NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT ———— “QUESTIONS FOR … · 5 Fiscal Deficit as a percentage...

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(32nd 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 13th May, 2016

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

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased tostate whether it is a fact that cross border smuggling of various goodsprovides a channel to anti Pakistan elements and to shift weaponsfor terrorism in Pakistan; if so, the steps taken by the Government tostop the said activities?

Transferred to Revenue Division for answer on next rota day.

121. *Ms. Sajida Begum: (Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased tostate the steps being taken by the Government for imparting trainingsto convicted Juvenile prisoners so that they may avoid illegalactivities and crimes in future?

Disallowed on re-consideration.

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

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of syllabus of Madaris has been reviewed bythe Government during the last two years; and

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(b) the names of Madaris whose registration has been cancelledduring the tenure of the present Government alongwith thereasons thereof?

Transferred to Federal Education and Professional Training Division foranswer on next rota day.

9. *Dr. Shazia Sobia: (Deferred during 31st Session)

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state the names of skill developmentprogrammes launched under the Benazir Income Support Programmesince 01-01-2013?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishq Dar): BISP initiated Waseela-e-Rozgar(skill development initiative) in July 2011. The initiative was meant to promote skilldevelopment in BISP beneficiary families and total of 58,528 beneficiary nomineesacross the country were trained under this initiative. Later in June, 2013, currentgovernment has found that initiative has very weak design and fragile monitoringsystem, resultantly, BISP Board has decided to close down the initiative.Further, no new skill development initiative has been launched under BISP since01-01- 2013.

33. *Mrs. Shahida Rehmani:(Deferred during 31st Session)

Will the Minister for Planning, Development and Reform be pleasedto state:

(a) the steps taken by the present Government to promote inclusiveand sustainable economic growth in the country; and

(b) the milestones achieved therefrom?

Minister for Planning, Development and Reform (Mr. Ahsan Iqbal):(a) The first two of 7 pillars of Vision 2025 are dedicated for promoting inclusiveand sustainable economic growth.The operational and strategic aspects of theVision 2025 are manifested in the 11th Five Year Plan 2013-18 and Annual Plans,

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which laid out various initiatives to be taken for inclusive and sustainable economicgrowth in the country. The focus of the underlying growth strategy is on pro-poorsectors including agriculture, SME, construction sector etc.

Prime Minister’s agricultural package of Rs. 341 billion was announcedto support small farmers besides efforts for high value addition in agriculture; creditguarantee scheme for small farmers initiated by the SBP, for increasing efficiencyand productivity agriculture information portal is being installed, ensuring timelyavailability of the inputs etc.

For SME sector the role of the SMEDA is reinvigorated to help prospectiveinvestors to promote innovation. National Innovation/ Quality Awards-InnovativePakistan’ has been introduced. Prime Minister’s Youth Employment Schemes isincentivizing entrepreneurship and skill development has expanded at large-scale.

The construction sector with its enormous forward and backward linkagesand highest employment elasticity is the quickest way to inclusive growth. Theopportunities in the sector under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor are fullycapitalized to help inclusive growth in Pakistan. Bureau of InfrastructureDevelopment is being established to enhance efficiency of the infrastructure.

The government is implementing various energy generation projects(including renewable energy) to overcome power shortages which will give boostto SMEs and employment creation.

The government is also tracking public expenditure on 14 pro-poor sectorson quarterly basis to commit itself to inclusive growth agenda. Pro-poor expenditurehas increased by 11.8 percent in 2014-15. Further disaggregation reveals that anincrease of 14.4% is witnessed in expenditure on Human Development that takesinto account Education, Health, Population Planning, Social Security and, NaturalCalamities and Disaster. To ensure involvement of rural community in economicdevelopment, the expenditure on Rural Development has been increased by 32%in 2014-15.

The growth strategy being followed is focused on sustainability of economicgrowth for prolonged periods. One lesson learnt is that factor driven growth couldnot sustain for longer periods, therefore, productivity should drive the economicgrowth to wake it more sustainable. For enhancing productivity, investment inhuman capital is the key and thus social capital is made the first pillar of the Vision2025.

