NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT ...1 (30th Session) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT ———— “QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES” to be asked at a sitting of the National

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(30th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”

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

Friday, the 25th March, 2016

99. *Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir: (Deferred during 21st Session)

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleasedto state the steps being taken by the Government to control theadulteration in fresh/unpacked milk and unhygienic injections beinginjected to Cows and Buffaloes to increase production of milktherefrom in Islamabad?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on next rota day.

21. *Dr. Fozia Hameed: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleasedto state the steps taken by the Government to control sale of haram/unhygienic meat in Islamabad?


28. *Ms. Munaza Hassan: (Deferred during 28th Session)

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

(a) the steps taken by the present Government to stop foodadulteration in Islamabad; and

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(b) whether it is a fact that a number of persons have been arrestedin such cases during the last three years; if so, the details thereof?


309. *Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak: (Deferred during 28th Session)


(a) whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to establish regulatory mechanism in IslamabadCapital Territory (ICT) in order to control and regulate the foodindustry/business; if so, the details thereof; and

(b) the name of departments in ICT which are controlling andregulating the said business at present?


135. *Mr. Sufyan Yousuf: (Deferred during 29th Session)

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the high level of lead and arsenic foundin the Indus River bodies;

(b) whether it is also fact that water of said River is beingcontaminated with the said chemicals;

(c) if the answers to parts (a) and (b) above are in the affirmative,the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

Transferred to Climate Change Division for answer on next rota day.

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1. *Ms. Belum Hasnain: (Deferred on 14-03-2016)


(a) whether it is a fact that Gas Infrastructure Development Cess(GIDC) is being made a permanent part of electricity tariff; ifso, the reasons thereof; and

(b) the percentage of increase expected in the electricity bill of theconsumer as a result thereof?

Transferred to Cabinet Division for answer on next rota day.

16. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan: (Deferred on 14-03-2016)

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

(a) the names of un-registered Dental and Medical Colleges in thecountry at present;

(b) whether it is a fact that the said Colleges have granted admissionto male and female students; if so, the details thereof;

(c) the action taken by the Government against the saidun-registered Colleges; and

(d) the steps being taken by the Government in respect of future ofthe said students?

Reply not received.

151. *Ms. Belum Hasnain:


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(a) the varieties of local seeds being produced by the ResearchInstitutes of the Ministry at present; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to encourage the local seed varieties instead ofimporting the seeds?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. Sikandar

Hayat Khan Bosan): (a) National Agricultural Research System (NARS) ismaking continuous efforts to develop new seed varieties/hybrids of different crops.

(b) Efforts are continuously being made by Research Institutions in thecountry to develop new varieties/hybrids. PARC is also developing new varieties/hybrids of crops such as tomato, garlic and chillies.

152. *Ms. Belum Hasnain:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony bepleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that fares in the Government Hajj Packageshave been increased despite decreasing oil prices in internationalmarkets; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to reduce the said fares; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony (Sardar

Muhammad Yousaf): (a) The Hajj airfare for Hajj 2016 is under discussion andstill not finalized.

(b) As above.

153. *Ms. Sajida Begum:


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(a) whether it is a fact that expensive medicines of Hepatitis “C”are being imported from America; if so, the reasons thereof;and

(b) the authority who grants approval therefor?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: (a) (I) Sofosbuvir 400mg tablet indicated for the treatment ofchronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection as a component of a combination antiviraltreatment regimen. The therapy was approved by United States FDA in December,2013 for M/s. Gilead Sciences inc., USA. The company appointed M/s FerozsonsLaboratories Ltd. as distribution partner for Pakistan.

(II) Keeping in view public health urgency, DRAP and M/o NationalHealth Services and Regulation took the initiative for urgent availabilityof the drug for the needy patients. Technical Advisory Group (TAG)on Viral Hepatitis also strongly recommended that this new treatmentbe made available to Hepatitis C patients on urgent basis in thecountry. Keeping in view public health urgency of the product,following two parallel strategies were adopted to cater the immediateneed;

i. Permission for import of Sovaldi tablets from Gilead Sciencesinc., USA for patient use only, under Drugs (Import and Export)Rules, 1976. During the 12-06-2014 to 12-02-2015, DRAPgranted No objection certificates / permission for import ofSovaldi (Sofosbuvir) 400mg tablets for about 25232 packs(28’s tablets) for 8871 patients at price of Rs.56,000/- forpack of 28 tablets.

ii. Registration of Sofosbuvir 400mg tablet was processed onpriority keeping in view public health urgency. M/s FerozsonsLaboratories Limited, one of the applicants viz Sovaldi Tablet400mg (innovator drug brand from M/s Gilead, USA completedthe registration application which was approved by Registration

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Board in 245th meeting. Accordingly, Sovaldi (Sofosbuvir)400mg tablets was registered vide registration No. 78147 dated12-02-2015 with MRP Rs. 55000/- for 28 tablets. Later on,through mutual efforts of M/o NHRS&C, DRAP andM/s Ferozsons MRP was reduced to Rs. 32300/- for 28 tabletsthrough Gilead Patient Access Program for Pakistan, Egyptand India. It is pertinent to mention that same therapy is availablein USA @ USD 28385 for 28 tablets (Pak Rupees approx.2.9 million).

(III) Under the Drug Pricing policy, 2015 Maximum Retail Price of genericsis fixed @ 30% less than the originator brand. Accordingly if price isfixed according to pricing policy it may work out to Rs.26, 600(30% less than the originator’s maximum retail price) i.e. Rs.38,000.However, Drug Pricing Committee recommended to the FederalGovernment that a uniform maximum retail price, the lowestdemanded price by any company approved by the Registration Board,@ Rs. 9,999 for a pack of 28 tablets be fixed for all generics.However, after further deliberations between DRAP andM/o NHSR & C, a special meeting under the chair of MinisterNHSR & C was called to get the point of view of 9 approved localcompanies for local manufacturing cost on cost plus formula basisand to discuss the measures and concerns of poor patients sufferingfrom the disease and to provide minimum price with complying tothe quality and safety parameters, in larger public interest. Accordingly,the Federal Government decided to fix price @ Rs. 5,868 for 28tablets on cost plus formula basis in partial modification of theprovisions of the Drugs Pricing Policy-2015 after approval by thePrime Minister of Pakistan. The price was notified vide S.R.O.No. 101(1)/2016 dated 9th February, 2016 for generic versions ofthis new molecule.

(b) Under section 12 of the Drugs Act, 1976, the Federal Governmentapproved maximum retail price of Sovaldi 400mg Tablet. Registration Baord underSection 7 of the Drugs Act, 1976 is the statutory body that grants the registrationof drugs.

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154. *Ms. Sajida Begum:


(a) whether it is a fact that Saudi Arabia has excused to restoreHajj quota for Hajj-2016 like India and Bangladesh;

(b) if so, the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony (SardarMuhammad Yousaf): (a) Yes, due to ongoing expansion work of Haram sharifwhich is expected to be completed this year, the Saudi Arabia has excused torestore Hajj quota for Hajj 2016 like India and Bangladesh.

