1 (22nd Session) NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT ————— “QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES” to be asked at a sitting of the National Assembly to be held on Monday, the 18th May, 2015 95. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan: (Deferred during the 20th Session) Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state: (a) the country-wise total number of the vehicle’s scanners planned to import during the tenure of previous Government alongwith the cost thereof; (b) the total number of said scanners imported alongwith the locations of installation thereof; (c) the performance of the said scanners; and (d) the number of such scanners proved useful alongwith the present condition thereof? Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day. 4. *Ms. Asyia Naz Tanoli: (Deferred during the 21st Session) Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state: (a) the percentage of foreign funds incurred on the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) so far; (b) the country-wise total amount of funds given for IDPs so far; and
Transcript
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(22nd Session)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT
—————
“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”
to be asked at a sitting of the National Assembly to be held on
Monday, the 18th May, 2015
95. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan:(Deferred during the 20th Session)
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:
(a) the country-wise total number of the vehicle’s scanners plannedto import during the tenure of previous Government alongwiththe cost thereof;
(b) the total number of said scanners imported alongwith thelocations of installation thereof;
(c) the performance of the said scanners; and
(d) the number of such scanners proved useful alongwith the presentcondition thereof?
Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.
4. *Ms. Asyia Naz Tanoli:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:
(a) the percentage of foreign funds incurred on theInternally Displaced Persons (IDPs) so far;
(b) the country-wise total amount of funds given for IDPs so far; and
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(c) the contribution in terms of funds made by the FederalGovernment for IDPs living in various camps at present?
Minister for States and Frontier Regions (Lt. Gen. (Retd.)Abdul Qadir Baloch): (a) No foreign funds have been received for FATA DisasterManagement Authority (FDMA) to be given to Temporarily Dislocated Persons(TDPs) of FATA.
(b) As stated above.
(c) The Federal Government has sanctioned funds for the TDPs living invarious camps as under:—
(i) Rs. 760.909 Million for TDPs Camp Baka Khel FR Bannu establishedfor the North TDPs.
(ii) Rs. 27.672 Million for payment of electricity charges bills of JalozaiCamp Nowshera and Tough Sarai TDPs Camp Hangu wherein FATATDPs are residing at present.
32. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan be pleasedto state the steps being taken by the Government to promote educationin Azad Jammu and Kashmir?
Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (Mr. Muhammad
Barjees Tahir): In the case of AJ&K, being a special territory, the subject ofEducation is already in the domain of Government of AJ&K. Hence, the Ministryof Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan is not directly dealing with the subject ofEducation relating to the AJ&K. However, the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs &Gilgit-Baltistan is facilitating the AJ&K in the following areas of education:—
• Stipends for students of AJ&K.
• Coordination for admission in professional institutions of Pakistan asper quota.
• Distribution of Laptops amongst students.
• Construction of Medicals colleges through PSDP.
• Schools repairs.
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35. *Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan be pleasedto state the steps being taken by the Government to promote educationin Gilgit-Baltistan?
Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (Mr. MuhammadBarjees Tahir): The Government of GB is mandated to deal with subject ofEducation. Hence, the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan is not directlydealing with the subject of Education relating to the Gilgit-Baltistan. However, theMinistry of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit-Baltistan is facilitating the Gilgit-Baltistan inthe following areas of education:—
• Distribution of laptops.
• Coordination for admission in professional institutions of Pakistan asper quota.
• Recent announcements of the Prime Minister of Pakistan regardingestablishment of Baltistan University at Skardu, and establishment ofKIU Campuses at Diamer, Ghizar and Hunza-Nagar.
• Construction of Cadet College, Chilas.
• Regularization and enhancement of Honorarium to Basic EducationCommunity Schools (BECS).
39. *Ms. Parveen Masood Bhatti:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan be pleasedto state the names of the development projects in Gilgit-Baltistanplanned by the present Government so far?
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Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan (Mr. MuhammadBarjees Tahir):——————————————————————————————
Name of the Scheme——————————————————————————————26 MW Hydro Power Project Shagarthang (ADB)
30 MW Hydro Power Project Ghowari on Shavoke River, Ghanche
4 MW Hydel Project at Thack Nullah Chilas (ADB)
Construction of 14 MW Hydel Power Project Naltar-V
Construction of 16 MW Hydel Power Project Naltar-III
New Schemes
Establishment of Regional Grid, Gilgit Baltistan——————————————————————————————
WATER AND POWER DIVISION——————————————————————————————
Name of the Scheme——————————————————————————————Basho Hydro Power Project (28 MW) (Skardu) (Study)
Bunji Hydro Power Project (7100 MW) (PC-II) (Gilgit)
Construction of Diamer Basha Dam Project (4500 MW) (Land Acquisition)
Construction of Diamer Basha Dam Project lot 1 to 5 (4500 MW)
Harpo Hydro Power Project Skardu (Gilgit Baltistan)
Shyok Dam Multipurpose Project (Feasibility Study)——————————————————————————————
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INFORMATION BROADCASTING AND NATIONAL HERITAGEDIVISION
Interconnect Billing and Customer Support System for SCO, AJK and GB
Laying of OFC to connect remote areas of GB and AJK
construction of cross border optical fiber cable (OFC) system between Chinaand Pakistan for international connectivity of voice/ data traffic (GB)——————————————————————————————
INTERIOR DIVISION——————————————————————————————
Name of the Scheme——————————————————————————————Acquisition of land for construction/ Establishment of Force HQ GB Scouts and113wing at Gilgit (GL-0436)
Construction of accomodation for HQ GB Scouts and 112 Wing at Skardu(GL 0084)
Construction of Accomodation for HQ GB Scouts and 114 wing at Skardu(GL 0099)
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Construction of Hospital Bldg for GB Scouts Garrison at Minawar Gilgit(GL-0434)
Construction of Long Firing range Approach Tracks and remaining boundary wallof GB Scouts Skardu Garrison (GL-435)