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To promote an innovation and productivity led growth the governmenthas embarked upon a plan to provide affordable and un-interrupted energy, marketdriven skill development, innovation and youth entrepreneurship. Initiatives tosupport this plan include;

Prime Minister’s Youth Programme

Prime Minister’s National Health Insurance Programme

Technology Development Fund for the HEC Scholars returning aftercompletion of PhDs to introduce new technologies in industry anddevelopment sectors

Bringing the Job Market Skill Gap for Post-Graduate Degree Holders

National Endowment Scholarships for Talent (NEST)

Pakistan MDGs/SDGs and Community Development Programme

Establishment of SDG Unit at the federal and the provincial level

Value-Addition in Industry through establishment of Clusters

Various initiatives in Textile Policy 2014-19

Prudent fiscal management

(b) All initiatives for sustainable and inclusive growth along with provincialgovernment’s endeavours are helping in attaining Sustainable, Indigenous andInclusive Growth in the economy. Following are achievements in this regards:

The real GDP has grown at the rate of 4.2% in 2014-15, which isthe highest in the last 07 years.

Inflation has touched the lowest level of the last 12 years at 2.6% inSeptember, 2015.

Foreign exchange reserves have also crossed US$ 20 billion, whichis a record.

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Fiscal Deficit as a percentage of GDP has decreased to 5.3% in2014-15 as compared to 8.2% in 2012-13.

The size of federal public sector development programme (PSDP)has been increased from Rs. 525 billion in 2014-15 to Rs. 700 billionin the current fiscal year.

The positive rating of Moody’s and S&P has endorsed the prosperouseconomic outlook of Pakistan.

The unemployment rate has been decreased from 6.24% to 6.0% in2013-14.

56. *Ms. Aisha Syed:(Deferred during 31st Session)

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state the province-wise details ofbeneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme at present?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishq Dar): Province/Region-wise beneficiarycount as on 31st March, 2016 is as under:——————————————————————————————

Sr# Province/Region No. of Beneficiaries——————————————————————————————

1. Punjab 1,918,7102. Khyber-Pukhtunkhwa 1,075,0983. Sindh 1,782,8784. Balochistan 204,0245. Gilgit-Baltistan 43,6666. FATA 155,1297. Azad Jammu and Kashmir 100,0268. ICT/Islamabad 8,313

——————————————————————————————TOTAL: 5,287,844

——————————————————————————————

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59. *Sheikh Salahuddin:(Deferred during 31st Session)

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state the steps being taken by theGovernment to reduce dependence upon foreign loans, grants andincrease financial resources for self-sufficiency?

Reply not received.

91. *Dr. Fozia Hameed:

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the review/appraisal of the nationaleconomy is the core business of the Ministry; and

(b) whether it is also a fact that the present Government hasconducted a study for review and appraisal of international andregional economic trends and their impacts on the nationaleconomy; if so, the findings thereof ?

Reply not received.

92. *Dr. Fozia Hameed:


(a) whether it is a fact that the Ministry has started Civil ServiceReforms;

(b) if the answer to part (a) above is in the affirmative, whetherany report has been finalized therefor; if so, the findings thereof;and

(c) the time by which such reforms will be announced andimplemented?

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Minister for Planning, Development and Reform (Mr. Ahsan Iqbal):(a), (b) & (c) The government is committed to civil service reforms and Ministryof Planning and Development has been given additional portfolio of promotingand coordinating of reforms including civil service reform. A comprehensive reformagenda besides civil service reform has been initiated by Ministry of Planning,Development and Reform which will be finalized with stakeholders buy in andparticipation. Institutional Reforms Group has been setup to take reforms agendaforward.

Reports of Pakistan Governance Forum 2014 and 2015 consisting findingson each of the deliberated thematic area including Civil Service Reforms are underprocess of finalization and will be shared with the stakeholders as and whenapproved by the Prime Minister.

In order to improve efficiency of Civil Services and to align it with modernneeds and requirements, Civil Service Reforms are under active consideration ofthe Government to address various weaknesses/gaps highlighted from time totime which will be shortly notified and implemented after approval of theGovernment.

To actualize the Pakistan Vision 2025, following initiatives have beenundertaken to modernize and improve the service delivery of public sector:

Pakistan Governance Forum has been made an annual event. So fartwo Forum i.e. 2014 and 2015 were organized wherein differentthematic areas including Civil Service Reforms were deliberated withthe relevant stakeholders.

A comprehensive presentation focusing on reforms was given to thePrime Minister of Pakistan on 12th February, 2015.

Performance Contracts for 11 Ministries/ Divisions have beenprepared after extensive consultation and have been submitted tothe Prime Minister office for approval. The Independent KPIs trackingand the performance will be covered under performance contractingsystem. The performance funds will be linked with KPIs delivery.

For setting organizational objectives, the guidelines on five stepsreform cycle has been prepared and presented in the SecretariesCommittee.