(b) The Saudi Arabia has allocated the quota of 143,368 to Pakistan forHajj 2016, as per previous year, by opting the uniform policy for all countries. Theoriginal quota is expected to be restored next year. In this regard, the governmenthas started arrangements for Hajj 2016 accordingly.

155. *Mrs. Shahida Rehmani:


(a) the details of permission granted by the Private Power andInfrastructure Board (PPIB) for launching power projects in thecountry during the last two years; and

(b) the name of such projects launched during the said periodalongwith the details thereof?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) In

order to bridge the existing demand supply gap to generate affordable electricity,the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) under the auspices of Ministryof Water and Power, Government of Pakistan has initiated several Coal/Hydroand R-LNG based power projects with cumulative capacity of 12,620 MW atvarious locations in the country, during the last two (2) years.

(b) The list and details thereof is attached at Annex.

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156. *Mrs. Shahida Rehmani:


(a) whether it is a fact that various rates of electricity are beingcharged from the consumers on new and old electricity metersat present; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(b) whether it is also a fact that different rates of electricity havebeen determined on the consumption of 100 and above units; ifso, the justification of different units rates of old and newelectricity meters at present?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) Tariffhave no concern with old or new electricity meter. Category-wise electricity tariffis determined by NEPRA with the approval of the Federal Government.

(b) Under the domestic category, electricity tariff all over Pakistan is asunder:—

For Sanctioned Load Less than 5 KW——————————————————————————————

Tariff Slab Tariff (in Rs.)——————————————————————————————

Upto 50 units 2.001-100 units 5.79101-200 units 8.11201-300 units 10.20301-700 units 16.00Above 700 units 18.00

——————————————————————————————For Sanctioned Load 5 KW & Above

——————————————————————————————Tariff Slab Tariff (in Rs.)

——————————————————————————————Peak hours 18.00Off-peak hours 12.50

——————————————————————————————Above tariff has been determined to persuade the consumers to use

electricity economically, thereby, saving the precious energy.

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157. *Ms. Suraiya Jatoi:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination be pleased to state the steps taken by the Governmentto improve health facilities in Islamabad?

Transferred to Capital Administration and Development Division for answer

on next rota day.

158. *Ms. Suraiya Jatoi:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleasedto state the year-wise sugar-cane produced in the country during thelast five years alongwith the details thereof?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. Sikandar

Hayat Khan Bosan): The Production of sugarcane is as given below:

Prod: 000 tonns——————————————————————————————

S. No. Sugarcane——————————————————————————————

2011-12 58396.42012-13 63749.92013-14 67460.12014-15 65281.12015-16* 64656.58

——————————————————————————————*=provisional

Source:—(1) Economic Wing, M/o National Food Security and Research, Islamabad. (2) Provincial Crop Reporting services centres. (CRS)

159. *Ms. Shamas Un Nisa:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleasedto state the year-wise rice produced in the country during the lastfive years?

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Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. SikandarHayat Khan Bosan): The Production of Rice is as given below:

Prod: 000 tonns——————————————————————————————

S. No. Rice——————————————————————————————

2011-12 6160.42012-13 5535.92013-14 6798.12014-15 7002.82015-16* 6724.6

——————————————————————————————*=provisional

Source:—(1) Economic Wing, M/o National Food Security and Research, Islamabad. (2) Provincial Crop Reporting services centres. (CRS)

160. *Ms. Shamas Un Nisa:

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

(a) the prescribed criteria for allotment of Governmentaccommodations to the Government employees in Islamabad;and

(b) the year-wise out of turn allotments made during the last threeyears?

Minister for Housing and Works (Mr. Akram Khan Durrani): (a)The allotments are made to the Federal Government Servants on maturity of theirturn on GWL.

(b) During the last three years, only one allotment on out of turn basishas been made to Ms. Kosar Parveen, Elementary School Teacher, Islamabad in2014 keeping in view of her disability.

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161. *Dr. Shazia Sobia:

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state whetherthe construction work of houses has been started in Officers HousingScheme, Kurri Road, Islamabad; if not, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Housing and Works (Mr. Akram Khan Durrani):

Construction work of houses of various categories has been divided into ten (10)packages. Out of those 10 packages the tendering process of six (06) packageshas been completed and their contractors are finalizing the formalities to mobilizeat the project sites. Tenders of remaining four (04) packages have been floated inthe newspapers on 15-03-2016 and this process shall be completed withinprescribed period.

162. *Dr. Shazia Sobia:

Will the Minister for National Food Security and Research be pleasedto state the year-wise total wheat produced in the country during thelast five years alongwith the details thereof?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. SikandarHayat Khan Bosan): The production of Wheat is as given below:—

Prod: 000 tonns——————————————————————————————

S .No Wheat——————————————————————————————

2011-12 23473.42012-13 24211.42013-14 25979.42014-15 25085.52015-16* 25182.5

——————————————————————————————*= provisional

Source:- (1) Economic Wing,M/o Natioanl Food Security & Research, Islamabad. (2) Provincial Crop Reporting services centres.(CRS).

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163. *Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak:


(a) whether it is a fact that the construction work of Diamer-BhashaDam was started during the year 2011;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the said Dam has included as a partof WAPDA Water Vision 2025; if so, the reasons for the saiddelay; and

(c) whether the estimated cost of the said Dam has increased dueto the said delay; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a)

PC-I of Diamer Basha Dam Project was approved by ECNEC on20 August 2009 at a total cost of Rs. 894,257.00 million including landacquisition and re-settlement through PSDP funding. As per approvedPC-I implementation of the project is as follows:

Pre-construction period 2009-2011 (02 years)

Construction period 2011-2020 (09 years)

Post construction period 2020-2021 (01 year)

Pre-construction activities

Land acquisition is in progress through PSDP funding. Sufficient funds arebeing provided by GoP.

Construction of infrastructure/preliminary works of Diamer Basha DamProject i.e. Project Colony at Thor Valley, Composite Model Village-IIat Harpan Das and KKH Bypass are in progress through PSDP funding.

Main Dam Construction

However, construction work on main Dam has not been started sinceapproval of PC-I due to non-commitment of funds from donor agencies.

Government of Pakistan is consistently pursuing for arrangement of fundsfrom donor agencies/International Financing Agencies.

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Construction work on main dam will be started on arrangement of funds.It will take 09 years to complete.

(b) Diamer Basha Dam Project is a part of WAPDA Vision 2025.Unavailability of financial resources is the major reason of delay to start theconstruction of main dam.

(c) At the time of approval of PC-1(August 2009),cost of DiamerBasha Dam was estimated as US $ 11.18 Billion.

Due to inflation and time overrun, the cost is expected to increase.

164. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inert-faith Harmony bepleased to state:

(a) the total number of Khudam-ul-Hujjaj sent on Hajj Mission bythe PIA for Hajj-2015 alongwith the details thereof;

(b) the facilities provided to said Khudam-ul-Hujjaj;

(c) the dates on which those Khudam-ul-Hujjaj sent and returnedalongwith the details thereof;

(d) whether journalists were also accompanied with thoseKhudam-ul-Hujjaj; if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the total expenditure incurred on each pilgrim during the saidHajj alongwith the details thereof?

Minister for Religious Affairs and Inert-faith Harmony (Sardar

Muhammad Yousaf): (a) Following strength of welfare staff proceeded to KSAthrough PIA alongwith other airlines during Hajj-2015:———————————————————————————————

1. PIA 9832. Air blue 1223. SV 14. Shaheen Airline 2

——————————————————————————————Total: 1108

——————————————————————————————

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(b) Free accommodation/airtravel alongwith DA @ of SR.150/-(BS-17 and above) and SR.120/-(BS. 1-16) was provided to the Khudam-ul-Hujjajduring Hajj- 2015.

(c) Various group of welfare contingent were sent to KSA, the first batchof which departed on 13-08-2015 and last on 17-09-2015 and after completionof duty last batch arrived in Pakistan from KSA on 03-11-2015. The said contingenttraveled phase-wise.

(d) No journalist was accompanied with the Khudam-ul-Hujjaj.

(e) Detail of total expenditure incurred on each pilgrim during Hajj-2015:

——————————————————————————————Particular Karachi/ Other

Quetta/ StationsSukkur (Rs.) (Rs.)

——————————————————————————————

Air Fare (including CAA charges 89,700 98,700and all taxes)

Rent of accommodation at Makkah 87,000 87,000Mukarramah alongwith board and lodging services.

Rent of accommodation at Madinah 17,400 17,400

Compulsory Hajj Dues(CHD) = 57,971 57,971SR.1999/-

Service Charges including 3,500 3,500expenditure on welfare staff,cost of training and vaccination

Hujjaj Mohafiz Fund 400 400——————————————————————————————

Total (in Rupees) 255,971 264,971——————————————————————————————

Difference of rent in accommodation, both in Makkah & Madinah, wasrefunded to Hujjaj.

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165. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan:


(a) the appointments made in the Islamabad Electric SupplyCompany (IESCO) during the year 2014-15 alongwith the detailsthereof;

(b) whether it is a fact that rules have been violated by making saidrecruitments; and

(c) whether it is also a fact that 87 persons have been recruitedillegally in IESCO during the said period; if so, the action takenagainst the responsibles therefor?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a):

After lifting of ban on recruitment under Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package vide Establishment Division’s letter dated28-7-2014 (Annex-A), five (5) posts of different categories wereadvertised in print media on 25-9-2014. List of appointees againstthe aforesaid vacancy notice is enclosed (Annex-B).

In the light of relaxation of ban on daily wages/contingent paid staffnotified vide Establishment Division’s office order No. 53/1/2013-SPdated 7-4-2014, one hundred and ninety five (195) contingent paidemployees have been engaged on daily wages against criticalrequirement of the core activities.

The Scrutiny Committee headed by Grade-19 officer of IESCOscrutinized and recommended those candidates who fulfill therequisite qualification and experience. Further, employees’children, women, disable and minority quota was also observedwhile engaging above daily wages employees. Detail of theseemployees is enclosed (Annex-C).

(b) No violation of rules has been made while making recruitments inIESCO. On devolution of WAPDA and establishment of corporateentities, it was decided vide PEPCO’s letter dated 9-12-2004 thatdistribution companies including IESCO will follow the Service Rulesof WAPDA till they shall formulate their own Service Rules or reviewthe existing Service Rules.

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As per Companies Ordinance, 1984 and Public Sector Companies(Corporate Governance) Rules, 2013, Board of Directors of thedistribution company concerned is empowered to formulate humanresource policies.

HR Committee of BoD time and again instructed IESCO’sManagement to frame/review HR Policy.

Committee headed by General Manager (Operation) was constitutedvide IESCO’s office order dated 8-1-2015 to examine eligibilitycriteria for appointment and promotion of all categories ofBS-17 and above officers in IESCO as prescribed in theirrespective Service Rules and submit its recommendations torevise the required qualification as per current requirement of thecompany.

BS-17 and above posts were advertised in accordance with therevised eligibility criteria as per direction of the Member, BoD whowas also chairman of the monitoring committee.

(c) After lifting of ban, on recruitment and obtaining concurrence/NOCfrom the Ministry of Water and Power, IESCO advertised 1,658vacant posts in BS-1 to 19 under general categories and 418 postsagainst 20 % employees’ children quota in the print media.

In pursuance of instruction contained in Establishment Division’sO.M. dated 3-3-2015, written test of eligible candidates wasconducted by engaging testing agency M/S Resource Access(Private) Limited for the posts in BS-6 and above from 30th May to3rd June, 2015.

Subsequently, interviews of shortlisted candidates against the positionsin BS-17 to 18 were conducted from 1st July to 16th July, 2015 andappointment letters were issued to 90 candidates. 87 selectedcandidates joined IESCO on 7-8-2015.

Recruitment process of remaining posts was stopped as per directionof the Ministry of Water and Power due to ongoing inquiry againstthe above recruitment process in IESCO.

Ministry of Water and Power/PEPCO has completed enquiryproceedings and resultantly Manager (HR) and there (3) other officersof IESCO have been placed under suspension and disciplinary actionhas been initiated against them, whereas, CEO, IESCO was alsoreplaced.

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One Mr. Manzoor Hussain Shah, Meter Reader has challenged thewhole recruitment process through Writ Petition in Islamabad HighCourt, Islamabad.

Islamabad High Court Islamabad passed the order to NAB & FIAto investigate the matter.

Now NAB & FIA are investigating the above recruitment process.

NAB has asked for information/record on 14-12-2015 and4-1-2016, which has been provided on 22-12-2015 and 10-2-2016,respectively.

NAB has issued notices to the involved officers.

FIA has also asked for information/record on 11-9-2015 and30-11-2015, which has been provided on 17-9-2015 & 2-12-2015,respectively.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

166. *Ms. Munaza Hassan:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that the cheaper Chinese imports are one ofthe causes of the vulnerable condition of the Pakistan Steel Mills,Karachi;

(b) if the answer to part (a) above is in the affirmative, whetherthere is any proposal under consideration of the Government tosave the said national asset; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Industries and Production (Mr. Ghulam MurtazaKhan Jatoi): (a) Yes, cheaper import especially HR material from China is onemajor cause of the vulnerable condition of the Pakistan Steel Mills.

(b) The Government in this connection has imposed 15% RegulatoryDuty (RD) on Steel Billet, Bars & Wire Rods and 05% RD on Cold RolledGalvanized (GP) Steel Sheets and imposed 12.5% RD on only HR “non alloy”products.