Construction of Long Firing Range Approach tacks Assault course and remainingboundary wall of GB Scouts Garrison at Minawar Gilgit (GL-0768)
Construction of non residential buildings and other facilities for force HQ GBScouts and 113 Wing at Gilgit (GL-0096)
Construction of Play Ground, Mosque MT Workshop etc. and other facilities forHQGB Scouts and 112 Wing at Skardu (GL-0100)
Construction of residential and non residential building for 112 wingGB Scouts Skardu (GL-0098)
Construction of residential buildings for Force HQ GB Scouts and 113 Wing atGilgit (GL-0097)
Construction of single and married Accn for officers / JCOs for HQ GB Scoutsand 113 Wing at Gilgit (GL-0083)
Construction of SM Bks or married Accn etc for HQ GB Scouts and 113 Wing atGilgit (GL-0082)
Construction of Wing Office, quarter guard, JCOs Mess, officers Mess and Accnetc. for HQ GB Scouts and 113 Wing at Gilgit (GL-0081)External Water Supply to HQ FC at Gilgit (GB)
Acquisition of land for const/Estab of Force HQ GB Scouts and 112 Wing atSkardu (GL-0423)
Construction of FC line & office at Jutial Gilgit GB (Phase-II)——————————————————————————————
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NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES, REGULATION ANDCOORDINATION DIVISION
INTER PROVINCIAL COORDINATION DIVISION——————————————————————————————
Name of the Scheme——————————————————————————————Laying of Synthetic Hockey Turf at Gilgit Improvement of Naltar Ski Slope atNaltar GB——————————————————————————————
COMMUNICATION DIVISION——————————————————————————————
Name of the Scheme——————————————————————————————Jalkhad – Chilas Road (N-15) (66km) (Chilas)Relignment of KKH and barrier lake Attabad, Hunza, GB (17 Km) New (7kmRehab) (Hunza GB) (China)
Rehab/imp/widening of KKH (Raikot- Khunjrab) Section 335km (GB) (EximBank China)
Feasibility study for const. of Babusar TunnelImprovement of widening of Jhaglot – Skardu Road (S-1, 167km)——————————————————————————————
Name of the Scheme——————————————————————————————Establishment of Karakorum International University Gilgit (Revised)
Estab of Engineering faculty at Gilgit and Skardu campus of Karakorum internationalUniversity Gilgit——————————————————————————————
PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM DIVISION——————————————————————————————
Name of the SchemeLowering of Water in Attabad Landslide lake (Hunza) Special Federal DevelopmentProgram/ Projects for GB——————————————————————————————
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42. *Dr. Nafisa Shah:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state the steps being taken by the Ministryfor registration and social security of home based workers?
Reply not received
43. *Dr. Nafisa Shah:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:
(a) the import bill for the current year alongwith the resulting tradedeficit thereof; and
(b) the reasons for the decline of exports during the said period?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) Theimport bill during July-March 2014-15 (latest available data) is US$ 34 billionand trade deficit during said period is USS 16.1 billion.
(b) There has been a rise of 21% in Pakistan’s exports to the EuropeanUnion in 2014, which translates into an additional export of US$ 1.3 billion.However, the reasons for the decline of exports during said period are as under:—
(i) Decrease in International prices of commodities: There hasbeen a global trend of decrease in prices of cotton and rice. Thesecommodities have seminal importance in Pakistan’s exports and thedecrease in prices has adversely affected Pakistan’s exports. Theaverage unit price (AUP) of non-basmati rice, which constitutes 70%of Pakistan’s rice exports by value, declined by 2%; similarly, theAUP of cotton and yarn have declined by 78% and 10% respectively.
(ii) Increase in Cost of Production: While the prices of agriculturalcommodities have declined, the cost of production in Pakistan hasincreased due to increased energy and other input costs. Pakistan’sranking in Global Competitiveness Index decreased from 128th in2013-14 to 129th in 2014-15.
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(iii) Depreciation of USS and Euro against Pak. Rupee:-Theappreciation of Pak Rupee during the period Jul-Jan of the currentfinancial year as compared to the corresponding period of previousyear, has made Pakistan’s exports less competitive. The averageexchange rate of USD vis-à-vis PKR, during the period July 2014to January 2015 remained 100.183 as compared to 104.076 duringthe corresponding period of the previous year. Consequently, the3.73% decrease in exports in dollar terms during the first 7 monthstranslates into 7.3% decline in rupee terms. The impact of PKRappreciation was compounded by 6% depreciation of Euro vis-à-visinternational currencies during the period July 2014 to January 2015compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. Itfurther affected competitiveness of Pakistan’s exports in the Eurozone thus offsetting a part of advantage of GSP Plus.
(vi) Lack of Research and Development:-Research and developmenthas traditionally been a low priority both in the public and privatesectors. For instance, there is near absence of development of newhigh yielding varieties of cotton and rice. India has developed manybasmati and basmati-look-alike (non-basmati) varieties during thelast few years whereas Pakistan has failed to develop any basmativariety during the last 30 years. Consequently, the traditional marketsof basmati rice are being gradually grabbed by India with high yieldingbasmati varieties. Though lack of R&D is a long term issue, its adverseimpact is becoming increasingly pronounced.
49. *Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the steps beingtaken by the Government to find import substitution particularly withreference to increasing import bill of the country?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): Under themulti-lateral trading arrangement of World Trade Organization (WTO), importsubstitution policies erodes the competitiveness, therefore, Pakistan does not followany Import Substitution Policy since last two decades. Pakistan Trade Policies aregeared toward export enhancement and creating a decent trade balance.
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50. *Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:
(a) the agency-wise total number of Transient Displaced Persons(TDPs) repatriated to the Federal Administered Tribal Areas(FATA) so far; and
(b) the steps being taken by the Government to reconstruct thedestroyed infrastructure in FATA?
Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen. (Retd.) AbdulQadir Baloch]: (a) “The agency-wise total number of the Transit Dislocatedfamilies repatriated to Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) so far is1,91,183 as per following details below:—
Bajaur : 72895
Khyber : 41196
Kurram : 21937
Mohmand : 36759
NWA : 505
SWA : 7379
Orakzai : 8660
FR Tank : 1852
Total: 191183
(b) “The Federal Government in consultation with all stake holders havetaken steps as stated at Annex I to reconstruct the destroyed infrastructure inFATA.”