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Guidelines on Citizen’s Client Charter (Provision of time boundservices) have been prepared and presented in the SecretariesCommittee.

Bio-metric system has been installed in Ministry of Planning,Development and Reform.

An amount of Rs. 1.0 billion has been allocated for performancemanagement in budget 2015-16.

PER form for officers in BS-17&18 has been revised by theEstablishment Division.

PM Innovation and Excellence awards will be introduced to recognizebest performing government officials who have excelled andintroduced innovative methods in their field of work. The awardswill be given to government officials based on a transparent systemgeared for performance evaluation.

In addition to the above, following steps are being considered to improvethe service delivery of the public sector:

To build the capacity of government officials, the officers will betrained at global Centers of Excellence and the visits of top trainersto Pakistan will also be organized. Subjects will include publicadministration, financial management, public procurement, leadership,public private partnership and also focus on improving the soft/interpersonal skills of the government officials.

A Government to Government talent exchange program is beinginitiated that will enable the partner countries to exchange their besttalent with each other.

Innovation and knowledge exchange visits have been initiated to learnhe best civil service practices and learn about the reforms processexperiences from other countries including Malaysia, Mexico, SouthAmerica, and Europe.

E-Governance will be introduced to ensure the efficiency andtransparency in public sector services. It has been planned to provide

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IT experts to each Ministry to implement e-governance initiatives.These initiatives include the Governance Portal, GovernanceInnovation App Store, and Free Internet for all.

In terms of improving Human resource management, the Appraisalsystem of government officers will be automated, an internal jobplacement portal will be launched.

A comprehensive Digital Government Strategy and an openGovernment Initiative will be implemented. This will be ensure theefficiency, improved access, transparency And accountability of publicservice provision.

Innovative initiatives will be encouraged through an incentivestructure, Any initiatives undertaken by government organizations toimprove public service delivery by introducing innovative methodsand approached will be funded though a service delivery and reforminnovation fund.

To encourage innovation in the work of public servants, individualswill be recognized as Innovation Champions. Moreover, a Peer toPeer (P2P) network is being proposed.

Government function optimization includes the institutional review,upgrading work environment for the junior staff, JDs and tenurestabilization.

The recruitment process will be calibrated. A proposal has beenprepared.

The capacity development programs, mandatory trainings and servicespecific trainings have been reviewed and proposals have beenfinalized. Pre-and In-service training regime will be reformed andservice specific trainings will be introduced.

The compensation reforms will cover the salaries, MP scalecalibration, market anchoring monetization, pension reforms anddifferential grades.

Accountability will be enforced through calibration of ACR, forcedranking, development plans and proposal has been prepared.

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Proposal for creation of new Cadre has been prepared to promotespecialization in civil services and has been discussed with thestakeholders.

Career progression and placements will cover the comprehensivepromotion policy, internal competitive placement and opencompetitive placement. A proposal has been prepared.

Civil service will be modernized to the 21st century. This includesintroduction of cadre development plans, civil service oversightcommission and legislative oversight for civil servants. Initial workon redundant organization has been undertaken.

Proposal to convert Establishment Division into FIR andOrganizational Development Division has been prepared.

Proposal for constitution of Pay Commission has been deliberatedand is being finalized.

Consultation on civil service reform undertaken to seek inputs andby-in of all stakeholder.

Rule of Business have been reviewed in consultation with CabinetDivision.

The institutional effectiveness index is being launched to objectivelyassess the performance of public service. The index will cover thekey service delivery institutions and their ranking and scorecardsand is a means to track performance and improve accountability ofpublic services. The survey on citizen feedback will be conductedon quarterly basis.

Third party audit /citizen opinion survey to track performance andidentify pockets of poor delivery is under process.

93. *Ms. Munaza Hassan:


(a) whether it is a fact that huge amount of custom duty has beenevaded during the last six months;

(b) if so, the recovery made in this regard so far; and

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(c) the action being taken by the Government against theresponsibles therefor?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and

Privatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishq Dar): (a) There is no specific incident ofhuge amount of customs duty evasion during the last six months. Imported goodsare cleared from ports under the prescribed law and procedures. The clearanceof more than 80% of goods, in terms of value, is made through CustomsComputerised Clearance System (WeBOC). In addition to human supervision,checks based on risk profiling, valuation, importability etc. are also inbuilt in theSystem. Post clearance scrutiny of imports/exports is also carried out by theDirectorate General of Post Clearance Audit. In case of any evasion of duty ortaxes at the time of import or violation of any law or rules, action is promptlyinitiated as per law and recovery is ensure after completion of legal process whereinany serious violation or wilful evasion is established penal action is also taken inlight of provisions of the Customs Act, 1969 and other relevant laws. In the lastsix months, the clearance Collectorates have made 261 contraventions reports onaccount of violation of different provisions of law and rules wherein an amount ofRs. 435 million is involved.