167. *Ms. Munaza Hassan:


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(a) whether it is a fact that the Government has started theconstruction work of 37,000 Apartments for low paid FederalGovernment employees on ownership basis; if so, the presentstatus thereof; and

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

Minister for Housing and Works (Mr. Akram Khan Durrani): (a)PHAF has started construction work of 5066 apartments for low paid FederalGovernment Employees on ownership basis whose details are given below:—

(b) The time for completion of above mentioned projects is about3 years.

168. *Rai Hasan Nawaz Khan:


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(a) the present share of thermal power (oil and gas) in the overallenergy mix graphs of generation in the country;

(b) whether it is a fact that the country meets more than 82 percentof oil requirements through imports; if so, the steps taken by theGovernment to reduce the import of oil and to increase itsproduction in the country?

Tranferred to Petroleum and Natural Resources Division for Answer onNext Rota Day.

169. *Rai Hasan Nawaz Khan:


(a) whether it is a fact that growers do not get reasonable prices ofwheat and sugar-cane in the country;

(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to make a proper systemfor fixation of support prices of crops having equal standardsfor the growers in provinces?

Minister for National Food Security and Research (Mr. SikandarHayat Khan Bosan): (a) Under the present scenario of international low pricesof food grains and high cost of production, growers of wheat and sugarcane cropsare not getting reasonable prices for their produce.

(b) Federal Government only fixes the support price of wheat, whereasprice fixation of sugarcane crop is in the purview of provincial governments underSugar Factories Control Act, 1950.

170. *Dr. Fozia Hameed:

Will the Minister for Industries and Production be pleased to statethe steps being taken by the Government to meet the demand of ureafertilizer for the next Kharif (Autumn) crops in the country?

Minister for Industries and Production (Mr. Ghulam MurtazaKhan Jatoi): A meeting was held in the Ministry of Industries & Production toreview the demand — supply situation of Urea fertilizer in the country onJanuary 11, 2016 and it was concluded after a detailed discussion with allstockholders that supply situation of Urea fertilizer is comfortable during

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ongoing Rabi Season (October 2015-March 2016). However, to review theDemand - Supply situation of Urea fertilizer and to plan for incoming KharifSeason (April 2016 - September 2016) a meeting of the Fertilizer ReviewCommittee (FRC) will be convened in mid of April 2016 in the Ministry ofIndustries and Production.

2. National Fertilizer Development Center, Ministry of Planning,Development and Reform, has also been consulted. They have informed that theKharif Season -2016 is expected to start with opening balance of 771 thousandtonnes of Urea fertilizer. The estimated total availability of urea during Kharif Season2016 is around 3471 thousand tones including the domestic production of 2700thousand tones. The estimated offtake of urea will be around 2900 thousand tones.So it is expected that the sufficient amount of Urea fertilizer will be availablethroughout the Kharif Season - 2016.

3. The Government of Pakistan has taken following steps for smoothavailability of Urea fertilizer in the country:

Supply of natural gas to Urea manufacturing plants has been improved.

In addition to natural gas the supply of RLNG has also improved theutilization of installed capacity.

4. The demand — supply forecasted situation for Kharif Season2016 is at (Annex-A).

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171. *Dr. Fozia Hameed:


(a) whether it is a fact that certified hepatitis B and C vaccines arebeing sold in the Market, if so, the procedure adopted by theGovernment to differentiate between them; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to safeguard the peoplefrom such duplication?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and

Coordination: (a) Preventive medicine for Hepatitis C and certified vaccines forhepatitis B are being sold in the market. WHO guidelines are being followedby the Government for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment for both typesof ailments.

(b) Government has initiated an independent program namely “PrimeMinister National Hepatitis Control Program” which is catering theneed of ailing community. The program is executed through therespective provinces.

National Control Laboratory for Biologicals is an institutional armresponsible for lot release ensuring the safety, efficacy and qualityfor all vaccines before supplies of vaccines in market.

Government in collaboration with USAID deliver project hasdeveloped state of art logistic system for safe transportation andstorage of vaccines.

On the advice of Federal Government initiative, Government ofPunjab has notified a Joint Committee consisting of Secretaries ofHealth, environment social welfare school education for preventionand management of Hepatitis at all levels of its occurrence.

At Federal level Technical Advisory Group (TAG) comprising ofeminent hepatologists providing health vigil to masses for public safety.

Sofosbuvir, key drug for hepatitis C treatment was granted fast trackregistration for its free availability in market.

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172. *Ms. Parveen Masood Bhatti:


(a) the financial assistance provided by the Government of SaudiArabia to each of the heir of those Pakistanis which have beenmartyred in Mina incident; and

(b) the total number of heirs of said martyrs to whom financial aidhas been given so far?


Muhammad Yousaf): (a) No financial assistance has been provided by theGovernment of Saudi Arabia to the heirs of Pakistani hujjaj who embracedmartyrdom in Mina incident. However, as per Hajj policy in vogue, 74 victimfamilies of this incident have been compensated @ Rs.500,000/- per head underHujjaj Muhafiz Scheme(HMS) 2015.

(b) Out of 82 Pakistani pilgrims of Mina tragedy, this Ministrycompensated 74 nominees of the deceased Hujjaj @ Rs.500,000/- per headunder Hujjaj Muhafiz Scheme, while the rest will be compensated/finalized onreceipt of the supporting documents from their nominees. The nominees are beingcontacted through letters as well as through telephonic reminders.

173. *Ms. Shahida Akhtar Ali:

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination be pleased to state whether it is a fact that spuriousmedicines are being sold in the markets; if so, the steps being takenby the Government in this regard?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: The regulation of sale of medicines, under the drugs Act, 1976, isthe provincial subject, for which respective governments have been requested toreply. Since the question primarily lies with the provincial governments, hence theprovincial governments may reply with respect to their provinces. However thefederal government has taken some steps for eradication of spurious medicines inthe markets.

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Steps taken by the DRAP for eradication of Spuriousmedicines in the country

Under the DRAP Act, 2012, in addition to the allopathic drugs, anumber of other therapeutic goods have also been included for theirregulations, which include alternative medicines, medical devices,health and OTC products, medicated cosmetics, etc. and for thatmatter a comprehensive exercise of making rules for providinginfrastructure and legal framework.

For the removal of spurious medicines in the country it was necessaryto attend the matters of licensing, registering, quality control,pricing etc. of pharmaceuticals and biologicals, for which properconstitution of respective Boards and Committees was required underthe Drugs Act, 1976 and the DRAP Act, 2012, which has beenaccomplished.

To decide the cases related to matters of medicines including spurious,various Courts (Drug Courts) and Boards like Liciencing, Registrationand Appellate, have been established which are functional.

