ECO countries to discussmatters relating to Intra-ECO trade and to bring improvements in the regionaltrade flows.

183. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state the total number of Pakistanisresiding in Malaysia for employment at present?

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Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment (Pir Syed Sadar-ud-Din Shah Rashidi): As per informationprovided by High Commission of Pakistan, Kuala Lumpur 76,892 Pakistanis arecurrently residing in Malaysia. The details are as under:

General Workers: 62,745

Expatriates/Professionals: 3,365

Students: 2,969

Others (Spouse pass): 3,819

Long term visa i.e. Resident/Business 3,994Pass, Dependents, MM2H etc:

Grand Total: 76,892

184. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Commerce and Textile be pleased to state thesteps taken by the present Government to enhance trade relationswith Vietnam?

Minister for Commerce and Textile (Mr. Muhammad PervaizMalik): Following steps have been taken by the present Government to increasetrade relations with Vietnam:

• A Joint Trade Commission (JTC) was established between the twocountries in April 2002. During the 3rd Session of JTC held in Vietnamin April 2015, Pakistan proposed a FTA/PTA between the twocountries. During the 4th Session held in October, 2017 both sidesagreed to exchange lists of respective priority items of export interestto gauge complementarities and feasibility of a PTA.

• An MOU on establishment of Joint Business Forum between VietnamChamber or Commerce and Industry and Federation of PakistanChamber of Commerce and Industry was signed in December 2014.

• In December 2014, President Federation of Pakistan Chamber ofCommerce and Industry (FPCCI) led a 17 member delegation toHo Chi Minh City and attended Vietnam Expo-2014.

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• An MOU between Trade Development Authority of Pakistan(TDAP) and Vietnam Trade (VIETRADE) was signed on 24th April2015 to facilitate economic cooperation between the trade promotionauthorities of the two countries.

• Pakistan established its Commercial Section at Hanoi, Vietnam inAugust, 2016.

• A 20 member’s delegation of Vietnamese businessmen participatedin Expo Pakistan, 2017.

185. *Ms. Aisha Syed:

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken by the Government to include the FederallyAdministered Tribal Areas (FATA) in the national stream; and

(b) the time by which the plan to include FATA in KhyberPakhtunkhwa will be completed?

 Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen (Retd) Abdul

Qadir Baloch): (a) To sustain the gains made through Operation-e­Azab andkeeping in view the significance attached to the long overdue reforms in FATA, thePrime Minister constituted the FATA Reforms Committee on 08th November,2015. The Political mainstreaming of FATA, required initiation of a number ofactions in the administrative, legal/judicial, security and socio-economic domains,for which the Federal Government has made some serious efforts. Details may beseen at ANNEX-I.

(b) The report presented by the FATA Reforms Committee has proposedthe merger of FATA with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa within a period of five years.However, due to the complex nature of the actions involved in the process, adefinite/exact time period for the merger cannot be defined at this point in time.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

186. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Commerce and Textile be pleased to state thesteps taken to enhance the trade ties with Algeria during the tenureof the present Government?

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Minister for Commerce and Textile (Muhammad Pervaiz Malik): Trade relations between Pakistan and Algeria have been growing at a steady paceduring last five years. However, the bilateral trade profile is not commensuratewith the potential between the two countries.

Steps taken by Government:

Pakistan and Algeria have signed trade agreement in 2012. Since itssigning both sides have been perusing it to he operational and intendedto ratify in the 3rd session of JMC that was planned in July,2017 butwas postponed. Currently, it is under procedure of getting finalinstrument of ratification.

Ministry of Commerce has decided to open its Commercial Sectionin Algeria including largest economies of Africa like Egypt, Tanzania,Ethiopia and Sudan.

Under “Look Africa Policy”, Ministry of Commerce has directedTDAP to provide 80-90% subsidy to the exporters participating inAlgerian Trade Fairs and Exhibitions since August 2017, TRAP hasreported after implementation of this subsidy the exporters areshowing more interest for Africa Trade Fair and Exhibitions.