(b) The cases are at different level of adjudication while recovery in anumber of cases has already been effected. So far recovery of Rs. 127 million hasbeen made.

(c) Legal action is initiated under section 32 , 32A read with section 156of the Customs Act, 1969 and after completion of legal formalities, fines andpenalties, in addition to confiscation of goods, are imposed on the importers.

94. *Ms. Munaza Hassan:


(a) whether it is a fact that volume of black economy in the countryis increasing rapidly; if so, the year-wise percentage during thelast six years thereof; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to check it?

Reply not received.

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95. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan:


(a) the sectors for which assistance is being provided under theBenazir Income Support Progarmme (BISP) at present alongwiththe details thereof;

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to carry out surveyagain in the country including FATA for the BISP; and

(c) whether it is a fact that some sectors of said programme arebeing closed; if so, the details thereof?


Privatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishq Dar): (a) Currently, BISP is implementingonly Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) and Waseela-e-Taleem Initiatives. Thedetail of these initiatives is as under:

UCT:

The amount for UCT is currently at Rs. 4,700 per quarter (Rs. 1566.66per month). The said amount has been increased from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,700 bythe current government. Currently, 5.28 million families across the country aregetting benefit under this initiative, So far an amount of Rs. 387 billion has beendisbursed to BISP beneficiaries since 2008.

Waseela-e-Taleem

This initiative is meant for supporting primary education for children ofBISP beneficiaries (between the ages of 5-12 years). Beneficiary family receivesRs. 250 per child per month (Rs. 750 per quarter) on admission and attendance inany primary grade. The amount of stipend has been increased from Rs. 200 toRs. 250 by the current government. The programme is being implemented in 32districts across the country and will be scaled up in remaining areas in a phasedmanner subject to availability of resources. As of now, 1.29 million children havebeen enrolled in schools and Rs. 1.37 billion has been disbursed as stipend in thisregard.

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(b) Resurvey, is a costly, lengthy and technically complex process whichwould require through deliberations and would involve multiple stakeholders,therefore, it will take time to be fully scaled-up, For the purpose, following stepshave been taken by BISP in this regard.

BISP has initiated the process of resurvey/NSER-update to minimizethe exclusion and inclusion errors of previous targeting/survey;

Poverty Scorecard has been revised with assistance of internationalpoverty experts, academia, and provincial/regional departments;

BISP has decided to use Computer Assisted Personal Interviews(CAPI) instead of Paper Based survey;

It has been decided that the Resurvey will be conducted across thecountry in phased manner starting from the pilot phase and thennational roll out based on the results and lessons of the pilot phase;

BISP will test Desk approach/ on demand survey and door to doorapproach in its first phase of survey;

The pilot phase of NSER- update in 16 districts (List attached asAnnex-A) across the country is expected to be started byJune, 2016 and will be completed by December, 2016. RequestFor Proposals (RFPs) for pilot phase have been issued to the firms;

2nd Phase of the aforesaid activity in remaining areas of the countryis expected to be completed by March, 2018.

Re-survey will provide an opportunity to more poor people acrossthe country to become eligible for BISP benefit.

(b) It is a fact that BISP has closed down its Waseela-e-Rozgar,Waseela-e-Haq, and Waseela-e-Sehat Porgrammes on the direction of BISPBoard. These initiatives were closed down mainly due to their weak design, fragilemonitoring and evaluation mechanism, overleaping of efforts and resources withother federal and provincial schemes.

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ANNEX-A

List of Districts Selected for First Phase of Survey/NSER-update——————————————————————————————

SR. No. Region/Province District——————————————————————————————

1. Faisalabad2. Bahawalpur

1 Punjab 3. Layyah4. Chakwal

——————————————————————————————5. Sukkar

2. Sindh 6. Thatta7. Jacobabad

——————————————————————————————8. Haripur

3. KP 9. Lakki Marwat10. Charsadda

——————————————————————————————4. Balochistan 11. Killa Saifullah

12. Kech13. Nasirabad

——————————————————————————————5. GB 14. Gilgit

——————————————————————————————6. AJK 15. Mirpur

——————————————————————————————7. FATA 16. Mohmand Agency

——————————————————————————————96. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan:

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased tostate:

(a) whether it is a fact that there is a Board of the National Databaseand Registration Authority at present; if so, the membersalongwith the details thereof; and

(b) the prescribed procedure for selection of the said membersalongwith the details thereof?