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Annex
FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARILY DISLOCATED PERSONS (TDPs)RETURN AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMME
Rs. In Million————————————————————————————————————————
PHASE PERIOD TRANSPORT CASH Immediate Housing Total Amount toCOMPENS- GRANT @ Rehabilita- Subsiding Immediate be releasedATION @ Rs. 25000/- tion Require- by
Total 3,301.2 8,548.01 5353.6 32,996 50,198.81————————————————————————————————————————Financial Requirement for “Permanent Reconstruction” 30,164 Spread over
3 yearsGrand Total (immediate requirement + Permanent Reconstruction 80,362.81————————————————————————————————————————
51. *Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for Textile Industry be pleased to state:
(a) the total amount of domestic cotton being utilized in the textileindustry at present; and
(b) the total amount of cotton required to be imported for the saidpurpose?
Minister for Textile Industry: (a) Average mill consumption of lastfive years (2010-14) is 14.27 million bales of 170kg. (2426000. MT)
(b) Average imports of cotton during last five (2010-14) years are 1.77million bales of 170kg. (302000M.T), While the average exports during lastfive year 2010-14 were recorded at 0.903 million bales, 154000 M.T.
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53. *Ms. Aisha Syed:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for Sates and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:
(a) the total number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) whohave returned to their homes so far; and
(b) the package of financial assistance given to them by theGovernment?
Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul
Qadir Baloch]: (a) “So far 178,142 TDPs have returned to their homes up to25th April, 2015.”
(b) “The following financial package are being provided to TemporaryDislocated Persons (TDPs) returnees families on return to their areas of origin:—
i. One time Return Cash Grant per family Rs. 25,000/-
ii. Transport Cash Grant per family Rs. 10,000/-
54. *Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the year-wisetrade made with Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, China and Iran duringthe last four years alongwith the details thereof?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): Details oftotal trade with Afghtanistan, lran, Saudi Arabia and China for the last five yearsare given below:
Afghanistan——————————————————————————————Years Exports Imports Total——————————————————————————————2010-11 2337 172 25092011-12 2250 199 24492012-13 2066 288 23542013-14 1871 360 2030——————————————————————————————*Source PBS Values in million in US $
2013-14 2,416 7,772 10,189——————————————————————————————*Source PBS Values in million in US $
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57. *Mr. Iftikhar Ud Din:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:
(a) whether Refugees Affected and Hosting Areas (RAHA) has anyplan to initiate projects considered vital in the areas of DistrictChitral that hosted Afghan Refugees; and
(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Ministryfor extending benefits of RAHA or UN Projects to improve therural roads in the areas of said district; if so, when it will beimplemented?
Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul
Qadir Baloch]: (a) RAHA has plans to initiate vital projects in District Chitralaccording to the new project selection approval process recently issued on10-3-2015. According to this new process each district of KPK shall proposetwo most needed projects in the health, education, infrastructure, WATSAN andlivelihood sectors for implementation subject to SAFRON’s approval andavailability of successive funding by donors. Thus, within next 2-3 months, DistrictChitral would also propose ten (10) projects in the said sectors within RAHA’ sproject selection criteria.
(b) RAHA program’s key objective is to create cohesion between theARs and their host communities. All the development works done by RAHA inthe said 5 sectors is to support this main objective and provide some relief to thehost communities. Thus this program is a humanitarian and NOT a developmentprogram.
Therefore, RAHA does not have the mandate to construct metalled roadsin the rural areas of the districts. RAHA only builds small sized PCC roads (Farmto Market) on humanitarian basis in villages which are presently hosting the ARs tofacilitate transportation and improve the local environment in the hosting areahabitats. At present, there is no such proposal considering at the Ministry but ifany such projects like small sized PCC roads projects are proposed from DistrictAdministrator Chitral in coming few months. They will be processed & executedaccording to laid down procedure.
Chitral District may also propose 2 such small sized PCC Roads projectsin the coming 2-3 months under the new project selection process.
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59. *Mr. Imran Zafar Leghari:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:
(a) the details of cases of corruption and misappropriationdetected in the National Insurance Company Limited during thelast five years alongwith the names of persons involved therein;
(b) the action taken against the responsibles thereof; and
(c) the steps being taken by the Government to control the same?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) Thefollowing cases of corruption and misappropriation surfaced in NICL in the lastfive years. The detail including names of accused, action taken and steps taken tocontrol such cases is enclosed as Annexure-A.
• The Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan took Suo Moto noticeon October 12, 2010 and initiated legal proceedings in Suo MotoCase No. 18/2010 regarding violation of Public ProcurementRegulatory Authority (PPRA) Rules, 2004 in purchase of propertiesby NICL. The Secretary Commerce, on behalf of the State and onthe directions of the Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan, requestedFederal Investigation Agency (FIA) to register following five (5) FirstInformation Reports (FIRs) against the involved persons.
• FIR No. 21 of 2010 was registered by FIA regarding purchase ofplot of land measuring 10 acres by NICL in Karachi in August, 2009on exorbitant rates. On the directions of Supreme Court the subjectplot was re-evaluated by NESPAK for Rs. 412.61 million. Thedifferential amount of Rs.490 million stands recovered. The matterwas fixed before Accountability Court No. 3 at Karachi on11th April, 2015 and has been adjourned without any proceedingsuntil 2nd May, 2015.
• FIR No. 24 of 2010 was registered by FIA to probe into thematter of purchase of 803 Kanal land by NICL at Lahore onexorbitant price of Rs.1, 686.30 million. The whole amount standsrecovered. The matter was fixed before NAB Court No. 3 in Karachi
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on 19th January, 2015 and has been disposed of after argumentsfrom both sides.
• FIR No. 29 of 2010 was registered by FIA regarding purchase of20 Kanal, 02 Marla Land in Lahore by NICL in 2009 for an amountof Rs.1, 065.30 million. The subject plot was re-evaluated byNESPAK for Rs. 562.50 million on the directions of the SupremeCourt. NICL has recovered Rs. 80.40 million, leaving the recoverablebalance of Rs. 422.40 million. This case was transferred from Courtof Special Judge (Anti-Corruption), Lahore to NAB Court No. 2,Lahore in compliance of the Supreme Court order dated22nd November, 2013. The matter was fixed for hearing on 16thApril, 2015 before Accountability Court No. 3 at Lahore and hasbeen adjourned until 09-05-2015.
• FIR No. 14 of 2010 was registered by FIA regarding purchase ofoffice space by NICL for an amount of Rs.1, 649.60 million at Dubai.On re-evaluation done by M/s Hamptons International, the purchaseprice matched the price indicated by M/s Hamptons International.No recovery was indicated by FIA. This case was transferred fromCourt of Special Judge (Anti-Corruption), Karachi to NAB CourtNo. 3, Karachi in compliance of the Supreme Court Order dated22nd November, and 2013.The case has been disposed of on22nd December, 2014 after arguments from both sides.