Strengthening of the Authority was the key step to remove the spuriousmedicines from the market hence, measures has been taken toimprove infrastructure for monitoring of drug quality and incidenceof availability of spurious medicines:

o Rules have been framed in quite a number of disciplines.

o DRAP has also established its field offices in all the provincesof Pakistan. The Federal Inspectors of Drugs / Assistant DrugsControllers are posted at all the provincial and Federal capitalsand are primarily responsible for keeping a close watch on thequality of locally manufactured and imported drugs.

o On the technical side various Boards and Committees havebeen constituted under the Drugs Act, 1976. The CentralLicensing and Drug Registration Boards, which are the keyforums for regulation of drug quality, have been reconstitutedwith the aim to make those more independent, efficient andeffective.

25

o Drug Testing Laboratories play an important role for checkingthe drug samples The Central Drug Laboratory (CDL) andNational Control Laboratory for Biological (NCLB) areperforming this vital function of testing drug quality.

For making inspection of pharmaceutical manufacturers, a specializedand elaborated performa for evaluation of Good ManufacturingPractices (GMP) compliance, has been developed coveringmanufacturing processes, quality control facilities, area maintenanceand others.

Actions has been taken by DRAP against culprits involved in heinouscrime.

1. During the year 2015, more than 27000 samples were takenby the federal and provincial inspectors of drugs throughoutthe country, out of which only 3.36% were found to be out ofspecifications.

2. The DRAP suspended the production activities of 17 firms and15 are served show cause notices on non compliance of cGMP.

3. Recently the DRAP through Registration Board meetingsuspended / cancelled the registration of 20 drugs.

4. Several successful raids have been conducted by the DRAPofficers, with or without the collaboration of other agencies likeFIA or provincial Govt. etc., in the different provinces of thecountry and the culprits involved in this criminal activity havebeen arrested and are under investigation/trial.

The Chairman, Quality Control and five (05) area Federal Inspectorof Drugs conducted surprise visits of 12 firms namely M/s Gsk,M/s Byer, M/s Lilly, M/s Abbott, M/s Otsuka, M/s Novartis, M/sSanofi Aventis, M/s Getz, M/s Tabrose, M/s Reckitt and Benkensir,M/s AGP on 1-4th March,2016 to monitor the prices, before andafter the stay order by the Sindh Court, and also to ensure availabilityand quality of medicine.

26

On 29-02-2016, Deputy Director General Lahore and area FIDraided the Nisar Co Sargodha (distributor of GSK) on the directionof Division of Quality Assurance and Lab Testing. 03 batches ofAugmentin Tablets were drawn for test/analysis by Central DrugLaboratory Karachi.

On 29-02-2016, a raid was also conducted by the four (04)members team on Pakistan Medical Pharma Batganwala Sargodhaand two (02) suspected (Spurious) sample of Augmentin tablets weresent to Central Drug Testing Laboratory.

The Chairman, Quality Control and FID-I Islamabad conducted themarket survey of the 03 distributors regarding increase in price andavailability of medicine in February 2016.

That in February 2016 the FID Karachi, Mr. Abdul Rasool Shaikhvisited the market in Sindhi Muslim Housing Society Karachi andrecovered un-registered Capsules Reap purported to bemanufactured by M/s Everest Pharmaceuticals, Islamabad.

On 15-02-2016 and 16-02-2016 FID Lahore-III, Ms Aisha Irfan,visited the market under her area jurisdiction to check the availabilityof unregistered medicines. The FID recovered 19 tablets ofunregistered tablet of Everlong, Batch No.449, from M/s HafeezSons Medicine Company Opposite DHQ Hospital Lahore SargodhaRoad Sheikhupura. The recovered tablets have been seized by theFID for investigation.

Mrs. Majida Mujahid Federal Inspector of Drug Lahore visited 18medical stores to find any un-registered pack referred by theRegistration Division and not a single pack was recovered in thesepremises.

The FID Lahore, Mr. Ajmal Sohail Asif in February 2016 visitedM/s Fazal Din Pharma Plus, Main Market Gulberg II Lahore andfound one pack of unregistered M plus tablet. Then he visitedM/s Ahbab Pharma Distributor Gulberg III Lahore and found 96packs of un-registered M-plus (Montelukast+ Levocetirizine 2HCI.)tablets purported to be manufactured by M/s EverestPharmaceuticals. He took the samples for test/analysis and sent tothe Central Drug Laboratory Karachi.

27

A joint team of the FID Islamabad and Drug Inspector ICT inFebruary 2016 visited 22 medical stores to verify the availability ofunregistered drugs. It was reported that no unregistered drug wasrecovered from the stores inspected.

The FID Lahore in joint activity with FIA and Punjab healthdepartment on 06-01-2016 raided in various drug sale points andrecovered and seized the drug which was donated by USAID to thePakistan along with other drugs. The accused persons were arrestedand are under investigation by the FIA.

FID Islamabad has recovered smuggled medicines on 17-12-2013.Two persons were arrested. The culprits were sent behind the bar.The Drug Court sentenced nine months imprisonment and a fine ofRs.100, 000/- to each culprit.

Raids were conducted on 01-12-2014 on Khalid Pharmacy, DHA,Lahore and huge quantities of un-registered/ smuggled/ unwarrantedmedicines were recovered. The case was referred in Drug CourtLahore for prosecution against the culprits.

A raid was conducted by the team of DRAP headed by ChairmanQuality Control and assisted by the Provincial Drug Inspector on27-11-2015 at the premises M/S New Akbar Pharmacy IJP roadfaizabad Rawalpindi and recovered medicines (Alzera Tablet) withover pricing than fixed by the DRAP. Moreover, 5 samples weretaken for the test/analysis by the Laboratory.

The FID Lahore conducted a raid on 26-11-2015 at the premisesof Mono distributor satellite town Sargodha and recovered 53 packsunregistered medicines (Everlong Tablet). Provincial Inspector wasalso present during that raid. The matter is under investigation whilethe firm (M/s Everest Pharmaceuticals Islamabad) is under trial inthe Court.

On the information of DRAP office Islamabad, the provincial DrugInspector team of the DRAP conducted a raid on 24-11-2015 atthe premises of Pharma distributor Shamas abad Multan andrecovered 300 packs unregistered medicines (Everlong Tablets).Manufactured by Everest Pharmaceuticals Islamabad. The matter is

28

under investigation while the firm (M/s Everest PharmaceuticalsIslamabad) is under trial in the Court.

Raids were made on medical store near NIH, Islamabad on18-092015 where un-registered drugs were recovered and stockswere seized with higher than approved prices. The case has beenfiled and is under investigation.

The FID Peshawar has conducted a raid and recovered “SuperSkoon Tablets” 07th August 2015 which were declared“un-registered” by the Federal Government Analyst, Central DrugsLaboratory, Karachi. The case is under investigation by the FID.

A raid was conducted at Peshawar from where un-registered drugnamely “Afex-M Capsules” 30th July 2015 was recovered. Thecase is under investigation by the concerned Federal Inspector ofDrugs.