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Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control (Ch. Nisar Ali Khan):(a) It is a fact that National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has anAuthority Board and has 8 x members Detail as under:———————————————————————————————

Sr. # Name Appointed as——————————————————————————————

1. Mr. Usman Y. Mobin Chairman(Chairman NADRA)

2. Mr. Navaid H. Malik Member(President Adept Private Ltd., Karachi)

3. Dr. Jawaid A. Ghani Member(Prof. of Strategy and MarketingResearch, KSBL, Karachi)

4. Mr. Farid Ahmed Khan Member(CEO ABL, Asset ManagementCompany Ltd., Karachi)

5. Mr. Tariq Mehmood Khan Member(Additional Secretary-II, MOI)

6. Mr. Saleh Farooqi MemberChairman EOBI, Karachi)

7. Mr. Tariq Akbar Khan Member(Ex-Executive Director PSO,Karachi)

8. Brig. (R) Kamal Aziz Member——————————————————————————————

(b) Board members are appointed by the Federal Government.

97. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to refer to Starred Question No.68 repliedon 17-3-2016 and to state whether the scheme to file tax returnsvoluntarily made successful?

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Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishq Dar): The scheme was introduced at therequest of representatives of trade bodies, business chambers and FPCCI in thewake of 0.6% withholding tax on bank transactions on non-filers under section236P through the Finance Act, 2015, which was reduced to 0.3% upto29th February, 2016 and to 0.4% w.e.f 1st March, 2016. Since the objective ofwithholding tax was documentation and expanding the tax base, the FederalGovernment agreed to accept the demand of the traders after long drawn discussionthat instead of paying withholding tax on banking transactions of non-filers, a schemebe introduced whereby non-filers would file their returns, and become filers andconsequently withholding tax will not be applicable to them.

As per the estimates provided by the traders it was expected that a largenumber of traders will avail the scheme. However, so far 9,020 returns have beenfiled under the voluntary tax compliance scheme (VTCS) and tax of Rs. 850Million has been deposited resulting into documentation of working capital ofRs. 85 Billion.

Before introduction of VTCS it was noted that around 61,000 traderswere declaring taxable income exceeding Rs. 400,000. In this background theresponse of 9,020 traders may not be termed as failure of VTCS.

Unlike amnesty schemes, which had been introduced by the previousgovernments, VTCS was introduced at the request of traders in the wake ofwithholding tax and the Federal Government has nothing to lose since withholdingtax under section 236P would still be applicable to non-filers, the rate of which, atpresent is 0.4%.

98. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Planning, Development and Reform be pleasedto state whether it is a fact that land has been acquired for theconstruction of Airport in Mansehra; if so, the time by which itsconstriction will be started?

Minister for Planning, Development and Reform (Mr. Ahsan Iqbal):

i. As reported by Aviation Division, land has been earmarked foracquisition and the process for issuance of notification underSection-IV is in progress.

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ii. The CDWP in its meeting held on 4th March, 2015 approved theproject for acquisition of 1000 acres of land for construction /establishment of Airport at Mansehra at the total cost of Rs. 1,600.00million. CDWP further directed that Aviation Division will initiatePC-II for conducting feasibility study for construction of MansehraAirport.

iii. After conducting feasibility study and detailed design, constructionwork for Mansehra Airport will commence.

99. *Ms. Sajida Begum:


(a) whether it is a fact that the Federal Investigation Authority isconducting an inquiry regarding more than four hundred personsrecruited on short term/contract basis in the Directorate Generalof Immigration and Passports/Machine Readable PassportProject without giving advertisements in the newspapers; if not,the reasons thereof;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the competent authority recruitedtheir own relatives in the said office/project; if so, the numberof those persons who belong to the same family ; and

(c) whether it is further a fact that all the recruiting authoritieswho made the said illegal recruitments are still holding higherpositions at present?

Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control (Ch. Nisar Ali Khan):

(a) No inquiry regarding the subject issue is being conducted by FIA.

(b) The employees’ record i.e. CNIC does not show that any of theemployees was son/daughter of the competent authority. However, if any namesare provided the department can probe into the matter.

(c) None of the recruiting authorities from that period are currentlyworking in the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports/ Ministry ofInterior.