• FIR No. 13 of 2010 was registered by FIA regarding embezzlementof NICL funds in the award of contract of painting work and furnitureat NICL Offices at Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore. It was allegedthat renovation work has been done at exorbitant price. The necessaryre-evaluation was done by M/s Nayyer Ali Dada & Associates whichreported that quality of items was in line with the prices of the items.The accused M/s Casa Bella was acquitted on 22nd November,2011.
(b) Actions Taken:—
i. Ex-Chairman was sent on forced leave before expiry of his tenure.ii. FIRs were lodged against all the accused;iii. Red warrants were issued of the absconders;iv. Departmental enquires were initiated against responsible officers;
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v. NICL is vigorously pursuing the matter in the courts for recovery ofoutstanding amount.
(c) Following steps are being taken to control cases of Corruption inNICL:
• PPRA Rules are being followed strictly. In this respect, procurementmanual/SOPs are being developed. Appointment of “Key Officers”is being made as per Insurance Companies (Sound and PrudentManagement) Regulations 2012.
• In compliance of Public Sector Companies (Corporate Governance)Rules, 2013, the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officerhave been separated to ensure checks and balances. Moreover,procedure of appointment of Chief Executive Officer has been suitablyamended by SECP to ensure transparency and appointment ofqualified (Fit & Proper) person to head the company.
• Treasury department is being established to oversee investmentportfolio. In this regard, vacant position of General Manager(Treasury) and Manager (Treasury) are being advertised so thatmarket based professionals and qualified persons are in place.
• Internal Audit Department is now headed by a suitably qualified officerwho has the required practical training and experience of auditing.Internal Audit department is developing risk assessment process sothat key risks in the company are adequately addressed.
(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)
1. *Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the Foreign Missions of Pakistanfraudulently issued Passports to non-Pakistanis prisoners abroadinvolved in certain heinous crimes during the last two years;
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Ministry against the responsiblesthereof?
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Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) Our Missions abroad issue passportsto Pakistani nationals strictly in accordance with the rules, regulations and laiddown procedure. However, recently one case has come to notice; a temporarilypassport (for return to Pakistan only) was issued to a Non-Pakistani. This case isbeing investigated.
(b) Nil
2. *Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistnis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state:
(a) the percentage of Pakistanis working in the Gulf countries as
compared to India, Sri Lanka, Bangaldesh and China at present;
(b) whether it is a fact that Pakistan could not increase its percentageof manpower in the region as compared to said countries; if so,the reasons thereof; and
(c) the steps being taken by the Government to increase the saidpercentage in the said region?
Reply not received.
3. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state whether theRussian President will visit Pakistan in the near future; if so, when itis expected?
Minister for Foreign Affairs: The Prime Minister has already sent an
invitation to the Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Pakistan. He has acceptedthe invitation in principle but a mutual convenient date for the visit has not yet beenfinalized.
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4. *Ms. Aisha Syed:
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the total number of registered and un-registered Pakistanis inYemen at present; and
(b) the total number of said Pakistanis who have reached Pakistanso far?
Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) 69 Pakistanis who are still living inYemen have registered themselves with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In view of the prevailing situation in Yemen, it is difficult to give an estimateof unregistered Pakistanis. However, the Government would extend all possibleassistance to any Pakistani as and when requested.
(b) 1036 Pakistanis have so far been evacuated from Yemen by air, seaand land routes in the past two months.
5. *Ms. Aisha Syed:
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state whether thereis any proposal under consideration of the Government to bring backsaid un-registered Pakistanis living in Yemen at present; if so, whenit will be implemented?
Minister for Foreign Affairs:
i. The evacuation process of Pakistanis from Yemen started on29th March and lasted till 7th April 2015. 1036 Pakistanis have beenevacuated from Yemen.
ii. 69 Pakistanis still living in Yemen, who have registered themselveswith Ministry of Foreign Affairs but decided to stay back. Noinformation is available about any other Pakistanis who are still inYemen.
iii. Plans to evacuate any other Pakistanis from Yemen can be consideredonly if information about unregistered Pakistanis becomes available.
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6. *Shazia Marri:
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the country-wise total number of foreign visits made by thePrime Minister (PM) during the current year; and
(b) the number of persons who accompanied the PM during thesaid visits alongwith the expenditure incurred thereuponseparately?
Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a)
——————————————————————————————————————————Sr.No. Country and duration Total number of the Total Expenditure
of Visit Prime Minister’s (Mill ion Rupees)entourage
10. UK (23-29 April 2015) Members of **Delegation : 03Security Staff : 03Other supportingStaff : 11Official Media : 02(List attached)
———————————————————————————————————————————* The information is based on the expenditure details received so far from the Pakistan Missions abroadand the local agencies concerned.
** Expenditure statement yet to be received from the Mission and local agencies concerned as the visitwas concluded recently.
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7. *Ms. Asyia Naz Tanoli:
Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the Pakistan Hockey Team is at 10thposition in the World ranking; if so, the reasons thereof;
(b) the World ranking of Pakistan in Squash, Football and othergames at present; and
(c) whether it is also a fact that millions of rupees were spent on thePakistan Cricket Team during the year 2013-14 till date; if so,the details alongwith the reasons of poor performance thereof?
Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz Hussain
Pirzada): (a) It is a fact that Pakistan Hockey is at 10th position in the WorldRanking. It is because Pakistan Hockey team has not been availing the chances ofplaying matches/series of Hockey tournament with international teams at homegrounds due to security reasons in the country.
(b) Pakistan excelled in the game of Hockey, Squash, Kabaddi andSnooker. The world ranking of Pakistan in other sports is not remarkable due tonot getting chances of playing matches at home grounds due to uncertain law &order situation in Pakistan. However, at present the world ranking of the abovesports disciplines of Pakistan sports is as under:—
——————————————————————————————S # Name of Game World Position
——————————————————————————————a Hockey 10b. Football 173c. Squash 57d. Kabaddi 02e. Snooker 02f. Test Cricket- 06
ODI Cricket 09T-20 05
——————————————————————————————
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(c) PCB has its own money earned through gate money and media rightsetc. Government of Pakistan does not provide any financial assistance to PCB.However, the expenditure spent during the year 2013-14 till date as provided byPCB is at Annex-A.