A raid was conducted on a licensed pharmaceutical unit in Islamabadon 27-02-2015 which was involved in manufacturing of un-registereddrugs. The culprits were arrested and matter is under prosecution.

The FID Lahore has conducted a raid on Chaudhary Medicine,Multan Road Lahore on 28-11-2014 where unregistered drugs wererecovered. The case is under investigation by the FID.

The FID, Karachi has conducted a raid on Pioneer Distributors,Karachi and recovered huge quantity of spurious drugs. The casehas been filed and is under investigation.

The FID, Lahore has conducted a raid on Warsola Corporation,Lahore and recovered un-registered vaccines. The case has beenfiled and is under investigation.

174. *Ms. Shahida Akhtar Ali:


(a) the department/institution which is responsible for carrying outthe work of maintenance/repair of Government quarters inIslamabad; and

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(b) the number of years after which maintenance/repair of saidquarters is carried out?

Minister for Housing and Works (Mr. Akram Khan Durrani): (a) InIslamabad there are two departments/ institutions i.e Pak. PWD and CDA whoare responsible for carrying out the work of maintenance/ repair of Governmentquarters. Presently Pak.PWD, is carrying out the repair/maintenance of quarterslocated in Sector G-8, G-9, G-10, G-11, I-8 and I-9 including APO Houses inSector F-6, F-7 and F-8 Islamabad.

(b) The day to day maintenance of the quarters is carried out on thecomplaints of allottees and no major repair/ maintenance is carried out 5 to 6years due to meager funds.

175. *Mr. Sajid Ahmed:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony bepleased to state the steps being taken by the Government to reducethe expenditures of Hajj 2016?


Muhammad Yousaf): The Hajj package includes four types of payments as perdetail given below:—

Accommodation charges.Air fare.Compulsory Hajj Dues.Service charges.

The accommodation is being hired by the Pakistan Hajj Mission. Themission has been directed to hire good condition buildings with the minimum cost.The intending pilgrim will require to pay accommodation charges along with theirapplications which will be charged on actual rate of the building where he / she willbe accommodated. The balance amount if any will be refunded in Pak Rupees tothe pilgrims before their departure.

The airfare is paid directly to the airlines and Ministry is in process ofnegotiation with airlines for reduction in airfare as rate of fuel cost in the Internationalmarket is at its minimum.

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Compulsory Hajj Dues are paid to respective Saudi Authorities in SaudiRiyals. Because of increase in the parity of Rupee-riyals, the pilgrims have to paymore in Rupees.

A nominal amount will be charged from each pilgrim on account of servicecharges which includes vaccination, training, awareness and provision of services/staff to facilitate their stay in KSA.

The Government tried to keep the expenditure on hajj as low as possibleand would continue the same in Hajj-2016. Due to the efforts of the GovernmentHajj Package 2015 is not exceeded from the package of Hajj 2014 as per detailgiven below:——————————————————————————————

Year North Region South Region(Punjab & KPK) (Sindh & Balochistan)

——————————————————————————————2014 Rs. 272,231 Rs. 262,2312015 Rs. 264,971 Rs. 255,971

——————————————————————————————The Policy for Hajj-2016 has not been finalized as yet.

176. *Mr. Sajid Ahmed:


(a) the time by which the Prime Minister’s National HealthProgramme will be started; and

(b) the benefits to be occurred therefrom?

Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: (a) Prime Minister’s National Health Program (PMNHP) has beenlaunched by the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan on 31st December 2015.

Islamabad is the first district where indoor hospitalization services to theenrolled beneficiaries have been started from 1st January 2016.

Muzaffarabad is the second district where program will be launchedduring the month of February 2016.

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PMNHP is working to launch the program in remaining 13 districtsof Balochistan, Punjab, AJK, FATA and Gilgit Baltistan duringcurrent financial year.

(b) Through Prime Minister’s National Health Program (PMNHP) indoorhospitalization services will be provided to the enrolled beneficiary families.

Each enrolled family will be ensured up to Rs: 50,000 per family peryear for secondary health care services and up to Rs: 250,000 perfamily per year for 7 priority diseases treatment.

Secondary care treatment includes gynecological and obstetricalmanagement along with minor surgical and medical ailments.

Seven (7) Priority diseases includes (1) Cardiovascular diseases,(2) Diabetes Mellitus related complications management which requirehospitalization, (3) Emergency and Trauma management, (4) Endstage renal diseases management, (5) Organ failure management, (6) Chronic infections complications management (Hep-C, Hep-B,HIV complications) and (7) Oncological (Cancer) management.

Indoor health care services also includes all diagnostics and laboratoryinvestigations required for hospital admission. It also includes postdischarge treatment for a duration of 5 days.

177. *Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to refer to StarredQuestion No.161 replied on 13-01-2016 and to state:

(a) the responsibility of Government to settle the matterregarding recoveries of Independent Power Plants (IPPs);

(b) whether the Government fulfilled its responsibilities prior toIPPs approached to international arbitration;

(c) whether this is amount to give bad name to the countryparticularly with regard to bring investment in the field of power;and

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(d) the steps being taken to settle the said matter by the Governmentitself?

Minister for Water and Power (Kawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) It isthe responsibility of the Government to settle the matter regarding payment betweenPower Purchaser and IPPs because the Government has given Guarantee, whichis part of the security document in the form of Implementation Agreement (IA).

(b) NTDC has fulfilled its responsibility under the respective PowerPurchase Agreement to resolve the disputes before offering the same to InternationalArbitration.

(c) This amount does not give a bad name to the country because theseare disputes under PPA between two commercial entities.

(d) All the steps provided in Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) aretaken to resolve the disputes.

178. *Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:


(a) whether it is a fact that budget has been allocated by the presentGovernment to repair electric transformers;

(b) whether it is also a fact that burnt transformers in citiesparticularly in rural areas are being repaired by collectingcharges from the local persons; and

(c) whether it is further a fact that the employees of PowerTransmission Departments give electricity connections privatelythrough illegal means; if so, the steps being taken by theGovernment to curb said practice?

Minister for Water and Power (Kawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) Therepair and maintenance of electric transformers is being made out of distributionmargin of DISCOs allowed by NEPRA. Therefore, Government is not allocatingfunds for the purpose.

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(b) No contribution is being collected from consumers of generalduty/public transformers. However, cost of replacement/ repair of electrictransformers of independent/dedicated connections are recovered from respectiveconsumers through Demand Notice/Bank Challan.

(c) It is not fact that employees of Power Transmission Departmentsgive electricity connections privately through illegal means.

179. *Ms. Shakila Luqman:


(a) whether any survey is being conducted to start the project ofMahmand Dam at Mahmand Agency on River Swat for theGeneration of electricity;

(b) if so, the time by which the construction work will be startedthereupon?