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100. *Ms. Sajida Begum:


(a) whether it is a fact that more than seventy RegionalPassport Offices have no regular sanctioned budget and theseare being run through bribe and agent mafia;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the necessary material includingstationery and computer appliances being provided fromHeadquarters, Islamabad and budget is also beingutilized by Headquarters which is patronized by the Ministry;

(c) whether it is further a fact that all the Machineries purchasedso far are being supplied by a single person under differentnames; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(d) whether it is also further a fact that the Ministry intends to carryout an inquiry by the Federal Investigation Authority thereforbecause the material of thousands rupees is being purchased inmillions?

Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control (Ch. Nisar Ali Khan):(a) The expenditure of Regional Passport Offices established under MachineReadable Passport Project, Phase-II & III are met from the development budgetduly approved by the competent forums.

(b) All the necessary material including stationery and computerappliances are purchased by DG I&PHQ, Islamabad and thereafter these materialsare distributed to the Regional Passport Offices on requirement basis.

(c) No, all the machines including hardware etc. are purchased throughopen tendering process after fulfillment of all codal formalities of PPRA.

(d) Nothing has come to the notice of Ministry of Interior requiring anenquiry.

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101. *Mrs. Shahida Rehmani:


(a) the prescribed criteria to asses the claims of tax refunds;

(b) the total number of tax returns of rupees more than one millionhave been made by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) duringthe financial year 2013-14 and 2014-15; and

(c) the total number of tax returns of rupees more than one millionhave been rejected by the FBR during the said period?


Privatization( Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): (a)

(1) Sales Tax refunds are issued strictly in accordance with the prescribedprocedure, rules and regulations as enshrined in the Sales Tax Act, 1990and the Sales Tax Refund Rules.

(2) The statutory provisions have been shaped into a software i.e. Sales TaxAutomated Refund Repository (STARR) which verifies and establishesthe authenticity and genuineness of any refund claim prior to itsissuance by:

(i) Cross-matching the declared purchases with the supplies declaredby supplier.

(ii) Cross-matching input GDs declared with FBR’s import data.

(3) Refund Payment Orders received from the field formations are electronicallyqueued up in CSTRO established in FBR which is responsible for issuanceof cheques.

(4) These cheques are issued on “First-in-First-out” basis.

(5) All Income Tax refunds are processed as per provisions of section 170of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001 and related refund rules afterascertaining.

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(i) The genuineness/authenticity of the claim of refund.

(ii) Establishing the correctness of tax deductions through verification ofchallans/certificates within 60 days of the receipt of refund application.

(b) Following is the position of refunds ISSUED amounting to 1 Millionand above.——————————————————————————————

No. of Cases Amount(Rs. In Million)

Period Income Tax SalesTax Income Tax Sales Tax——————————————————————————————

FY 13-14 1,146 3680 19,573 28838.04

FY 14-15 1,043 5716 14,133 39674.75——————————————————————————————

(c) Following is the position of refunds REJECTED amounting to1 Million and above:——————————————————————————————

No. of Cases Amount(Rs. In Million)

Period Income Tax SalesTax Income Tax Sales Tax——————————————————————————————

2013-14 71 236 207 10,240

2014-15 116 1138 516 17,840——————————————————————————————

102. *Mrs. Shahida Rehmani:


(a) the steps taken against the various cartels, companies andassociations by the Competitive Commission of Pakistan since01-01-2013 alongwith the achievements gained therefrom; and

(b) the impacts of said steps on the general public?

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Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization( Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): (a) The Competition Commissionof Pakistan (CCP) during the period from 01-01-2013 took actions against110 companies, associations and other undertakings, for their anti-competitivepractices and violations of the Competition Act, 2010. The financial penaltieshave been imposed on these undertakings during that period. The detail oforders passed for imposing penalties on different undertakings isat ‘ANNEX-I’.

These companies/undertakings fall in certain sectors like, banking,education, sugar, telecom, power equipment manufacturing, poultry, stockexchanges, cement, jute, medical services, shipping and vanaspati gheemanufacturing etc.

(b) The impact of the above steps on the general public is as follows:

i. The associations which were previously fixing the prices of consumergoods have materially stopped their practice due to vigilance of CCPand its issuance of orders against the associations. This has directlyresulted into the benefit for general public.

ii. Due to withdrawal of policy by the Government, the Long Distanceand International (LDI) operators who made cartelization underInternational Clearing House (ICH) agreement for fixing prices ofinternational incoming calls, has been stopped, through an effectiveorder of the Commission.

iii. A prominent paint manufacture (Jotun Pakistan (Pvt) Limited) whichwas claiming in its advertisements as “No. 1 Paint” has been stopped.This has strengthened the competition in the market.

iv. CCP has taken a proactive role in ensuring that undertakings whoseactions prevent, restrict or distort competition are penalized toguarantee all competing entities a level playing field. The effect ofthese actions has been three-fold:

(i) there is a direct benefit to consumers,(ii) there is a positive effect on productivity and(iii) there is a deterrent effect on potential violators.