Pakistan Team is in the rebuilding phase with new players being inductedand once they get settled they will start performing.
PAKISTAN CRICKET BOARDDETAIL OF EXPENSES ON PAKISTAN CRICKET TEAMFROM JULY 2013 TO MARCH 2015
July 13 to June July 14 to14 March 15
TOURS OUTSIDE PAKISTANPlayers and officials match fee, allowances and incentives 164,062,335 41,568,900Players related other expenses 6,003,330 6,153,073Travelling expenses 42,543,539 15,488,387Accommodation expenses 6,439,697 1,120,595Others 2,663,271 713,458
221,712,172 65,044,413TOURS INSIDE PAKISTAN - NEUTRAL VENUESPlayers match fee, allowances and incentives 141,926,761 152,026,566Players related other expenses 5,500,316 2,283,104Travelling expenses 29,100,305 29,778,583Accommodation expenses 105,574,631 88,364,679Team officials expenses 23,413,707 24,207,589Event management expenses 247,447,775 22,676,324
552,963,495 319,236,845Tournaments - internationalPlayers match fee, allowances and incentives 77,752,593 13,303,858Players related other expenses 4,124,523 558,399Official match fee, allowances and incentives 13,799,516 2,192,593Travelling 12,193,499 1,167,956Accommodation 13,473,818 3,486,032Others 15,365,439 1,198,443
136,709,388 21,907,281CRICKET PROMOTIONAL EXPENSESPlayers central contract fee Coach and trainer fee 75,471,000 45,894,876Summer Camps 37,392,389 48,084,752
8,947,405 2,068,080
121,810,794 96,047,706
1,033,195,849 502,236,247
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8. *Ms. Naseema:
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state whether there is any proposal underconsideration of the Government to establish employment exchangecells to enroll the un-employed persons and give them employmentsin the country and abroad; if so, when it will be implemented?
Reply not received. 9. *Ms. Suraiya Jatoi:
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:
(a) the present status of relations of Pakistan with India,Afghanistan, China and Iran regarding trade and industry; and
(b) the steps being taken by the Government to improve the saidrelations?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a)
Pakistan’s bilateral trade relations with Afghanistan, China and Iran have remainedvery cordial. Afghanistan is one of Pakistan’s major trading pertners. Pakistan hasa Free Trade Agreement with China, and a Preferential Trade Agreement withIran.
However, trade relations with India have seen ups and down over theyears, as these are linked with the vulnerabilities of political relations.
(b) Steps taken by Government to (further) improve trade relations withIndia, China, Afghanistan and Iran are as under:—
India
The Commerce Minister of Pakistan and India held a meeting on January18, 2014 in new Delhi, India. During the meeting the two sides, inter-alia, reachedan understanding to normalize trade relations and extend Non-DiscriminatoryMarket Access to each other on reciprocal basis.
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The Commerce Secretaries of the two countries have been holding Roundsof talks on Economic and Commercial Cooperation under the Composite Dialogueprocess. Since the Dialogue process is suspended at the moment, the two countrieswill restart bilateral trade talks on resumption of the Dialogue.
China
China and Pakistan have completed first phase of implementation of FTAin 2012-13. During this period, Pakistan’s exports to China have recorded growthof 320% while imports grew at 120%. Nevertheless, it has been found that Pakistanhas not been able to effectively utilize concessions granted under FTA. In order tobetter utilize concessions and address concerns of the domestic industry, Ministryof Commerce has started negotiations on 2nd phase of FTA with Chinese side.During the 2nd round of negotiations, Chinese side has agreed to negotiate thetariff reduction modality for the 2nd Phase on the principle of less than equalreciprocity in favor of Pakistan. The negotiations will continue during the nextfiscal year, with the overarching objective of allaying the concerns of domesticindustry.
Afghanistan
To address issue of bilateral trade and transit with Afghanistan,5th Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Coordination Authority (APTTCA) meetingwas held on 1-2 January 2015. Various measures were suggested by the Authorityto facilitate Afghan transit trade through Pakistan.
Furthermore, to enhance bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan,Pakistan proposed a Preferential Trade Agreement between the two countries.Draft PTA has been shared with the Afghan side.
Iran
To further liberalize the bilateral trade, Pakistan proposed FTA with Iranand a draft text of Pak-Iran FTA was shared with the Iranian side during 2012.The Iranian side regretted that due to economic hardships as a result of Internationalsanctions, FTA was not possible at that stage. However, the Iranian side hasagreed to deepen the tariff concessions under PTA. The 7th Meeting of Pak-IranJoint Trade Committee, co-chaired by the Commerce Ministers of the twocountries, was held in April, 2015 in Tehran, Iran where an understanding ondeepening of PTA was reached. Furthermore, it was agreed between the bothcountries that a five year strategic action plan will be formulated to enhance Co-operation.
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10. *Ms. Suraiya Jatoi:
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state whether it is afact that the performance of Commercial Attaches presently postedin Asian countries is not satisfactory; if so, the reasons thereof?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): The TradeOfficer posted abroad undertakes, inter alia, the following functions:
(a) To enhance Pakistan’s reputation as a reliable trading partner.
(b) To develop favorable commercial relations between tradingenterprises in Pakistan and his post territory.
(c) To ensure that relevant Governmental bodies, commercialorganizations and the Pakistani export community have up-to dateknowledge of trading conditions and export prospects andopportunities in his post territory.
To achieve the above objectives, the Trade Officers prepare Annual WorkPlans (AWP) and subsequently submit periodic reports on monthly, quarterly andannual basis.
There are 20 Trade Officers posted at various stations in Asia and theirperformance, judging by the above parameters, can be considered satisfactory.
However, to enhance objectivity in performance evaluation, Ministry ofCommerce is developing specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) againstwhich the performance of the Trade Officers would be evaluated in future.
11. *Shamas Un Nisa:
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state the country-wise total number ofpersons sent abroad for employment by the Overseas EmploymentCorporation during the last five years alongwith province-wise break-up thereof?
Reply not received.
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12. *Shamas Un Nisa:
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the numberof delegations sent to Saudi Arabia during the last one yearalongwith the results achieved therefrom?