Minister for Water and Power (Kawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) Thesurvey work and Geotechnical Investigations presently being carried out areexpected to be completed by September 30, 2016.

(b) Project is in “Study Phase” and its Detailed Engineering Design,Preparation of PC-I & Tender Documents are in progress. So far 68.5% of thedetailed design study has been completed.

Construction work will be started after the completion of detailed designstudy, financing arrangement and approval of PC-I.

180. *Ms. Shakila Luqman:


(a) whether it is a fact that Ministry has declared 25 districts in thecountry including Islamabad as sensitive for hepatitis;

(b) if so, the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

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Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination: (a) Yes, according to National Hepatitis Survey (2008), there are25 high hepatitis risk districts in Pakistan.

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(b) Federal Government has recognized hepatitis as a major public healththreat in Pakistan and carried out following steps for its prevention and control;

i. A National Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on hepatitis hasbeen formulated that has been gazette notified by the federalgovernment. It has experts from all Provinces and from World HealthOrganization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), USA. This group of hepatitis experts’ advice the Federaland Provincial governments on issues related to hepatitis usingscientific authentic references and not wishes.

ii. Very aggressive awareness campaigns have been launched usingelectronic media (Radio/TV talk shows) and print media(news articles) to create awareness about risk factors of disease andhow to prevent them.

iii. An Infection control campaign has been implemented in 25high hepatitis districts of the country. Poor infection controlpractices and improper sterilization of medical devices in healthcare is the major reason for disease spread in Pakistan. ThereforeWHO and Pakistan Medical Research Council have jointlydeveloped infection control guidelines, posters, small pocket bookin Urdu for each health care provider and also supplied heavyduty WHO approved needle cutters and sharp containers to allBHUs, RHCs, DHQ, THQs and tertiary care hospitals of 26districts of Pakistan. Materials have been sent, trainings done andnow monitoring is being done.

iv. Registration of branded sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) and its 9 generics forthe treatment of HCV is done at much discounted rates and thetreatment is available all over Pakistan.

v. Development of Hepatitis C Treatment Guidelines in consultationwith provincial health departments, WHO and CDC.

vi. Development of National Hepatitis Strategy in consultation withprovincial health departments, WHO and CDC.

ISLAMABAD: QAMAR SOHAIL LODHI,The 24th March, 2016 Acting Secretary.

PCPPI—0495 (2016) NA—24-03-2016—650.

1

(30th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Friday, the 25th March, 2016

39. Ms. Khalida Mansoor:(Deferred during 20th Session)

Will the Minister for Water and Power pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken by the Ministry to prepare subject-wise list oftitles of all laws and rules made thereunder with reference tobusiness allocated to it and its attached departments under theRules of Business, 1973;

(b) the subject-wise details thereof;

(c) whether steps have been taken by the Ministry to consolidateand amend the said laws and rules to keep pace with changes inthe society, if so, the details; if not, the reasons thereof;

(d) the steps taken by the Ministry to determine the anomalies,inconsistencies and difficulties in the administration of said lawsand rules; and

(e) the details of Officers/Branches designated therefor?

Reply not received. 31. Aijaz Hussain Jakhrani:

(Deferred during 27th Session)


2

(a) the total number of Flour Mills in Islamabad at present;

(b) whether monthly quotas have been prescribed by theGovernment for the said Flour Mills; if so, the details thereof;and

(c) the month-wise quota received by said Mills separately duringthe years 2010 to 2015?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

22. Ms. Shaista Pervaiz:(Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to refer toUn-Starred Question No. 36 replied on 25-11-2015 and to state:

(a) the role of Government for allocation of funds for allignment ofLT and aerial electricity wires, transformers and other works;and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to do the said work byitself instead of relying on sponsoring agencies/functionaries?

Reply not reveived.

93. Ms. Mussarrat Ahmadzeb:(Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state whether itis a fact that the loadshedding schedule for electricity in Swat hasbeen fixed; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): Loadshedding schedule for electricity in Swat and any other areas is being implementedon the basis of Composite Efficiency Index (CEI) formula/AT&C of the 11KVfeeders feeding power to the respective areas.

C.E.I = (100% Loss of Units) x % Recovery100

In addition to above load management, Swat area is disturbed a little dueto system constraints which includes over loading of 132KV circuits, power

3

transformers installed in the Grid Stations and over loading of 11 KV lines feedingpower to the consumers of the Swat area.

The remedial measures taken includes construction of new 220KVgrid station at Chakdara which is expected to complete by the end of 2017and under construction 132KV line Chakdara — Swat.

@22. Mr. Jamshed Ahmad Dasti:(Deferred during 29th Session)

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to refer toUn-Starred Question No. 82 replied on 6-6-2014 and to state:

(a) whether the Ministry has evaluated the performance of relevantagencies with regard to demolish unauthorized construction madeby the residents of Government Flats of Sector I-8/1, Cat.IV,Islamabad; if so, the details thereof; and

(b) whether it is also a fact that illegal construction made in thesaid Sector is not being demolished; if so, the steps being takenin this regard?

Minister for Housing and Works (Mr. Akram Khan Durrani): (a)No evaluation of performance of relevant agencies have been made withregard to demolition of unauthorized constructions made by residents ofGovernment flats at I-8/1 Islamabad. However, a survey of Cat-IVGovernment accommodations in Sector I-8/1 has been initiated to trace outencroachments and further action shall be taken in the light of report onencroachments in I-8/1, Islamabad.

(b) The action against the defaulters shall be taken under Rule 19of Accommodation Allocation Rules, 2002 on compilation of survey report.

75 . Ms. Sajida Begum:(Deferred during 29th Session)

Will the Minister for National Health Services, Regulations andCoordination be pleased to state the names of doctors presently

——————————————————————————————————@ Tranferred from Capital Administration and Development Division.

4

working in the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad towhom NOCs have been issued by the Ministry for private practiceduring the tenure of the present Government?

Transferred to Capital Administration and Development Division foranswer on Next Rota Day.

1. Mrs. Shahida Rehmani:(Deferred on 14-03-2016)

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to state the totalamount incurred on the construction of Mega projects of electricitylaunched in the country by the present Government?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): Detailsof total amount incurred by various organizations under the administrative controlof Ministry of Water & Power are as under:—

WAPDA

Construction / rehabilitation works on following hydropower projects havebeen started by WAPDA during the tenure of present government, which areunder various stages of implementation:—

5

PEPCO/GENCO

Detail of RING and Coal based Power Projects launched in Public Sectorby the present Government is given below:—

6

12. Dr. Nafisa Shah:(Deferred on 14-03-2016)


(a) whether there is any circular debt in the Power Sector at present;

(b) if so, how much amount is owed at each stage and how does theGovernment intends to return it?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) PowerSector Circular Debt as on 31st January, 2016 was Rs. 337.7 billion.

(b) Month-wise circular debt position is at Annex-I.