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v. Collusion and abuse of dominance has been penalized in numeroussectors which led to an increase in consumer welfare.

vi. Deceptive marketing practices have been curtailed in numeroussectors, especially in the fast moving consumer goods industry, therebystrengthening consumer and business protection.

vii. CCP has organized and conducted workshops, seminars andconferences (domestic and international) across Pakistan on thebenefits of free competition. These efforts increased the awarenessof competitive practices in the market as a whole.

viii. Businesses are becoming more alert to the possibility of penalconsequences in response to collusive, abusive, or deceptivepractices and are, therefore, becoming more accustomed to faircompetition.

CCP has issued policy notes and opinions on matters affecting competitionin various sectors of the economy including telecom, oil and gas, insurance, securitiesand exchange, and public procurement etc to the government and sector regulators,and a majority of the recommendations have been implemented leading to theprovision of 2 level playing field to businesses.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

103. *Ms. Aisha Syed:

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased tostate whether there is any proposal under consideration of the Ministryto introduce the on line system of Passports in the country; if so, the time by which it will be implemented?

Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control (Ch. Nisar Ali Khan):Online Renewal of MRP will be operational in May, 2016 for overseas Pakistaniswhile it is expected to be launched within Pakistan in August, 2016.

104. *Ms. Aisha Syed:

Will the Minister for Planning, Development and Reform be pleasedto state the district-wise projects given under SustainableDevelopment Goals alongwith the details thereof?

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Minister for Planning, Development and Reform (Mr. Ahsan Iqbal):The SDGs are at an early stage of development. The position of district-wiseprojects under sustainable development goals will be more obvious when SDGsprioritization process and provincial choices are determined. In this connectioninitial work is in process such as SDG Centers are being established in provincialgovernments which will identify key areas and suggest alignment with the provincialADPs and growth strategies. Federal government is also establishing coordinationmechanism with these units.

105. *Ms. Naseema Hafeez Panezai:

Will the Minister for Planning, Development and Reform be pleasedto state whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to include special projects regarding to decrease povertyin Balochistan under the Public Sector Development programme inthe budget 2016-17; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Planning, Development and Reform (Mr. Ahsan Iqbal):

The federal PSDP 2016-17 is being finalized for taking approval of NationalEconomic Council. The approved PSDP will be submitted to the Parliamentalongwith Finance Bill 2016-17. The development programs and projects ofnational importance located all over the country including Balochistan are financedthrough PSDP that are in line with targets / development agenda envisaged inVision 2025 / Five Year Plan of the Government. CPEC projects included inPSDP are likely to have biggest impact on uplift of Balochistan.

106. *Ms. Naseema Hafeez Panezai:

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state the details of foreign loansobtained by the Government during the last five years till date forintroducing reforms in various departments alongwith the names ofdepartments thereof?

Disallowed on re-consideration.

107. *Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi:


24

(a) the steps taken by the Government to ensure the safety of publicParks and other such places in Islamabad especially after thetragic incident occurred at the Gulshan Iqbal Park, Lahore;

(b) whether such places are being monitored through CCTVcameras;

(c) whether such cameras are operational at present; and

(d) whether the administration devised a policy to secure and protectother such soft targets as well?


(a) ICT Police has taken following measures for safety and security of citizensvisiting parks in ICT.

Deployment of 04 Police personnel in big parks, 03 personnel insmall parks.

Personnel deployed on such duty are briefed to keep watch onsuspicious persons/vehicles.

Following strength has been deployed in major Parks detailedat Annex - A.

——————————————————————————————————SP ASP/DSP lnsp US Const Total

——————————————————————————————————02 04 05 05 35 51

——————————————————————————————————Falcon (Police Patrolling Vehicles) with 01 officer and 02 constables,have also been detailed to make frequent visits to parks.

(b) CCTV Cameras under Safe City Project have been installed in thefollowing main parks.——————————————————————————————

Name of Park No of Cameras installed——————————————————————————————

Shakar Paryan/monument 33

Fatima Jinnah Park, F-9. 05——————————————————————————————

25

——————————————————————————————Name of Park No of Cameras installed

——————————————————————————————Lake View Park 10

Play Land/Zoo 05

Shahdara View Point 11——————————————————————————————

Total: 64——————————————————————————————

(c) Out of 64 CCTV Cameras, 60 are operational.