Minister for Foreign Affairs:
Visits from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia (last one year)
• 23 April 2015: Visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan,Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to Saudi Arabia. The Prime Ministerwas accompanied by the Minister of Defence, Special Assistant tothe Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Foreign Secretary and Chiefof Army Staff. The visit was in the context of Yemen Crisis.
• 15-16 April 2015: High-level Delegation comprising Chief Ministerof the Punjab, Adviser to the PM on NS & FA, Foreign Secretaryand Chief of General Staff. The visit was in the context of YemenCrisis.
• 31 March 2015: High-level Delegation comprising Defence Minister,Adviser to the PM on NS & FA, Chief of General Staff, AS (ME & A),senior officers from Air Force, Navy and ISI. The visit was in thecontext of Yemen Crisis.
• 01-07 February 2015: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee,General Rashad Mahmood, NI (M) visited Saudi Arabia. The visitwas aimed at enhancing defense cooperation between the twocountries.
• 26 January to 01 February 2015: Minister for Religious Affairsand Interfaith Harmony led Hajj delegation to discuss arrangementsfor Hajj in 2015.
• 23 January 2015: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visitedRiyadh to attend the funeral of late King Abdullah.
• 15-17 January 2015: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharifvisited Riyadh to convey good wishes and prayers for the health ofKing Abdullah.
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• 05-09 December 2014: CNS Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah visitedSaudi Arabia at the invitation of Rear Admiral Abdullah Bin Sultan AlSultan, Commander Royal Saudi Naval Forces. The visit was aimedat enhancing Naval Cooperation between the two countries.
• 20-27 July 2014: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif visitedSaudi Arabia to perform Umra and meet the leadership of the SaudiArabia for exchange of views on bilateral issues.
• 28 June 2014: President Mamnoon Hussain visited Saudi Arabiato perform Umrah.
• 2-14 June 2014: Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, ChairmanStanding Committee on Defence, Senate of Pakistan visited SaudiArabia at the invitation of Speaker of the Saudi Shura Council. Thevisit was aimed at enhancing cooperation between the Parliamentsof the two countries.
• 28 April 2014: General Raheel Shareef, Chief of Army Staff, visitedthe Kingdom to witness Saudi Military Exercise “Sword of Abdullah”.
13. *Sajid Ahmed:
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the steps beingtaken by the Government to increase the exports of the country?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): Government
has taken following steps to increase the exports of the country:—
i. Concessionary financing, duty free import of raw material undertemporary importation scheme/Duty Tax Remission on Exports(DTRE), concessions in duty/taxes on import of machinery and rawmaterial of priority export sectors.
ii. Through active trade diplomacy, Government is trying to get bettermarket access for the local businesses in international markets byconcluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential TradeAgreements (PTAs) with different countries.
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iii. Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is undertakingvarious export promotional activities through rade exhibitions anddelegations.
iv. Textile Policy has been announced under which an amount ofRs. 64.15 billion will be spent towards the textile sector to achieveexport target of US$ 26 billion by 2019.
v. Ministry of Commerce under Strategic Trade Policy Framework2012-15 has announced several initiatives to enhance Pakistan’sexport competitiveness and institutional strengthening. The initiativesinter-alia include, concessionary financing, subsidy on cost of plantmachinery, establishment of EXIM Bank, Services TradeDevelopment Council, Trade in Services Wing, Trade DisputeResolution Organization, Pakistan Land Port Authority and LeatherExport Promotion Council.
vi. Drawback of local taxes at the rate of 2-4% of FOB- realized valueof enhanced exports has also been announced under SRO 177(1)/2015 dated 27th February, 2015.
14. *Sajid Ahmed:
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the year-wise percentage of increase made by the present Government in theexports of the country?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): Exportsfrom Pakistan increased by 2.75 percent during 2013-14 as compared to 2012-13.However, during first 10 months of the current financial year (July 2014 –April2015), the exports decreased by 5.02 percent as compared to the correspondingperiod of preceding year. Break-up is as under:—
Value in million US$——————————————————————————————
Year Export % Change——————————————————————————————
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the steps beingtaken by the Government to determine the food items being importedin Pakistan are Halal or Haram?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): Government
of Pakistan vide Import Policy Order (IPO) has banned import of haram fooditems. Any import o haram food would be in violation of law. The implementationof IPO is the domain of FBR/Customs.
According to the FBR, the Custom Wing of FBR takes its role as theveritable implementation arm of the IPO- very seriously. All the edible /food itemsimported into the country an processed by Customs field formation in light of theinstructions contained it serial No. 13 of Part-1 of Appendix-B. of the Policy ibid.In suspicious cases o where advance information is available, representative samplesare drawn fron imported consignments and invariably/referred to reputedlaboratories (e.g Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (PCSIR),Hussain Ebrahim Jamal (HEJ etc.) for confirmation or otherwise of the presenceof any haram content(s). Further processing/clearance is accordingly contingentwith the findings of the laboratory. In this regard, cases of this nature detected byCustoms from 1st June, 2013 till 23rd April, 2015 are at Annex-A.
Annex-A
BREIF ON CUSTOMS ROLE IN CHECKING THE IMPORT OF EDIBELPRODUCTS HAVIRNG HARAM INGREIDENTS
————————————————————————————————————————S. No. Description of Goods Status of Consignments————————————————————————————————————————
1. A consignment of assorted edible items imported in The impugned goodsJune 2014 contained skittles candy (99 KG) which is have been confiscated.mentioned in the list of 23 items sent by MoS&T assuspected of containing haram color.
2. A consignment of assorted edible items (choco-pies, The impugned goods chewing gum, cakes, etc.) imported in September 2014 have been confiscated. included Custard Cakes (442 KG) whose laboratoryreport confirmed presence of alcohol in its ingredients.
3. A consignment of assorted edible items (fruit cocktails, Further action will begumi pizza, yupi footballs, etc.) imported in February taken in light of the2015. Since gumi pizza is mentioned in the list of 23 laboratory report.items as suspected of containing gelatin made fromanimal (pig) bones, the sample has been forwarded toHEJ laboratory, University of Karachi for confirmation.
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————————————————————————————————————————S. No. Description of Goods Status of Consignments————————————————————————————————————————
4. In February 2015, a consignment of pork meat (1375) The impugned goods havewas detected from the baggage of a Chinese national. been seized and destroyed.
The passenger is currentlyon bail.