Circular Debt takes place mainly due to non-availability of required fundsto pay off the liabilities of Power Generators. Had Power Sector received itsarrears, there would have no issue of circular debt.

7

At present, receivables from Provincial Governments stand Rs. 104 billionin addition to receivables of Rs. 60 billion and Rs. 32.5 billion from AJK & KESCrespectively. Total receivables stand Rs. 657.3 billion as on 31-01-2016.

The strength of power sector mainly depends upon the behavior of allstakeholders to meet their obligations relating to clear the liabilities of power sectoralong with provision of administrative support. Such measures/support would leadto eliminate the Power Sector Circular Debt.

However, in the regime of present government, DISCOs are vigorouslypursued by PEPCO management as well as MoW&P for making acceleratedrecoveries of arrears and current buying of electricity to be paid on due datewithin next month. Resultantly, a visible improvement has been observed whilecomparing the performance of DISCOs during the period from Jul-2013 toJan-2016 (Annex-II).

Ministry of Water and Power has signed performance contracts withDISCOs for improving the recovery position with benchmarking of their recoverieswith NEPRA targets and achieving improvements in all critical parameters. Anation-wide campaign has been launched to eliminate electricity theft. Special teams,assisted by FIA and other law enforcement agencies at provincial level, are carryingout raids against big energy thieves in an effective manner. The government hasalso enacted a law to curb theft of electricity.

In addition to above further steps have also been taken by the presentGovt. to control the circular debt:

Vigorous follow up on the development of Mega Hydel PowerProjects e.g. Bhasha, Neelum Jehlum and Dasu dam etc.

Conversion of existing Oil based plants to Coal based plants.

Development of Alternate Energy sources, which includes wind, solar,bagasse.

Steps are being taken to enhance the thermal efficiency of existingpower plants.

On materialization of Such measures, demand and supply gap aswell as cost of electricity would be reduced significantly, and ultimatelyload shedding and consumer and tariff will also be reduced resultingreduction in circular debt.

8

Annex-IMonthly Circular Debt Position

Bln. Rs.

——————————————————————————————Months Jun-15 Jul.-15 Aug.-15 Sep.-15 Oct.-15 Nov.-15 Dec.-15 Jan.-16——————————————————————————————Gas 2.0 2.0 0.3 0.7 - - - 2.0

Oil 67.7 58.8 60.0 68.3 66.3 71.5 69.1 71.7

IPPs 159.2 154.3 160.6 163.2 161.1 183.3 170.0 181.8

WAPDA Hydel 25.9 25.9 25.9 25.9 25.9 25.9 25.9 25.9

NTDC & Others 39.1 39.1 41.7 43.1 42.7 43.8 42.9 44.6

PHPL Debt Service 19.1 19.1 19.1 14.8 14.8 11.7 11.7 11.7——————————————————————————————Total 313.1 299.2 307.6 316.0 310.7 336.2 319.5 337.7

——————————————————————————————Annex-II

——————————————————————————————Collection % age Losses % age

——————————————————————————————DisCos FY 2013-14 FY 2014-15 FY 2015-16 DisCos FY 2013-14 FY 2014-15 FY 2015-16

(Jul.-Jan.) (Jul.-Jan.)——————————————————————————————LESCO 97.9% 95.9% 100.9% LESCO 13.5% 14.1% 12.3%

GEPCO 96.1% 97.1% 102.3% GEPCO 11.0% 10.7% 9.2%

FESCO 100.1% 100.1% 103.0% FESCO 11.3% 11.0% 7.5%

IESCO 90.4% 90.9% 89.8% IESCO 9.3% 9.4% 6.5%

MEPCO 96.0% 102.3% 100.5% MEPCO 17.5% 16.8% 15.6%

PESCO 86.3% 88.0% 87.4% PESCO 26.5% 27.1% 34.9%

HESCO 79.2% 78.2% 73.0% HESCO 38.6% 38.3% 24.8%

SEPCO 58.6% 57.8% 52.1% SEPCO 25.1% 23.9% 37.1%

QESCO 42.2% 32.6% 82.8% QESCO 33.9% 34.8% 23.3%

TESCO 8.0% 76.1% 62.6% TESCO 22.3% 21.4% 18.5%——————————————————————————————Total Disco 89.1% 89.2% 93.9% Total Disco 18.7% 18.7% 16.8%——————————————————————————————* TESCO collection includes Subsidy of Rs. 10 bln. in FY 2014-15 and Rs. 4 billion in FY 2015-16.

9

104. Maulana Muhammad Gohar Shah:

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

(a) the total number of Utility Stores in District Charsadda atpresent; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to open new Utility Stores in the said District; ifso, the details thereof?

Minister for Industries and Production (Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Khan

Jatoi): (a) At present 46 stores are functioning in District Charsadda, the list ofwhich is placed at Annex-A.

(b) At present there is no proposal for opening of new stores in DistrictCharsadda.

Annex-A

10

105. Mr. Sher Akbar Khan:

Will the Minister for Water and Power be pleased to refer toUn-Starred Question No.106 replied on 05-08-2015 and to state thetime by which the new transformer will be installed in the Bara Chowk,Chack No.44/15-L, Mian Channu, Tehsil Mian Channu, DistrictKhanewal?

Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): Multan

Electric Supply Company (MEPCO) has informed that work regarding installationof 100 KVA electric transformer of Chak No. 44/15-L, Tehsil Mian Channu,District Khanewal has been completed on 1-3-2016, which is working satisfactorily.

106. Mr. Nazir Ahmed Bughio:


(a) whether it is a fact that electric cable has been stolen in SectorI-16, Islamabad; if so, the estimated cost thereof; and

(b) the time by which the cable and poles will be installed to restorethe electricity in the said Sector?

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Minister for Water and Power (Khawaja Muhammad Asif): (a) SectorI-16, Islamabad is newly developed Sector by the Capital Development Authority(CDA) Islamabad. Presently, very small numbers of houses i.e. around 40 houseshave been constructed at scattered locations in this Sector, having no propersecurity arrangements by the CDA. The area is remote, un-attended and risky totravel especially during night time.

The theft incident occurred at night time during forced load shedding andduring heavy fog. Unknown thieves have stolen HT/LT conductor at differentoccasions and at different locations. IESCO has reported thirteen (13) such theftincidents to Police Station concerned for registration of FIR, out of which six (6)FIRs have been registered with Police Station Tarnol and Noon in Islamabad. Thevalue of stolen material as per current market price is Rs. 6.47 million.

(b) The re-erection of electric cables and poles can be carried out bythe IESCO within two (2) months subject to provision of funds/ material by thesponsoring agency i.e. CDA as the safety and security of IESCO’s installations isthe responsibility of CDA. However, facility of electricity is available to all housesof the I-16 Sector.

ISLAMABAD: QAMAR SOHAIL LODHI,The 24th March, 2016. Acting Secretary.

PCPPI—0495 (2016) NA—24-03-2016—650.