Ministry of Commerce held a seminar on Look Africa Plan onNovember 9, 2017 on the sidelines of the upcoming Expo, 2017,was organized at Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP)in Karachi, Ministry of Commerce invited delegates from Africaincluding, Algeria and Pakistan based exporters to Africa includingAlgeria for EXPO Pakistan, 2017 and for “Look Africa Seminar”.

Ministry of Commerce has planned a high level business delegationto Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia to explore new markets in Africa. Itwill enhance the institutional engagement from both sides.

Both Countries have Joint Ministerial Commission, the 2nd Sessionof JMC was held in 2012.

Trade Development Authority or Pakistan (TDAP) has finalized abusiness delegation to Algeria and Tunisia in February, 2018. A valueable number of exporters have confirmed their participation. It will

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be multi seetoral delegation from Textile, Surgical, Sports andPharmaceutical sector.

TDAP participated in series of International Trade Fairs in Algeriaand provided a platform to its exporters of concerned products forparticipation in following international exhibitions held in Algeria toexplore Algerian Market.

a. Exports of Agricultural products of the South and Agriculture“AGRO SUD EXPORT’ IN Algeria held annually.

b. Awareness among Exporters by Ministry of Commerce andTDAP to participate in International Exhibition at Safex Centre,Algiers.

Establishment of JBC between PPCCI and National Chamber ofAlgeria is under consideration to enhance the physical contacts ofbusinessmen to increase bilateral trade between both the countries.

MOU between Algerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACI)and Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry(FPCCI) is at the stage of finalization. The Draft MOU has beenshared by both sides and will be finalized in the next JMC session.

187. *Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise financial deficit faced by the Employees Old-AgeBenefits Institution since 01-01-2013 alongwith the justificationthereof; and

(b) the steps taken by the Government to reduce the said deficitduring the said period?

 Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource

Development (Pir. Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): (a) Financial position ofEOB Fund since 01-01-2013 is as follows:—

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(b) Currently EOB fund is in surplus.

188. *Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that large number of Overseas Pakistanisremit major portion of their income to Pakistan;

(b) the province-wise total amount of foreign exchange remitted bythe Overseas Pakistanis during the year 2012 to 17; and

(c) whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to make a plan for the welfare of OverseasPakistanis from the said foreign exchange; if so, when it will beimplemented?

 Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource

Development (Pir. Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): (a) Yes, it is a fact that alarge number of overseas Pakistanis, especially from the Gulf Region remit majorportion of their income to Pakistan.

(b) All overseas remittances to Pakistan are regulated and maintainedby State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). In this regard, the State Bank of Pakistan wasrequested to provide the details.

Information received from State Bank of Pakistan is only for the periodJuly to October, 2017 and is tabulated as under:—

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(c) The overseas Pakistanis send their remittances to their families/relatives.

However, a number of welfare schemes are in place at the level of OverseasPakistanis Foundation (managed through its welfare fund) in housing, educationand social welfare sectors to facilitate overseas Pakistanis.

189. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state the total number of Pakistanisresiding in China for employment purpose at present?

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment (Pir. Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): According to theemigration statistics 3732 Pakistanis proceeded to China for the purpose ofemployment since 1971 to 2017 (Upto October). During the last three years(2014 to October, 2017), 1460 Pakistanis proceeded to China for the purpose ofemployment.

190. *Ms. Aisha Syed:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state the details of the on-going projectsfor the betterment/welfare of the Overseas Pakistanis?

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment (Pir. Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi): It has always been OPF’sendeavor to initiate new schemes and projects for the welfare and well-being of

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overseas Pakistanis and their families back home. Existing schemes are continuouslybeing revised to make them more efficient in service delivery for the benefit of theoverseas Pakistanis working abroad (especially in Gulf Countries) and theirdependents living in Pakistan,

ON-GOING PROJECTS

(A) Welfare Schemes:

(1) Financial Aid Scheme.(2) Foreign Exchange Remittance Card (FERC).(3) One Window Facilitation Desks at international Airports in

Pakistan.(4) Complaint Cell.(5) Settlement of dues.(6) Eye Hospitals at Mirpur & D.G. Khan,(7) Free Eye Camps.(8) Free Transportation of Dead Bodies.(9) OPF NADRA Swift Centre.