16. *Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar:
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state whether there is any proposal underconsideration of the Government to establish more VocationalTraining Institutes in Sindh; if so, the details thereof?
Reply not received.
17. *Sheikh Salahuddin:
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state the steps being taken by theGovernment to eliminate bonded labour of women and children inthe country?
Reply not received.
18. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan:
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Kuwait has stopped renewal of visasto Pakistanis presently residing therein; if so, the reasons thereof;and
(b) whether it is also a fact that none of their relative from Pakistanare allowed to visit said country to meet one hundred and fiftythousands Pakistanis overthere; if so, the steps being taken bythe Government in this regard?
Reply not received.
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19. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan:
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the machinery installed in NADRA Cell,established in Pakistan Embassy in USA is not functional atpresent;
(b) if so, the steps being taken by the Government to make itfunctional?
Transferred to Insterior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.
20. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the country-wisetotal number of employees of the Ministry working abroad to enhancethe country’s trade at present alongwith the details thereof?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): Total
number of employees in Trade Missions abroad is as follows:
1. Officers 45 (Country wise detail at Annex-I)
2. Officials 121 (43 Pak based & 78 local based)
(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)
21. *Ms. Shaista Pervaiz:
Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state:
(a) the year-wise total funds spent on Human Resource Development(HRD) during the last five years;
(b) whether it is a fact that very meager funds are being allocated,released and utilized for HRD in the country;
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(c) whether it is also a fact that Pakistanis have failed to obtainjobs in the international and domestic markets due to insufficientbudgetary allocations therefor;
(d) if the answer to part (a) above is in the affirmative, the stepsbeing taken by the Government in this regard?
Reply not received.
22. *Mr. Lal Chand:
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the total number of foreign visits made by the Prime Ministersince May, 2013 to 30th June, 2014 alongwith details thereof;
(b) the total expenditure incurred upon the said visits;
(c) the gifts given to the Prime Minister during the said visits sinceMay, 2013 alongwith the details thereof; and
(d) the said gifts deposited in Tosha Khana alongwith the detailsthereof?
Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) & (b) Foreign Visits made by thePrime Minister of Pakistan since May, 2013 to 30th June 2014 along-with theexpenditure and other details is given in Annex-A.
(c) & (d) The information is being collected.
(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)
ISLAMABAD: ABDUL JABBAR ALI,The 17th May, 2015. Acting Secretary.
PCPPI—3775 (15) NA—17-5-2015—650.
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(22nd Session)
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT
————
“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”
For Monday, the 18th May, 2015
14. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:
(a) the names of goods for which subsidies have been given at thetime of imports and exports thereof during the period from1-6-2013 till date; and
(b) the details of incentives given by the Government to increaseexports for favourable balance of trade as well as balance ofpayment during the said period?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan) : (a) TheECC of the Cabinet has approved subsidy on the export of sugar and wheat.
(b) Government has given following incentives to increase exports:—
i. Concessionary financing, duty free import of raw material undertemporary importation scheme/Duty Tax Remission on Exports(DTRE), concessions in duty/taxes on import of machinery and rawmaterial of priority export sectors.
ii. Through active trade diplomacy, Government is trying to get bettermarket access for the local businesses in international markets byconcluding Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential TradeAgreements (PTAs) with different countries. FTAs and PTAs withfollowing countries have already been signed:—
Government has secured duty free market access to EU under theGSP plus scheme.
iii. Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is undertakingvarious export promotional activities through trade exhibitions anddelegations.
iv. Textile Policy has been announced under which an amount ofRs. 64.15 billion will be spent towards the textile sector to achieveexport target of US$ 26 billion by 2019.
v. Ministry of Commerce under Strategic Trade Policy Framework2012-15 has announced several initiatives to enhance Pakistan’sexport competitiveness and institutional strengthening. The initiativesinter-alia include, concessionary financing, drawback for local taxes,subsidy on cost of plant & machinery, establishment of EXIM Bank.Services Trade Development Council, Trade in Services Wing, TradeDispute Resolution Organization, Pakistan Land Port Authority andLeather Export Promotion Council.
22. Dr. Nafisa Shah:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to statethe total funds required for reconstruction and resettlement for theInternally Displaced Persons in North Waziristan?
Minister for States and Frontier Region [Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul
Qadir Baloch] : “Funds amounting to Rs. 80.362 Million are required forreconstruction & resettlement for Temporary Displaced Persons in North WaziristanAgency.”
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25. Mr. Abdul Waseem:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the total number of foreign visits made by the Adviser to thePrime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs duringthe year 2013-14; and
(b) the total amount incurred on said visits alongwith theachievements gained therefrom?
Minister for Foreign Affairs :(a & b)———————————————————————————————————————————
Sr. No. Country visited Period Expenditure Achievementsduring 2013-14
10. UK 11-16 March Rs. 91,331/- - Second Review of the Enhanced2014 Strategic Dialogue (ESD) and
Participation in CommonwealthMinisterial Action Group (CMAG)Meeting
———————————————————————————————————————————
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11. Brussels 24–26 March Rs. 42,704/- Second Round of Pakistan-EU2014 Strategic Dialogue
12. U.K 30 April to Rs. 91,331/- As part of Prime Minister’s entourage03 May 2014 during his official visit to U.K
13. U.K 10—13 June Rs. 47,382/- - Represent Pakistan at Global2014 Summit to End Sexual Violence in
Conflict
14. Jeddah & Russia 17—18 June & Rs. 52,942/- - 41st Session of the Council of18—21, June Foreign Ministers2014 Attended Meeting of National
Security Advisors at Kazan, Russia.———————————————————————————————————————————
27. Ms. Aisha Syed:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for Sates and Frontier Regions be pleased to statethe location-wise total number of Universities in FATA at present?
Minister for States and Frontier Region [Lt. Gen. (Retd.) AbdulQadir Baloch] : No University has so far been established in public sector.However, the proposal for FATA University is under process and land has beenacquired in FR Kohat for the purpose.
28. Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:
(a) the appointments made in the Ministry and its attacheddepartments during the last five years alongwith the criteriaadopted therefor; and
(b) the total number of posts lying vacant in the Ministry and itsattached departments at present?
———————————————————————————————————————————Sr. No. Country visited Period Expenditure Achievements
during 2013-14———————————————————————————————————————————
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Minister for States and Frontier Region [Lt. Gen. (Retd.) AbdulQadir Baloch] : (a) Main Ministry.
Fourteen (14) employees (BPS 1-14) of different categories have beenappointed in the Ministry of SAFRON (main) during the last five years. Theappointment were made according to the laid down procedure of the FederalGovernment i.e. criteria/guidelines issued by Establishment Division.
Attached Department
The office of Chief Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees (CCAR),Islamabad (an attached department of SAFRON) had made three appointmentsduring the last five years according to the laid down procedure i.e advertisement inthe local press, test and interview.
(b) Main Division
At present there are thirteen (13) post of different cadres lying vacant inMinistry of SAFRON.
Attached Department
At present in the CCAR office, the following Posts are lying vacant in theregular GoP budget.
(i) Dispatch Rider (BS-04) 01 No.(ii) Chowkidar (DS-01) 01 No
29. Mr. Muhammad Nazir Khan:(Deferred during the 21st Session)
Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:
(a) all the appointments/transfers made in the North Waziristan Agencyduring last two years alongwith criteria adopted therefor; and
(b) the total number of vacant posts in all the departments at presentoverthere alongwith the details thereof?
Reply not received.
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1. Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan:
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the totalnumber of Pakistani prisoners in India at present alongwith the natureof their crimes?
Minister for Foreign Affairs : As per the lists handed over by the Indian
side on 1st January 2015, there are 385 Pakistani prisoners (253 civil + 132fishermen) detained in the Indian jails. The Civilian Pakistani prisoners have beenconvicted of the following crimes:
1. Illegal crossing of border to India2. Possession of counterfeit currency3. Burglary case4. Expiration of Passport5. Visiting a city without Visa6. Spying7. The fishermen are charged with being in the Indian waters.
2. Ms. Naseema:
Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state:
(a) the consultants and others appointed by the Pakistan CricketBoard since March, 2008; and
(b) the job description, pay and privileges of each said consultantand appointee?
Reply not received.
3. Shamas Un Nisa:
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:
(a) the names, designations, place of domiciles and dates of presentpostings of the employees working in Pakistan Embassy/Missionin Norway; and
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(b) the details of complaints registered against the said employeesduring the last three years alongwith the action taken thereuponseparately?
Minister for Foreign Affairs : (a) The requisite information, in respectof the officers and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is as follows:
——————————————————————————————S. No Name Designation Place of Date of Present
Domicile Posting——————————————————————————————
1. Mr. Abdul Hamid Ambassador Punjab 05-12-20132. Mr. Ibrar Hussain Khan Counsellor KPK 04-06-20133. Mr. Muhammad Saeed APS Punjab 15-07-20134. Mr. Farhan Ahmad Accountant Punjab 08-07-20135. Mrs. Alia Waqas Assistant Punjab 07-01-20136. Mr. Muhammad Hayat Driver Sindh 19-07-20147. Mr. Waris Masih Sanitary Worker Punjab 11-08-2012
——————————————————————————————(b) No complaint against the above-mentioned officers and officials has
been received during their stay in the Mission up till now.
4. Ms. Shagufta Jumani:
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:
(a) the names of the countries, except India, Afghanistan, Chinaand Iran having trade relations with Pakistan at present; and
(b) the names of the countries to which our exports are less thanimports at present?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) Pakistan
has trade relations will all the countries in the world, except Israel.
Details of Pakistan’s trade with the world, except India, Afghanistan, Chinaand Iran, are at Annex-I.
(b) Details of the countries with which Pakistan's exports are less thanthe imports are at Annex-II.
(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)
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5. Admissibility is being re-considered. 6. Sheikh Salahuddin:
Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to refer to Un-StarredQuestion No.11 replied on 29-10-2014 and to state whether it is thefact that a letter No.SAU-4/7/2013-ME-I dated 7th April, 2013 wasissued by the Ministry to parents of deceased persons regardinginquiry; if so, the reasons for not finalizing the said inquiry up tillnow?
Minister for Foreign Affairs :
i. A copy of letter No. SAU- 4/7/2013-ME-1 dated 07 April 2013was indeed endorsed to parents of the deceased for information.
ii. Parents of late Abdul Waheed Shakir, in their application of March2013, have contended that it was the responsibility of Kafeel of theirlate son to get an Iqama issued and get it registered with GeneralOrganization for Social Insurance (GOSI), after which claims couldbecome admissible.
iii. However, under Saudi laws, Kafeel is responsible only if he doesnot get Iqama issued or registers with GOSI within 90 days of thearrival of employee in the Kingdom. Since late Abdul Waheed Shakircame to KSA on 16 May 2012 and passed away on 30 July 2012,before the expiry of stipulated period, kafeel cannot be heldresponsible. Moreover, since late Shakir was working as an “Azad/Free” employee in contravention of Saudi labour laws, legal heirsare not entitled to any insurance/death compensation in Saudi Arabia.
7. Mr. Abdul Waseem:
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the names ofpersons, companies/firms to whom the licences were by the Ministryduring the last two years alongwith the criteria adopted thereforissued to export various items to Afghanistan?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): License is
not required for export from Pakistan to any country of the world includingAfghanistan. Therefore, Ministry of Commerce does not issue any license for theexport to Afghanistan.
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8. Ms. Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak:
Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:
(a) the prescribed procedure for the appointment of a CommercialAttachee abroad at present; and
(b) the total number of said vacant posts alongwith the time bywhich appointments will be made thereupon?
Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan) : (a) Theprescribed procedure for the appointment of Commercial Attache abroad, atpresent, is at Annex-I.
(b) There are 44 posts of trade officers vacant / falling vacant till31-12-2015. Selection process has been initiated for these posts and it will becompleted by August, 2015.
Annex-I
Prescribed procedure for appointment of a Commercial Attache
The prescribed procedure for selection of Commercial Attaché / tradeofficers is as follows:—
(a) Applications are invited from the eligible candidates, in public andprivate sector, by M/o Commerce.
(b) LUMS conducts a written test for selection of trade officers.
(c) Successful candidates are called for interview by Ministry ofCommerce. Interview is conducted by Special Selection Board,constituted by the Prime Minister, under the chairmanship of Ministerfor Commerce.
(d) The SSB proposes successful candidates against vacant stations, onthe basis of their merit position, to the Prime Minister for approvalthrough a summary.
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(e) After approval of the Prime Minister, the officers are allocated stationsfor posting.