(10) Relief Activities.

(B) Educational Institutions:

(1) OPF has established twenty four (24) educational institutions(Schools/Colleges) throughout the country including AJK.

(2) 50% concession in tuition fee is allowed to the children ofOverseas Pakistanis. Besides, 100% admission guaranteed toOPs children in all OPF educational institutions, subject tocompletion of required formalities.

(3) 322 seats are reserved for admissions of children of OverseasPakistanis in different Educational Institutions includingprofessional Colleges / Universities. As well as, OPF is workingfor legislation regarding reservation of seats in Public SectorColleges / Universities for the children of Overseas Pakistanison regular fees base across Pakistan.

(4) A new scholarship scheme has been launched by OPF incollaboration with Punjab Educational Endowment Fund

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(PEEF) & Rs.30 million has been allocated in the currentyear budget i.e. 2017-18.

(5) An e-learning initiative has been taken by the OPF as a pilotproject initially from 10 OPF educational institutions which maybe further extended to facilitate the children of overseasPakistanis residing abroad.

(C) Housing Schemes:

(1) Overall seven (07) schemes completed two (02) under process–7,913 residential plots and 275 commercial plots of varioussizes have been allotted.

(2) In the past there was some pending issues in all housing schemes,OPF has resolved many of these issues and the remainingpending issues are being resolved on priority basis.

(3) Zone-V was started in 1996, development started in 2008.After hectic efforts sector C is ready for possession to allottees,who have been informed accordingly.

(4) Development of OPF Housing Scheme Lahore Phase-II is inprogress.

(5) Construction of six (06) apartment buildings in OPF HousingScheme Zone-V, Islamabad (planning & designing stage).

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN,The 19th December, 2017 Secretary.

PCPPI—4768(2017) NA—19-12-2017—650.

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(50th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Wednesday, the 20th December, 2017

61. Malik Ibrar Ahmed:

Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Mr. Shakeel Khan, Media Manager ofthe PCB misbehaved with some journalists when they contactedhim for their accreditation cards during the year 2017;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the said Media Manager does notattend their phone calls;

(c) if the answers to part (a) and (b) above are in the affirmative,the reasons thereof?

Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada):(a) Mr. Shakeel Khan, PRO, PCB has not misbehaved with any of the mediapersons. It is to mention here that the PCB had hosted a high-profile back to backseries in September and October 2017 where the players from all across theworld had toured to Pakistan to feature in a T20 International series.

For media accreditation, the PCB’s media department had submitted thedata of media personnel to the security branch 10 days prior to the event to geteach member verified and get its accreditation cards before the start of the series.The journalists who had not provided their data on time were left out from theaccreditation process as the data were provided to security branch 10 days priorto the event.

(b) PCB would like to state that the said official has been a senior officialof the media department. The official has a long association with PCB and hasbeen working diligently for years in handling media affairs in different tournaments.He responds to all media enquiries and attend calls on regular basis.

Shoaib.M 4748 (17) NA (US) PC-9

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(c) Not applicable.

62. Malik Ibrar Ahmed:

Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to statethe grounds under which the Pakistan Cricket Board issues thecomplimentary tickets to media persons alongwith the procedurethereof?

Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada):The PCB issues complimentary tickets to the sponsors, players, and media, fortheir families and the word “Complimentary” is written on the tickets explicitly. Inline with the practice, we also accommodate sports media correspondent familiesat the venues. Generally, sports media demonstrate diligence in projecting anddisseminating positive image of cricket in Pakistan and that is why PCB facilitatesin providing complimentary tickets.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN,The 19th December, 2017. Secretary.

PCPPI—4748 (17) NA—19-12-2017—650.