(d) After the terrorist attack at Bacha Khan University Charsadda andGulshan Iqbal Park, Lahore, security of the soft targets i.e. Schools/EducationalInstitutions has been enhanced and special deployment is made during opening/closing hours of these institutions. Besides, the joint patrolling of Police/Pak Rangersis also carried out to avert any untoward incident.

Annexure-A

MAJOR PARKS IN ICT

o Shakar Paryan/monument.

o Lake view.

o Play Land/Zoo.

o Shandara View Point

o Fatima Jinnah Park, F-9.

108. *Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi:


(a) the total number of persons whose names have been deletedfrom the Exit Control List (ECL) during the tenure of the presentGovernment;

26

(b) the steps taken by the concerned authorities to ensure that theECL contains only those persons who are required under thelaw; and

(c) the total number of dual nationals who are on the said list atpresent alongwith the Government policy with regard to suchcitizens?


(a) 5322 names of individuals have been deleted from ECL since 01-5-2013to till date.

(b) A new ECL Policy (Annex-A) has been notified to furtherstreamline the procedure for placement on ECL.

(c) 28 individuals having dual nationality are on ECL. The same isprovided by recommending Departments. There is no separate policy for dualnationals. ECL Rules 2010 / Policy is being followed for placement of nameson ECL.


109. *Dr. Nafisa Shah:


(a) the total number of new taxpayers included in the tax net afterthe Tax Amnesty Scheme introduced for traders; and

(b) the total amount deposited during the first Month therefrom?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization( Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): (a) At the very outset, it is to beclarified that this was not a tax amnesty scheme but it was Voluntary Tax ComplianceScheme (VTCS). This scheme applied to both new as well as existing taxpayers.

The total number of new taxpayers who availed the Voluntary TaxCompliance Scheme (VTCS) upto 5th May, 2016 is 6,872.

27

(b) Month-wise detail of tax deposited in the scheme is as under:—

(Rs. in Million)——————————————————————————————

Month Payment by Newtaxpayers under VTCS

——————————————————————————————February, 2016 191.1March, 2016 456.2April, 2016 96.3

——————————————————————————————Total: 743.5

——————————————————————————————

110. *Dr. Nafisa Shah:


(a) the un-employment ratio in the country at present; and

(b) the steps taken by the present Government to promoteemployment opportunities in the country?


Privatization( Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): (a) According to PakistanLabourforce Survey 2014-15 the overall unemployment rate has decreased from6.2 percent in 2012-13 to 5.9 percent in 2014-15.

(b) Employment promotion policy of the present government is basedon the following:

i. Direct measures to promote employment.

ii. Indirect measures by Imparting technical/vocational training inemployable skills.

Direct measures to promote employment

i. Energy improvement

28

ii. Macro-economic stability

iii. Larger Public Sector Development Program (PSDP)

iv. Promoting self-employment of youth through

Prime Minister’s Youth Business Loan SchemePrime Minister’s Interest Free Loan SchemePrime Minister’s Youth Training Programme

v. Overseas employment facilities for technical/ skilled and unskilledlabour force

vi. Investment climate- employment generation in CPEC Projects

Indirect measures by Impartingtechnical/vocational training in employable skills

i. Prime Ministers Youth Skill Development Program

ii. Prime Minister Hunermand Pakistan Program

iii. President “Fanni Maharat” Program

iv. Skills Development through National Vocational and TechnicalTraining Commission (NAVTTC)

v. Skills Development through National Training Bureau (NTB)

111. *Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan:

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state the steps being taken by theGovernment to simplify the process of Income Tax Return andE-filing?


Privatization( Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): “As per rule 80 of the Income TaxRules an individual having CNIC who wants to file his Income Tax Return for thefirst time, manually is treated as registered automatically on filing of his

29

manual return and does not have to undergo the process of registration. However,a person intending to file electronic return is treated as registered on beinge-enrolled. The process of e-enrollment is as under:

1- At stage of E-enrollment

A customizable and configurable module that facilitates prospectiveIndividual (National) taxpayers to get themselves registered, fromanywhere in the world, at any time , in minimum 7 minutes andmaximum 20 minutes (depending on type of taxpayer).

Registration Modification mechanism to modify profile by themselveswithout any involvement of Tax authority.

Self E-enrolment mechanism.

Online (auto) NADRA / SECP verifications.

Two Factor Authentication to verify Cell / Email ownership andvalidity.

2- At stage of e-filing

Provides configuration of Return Forms across Tax Periods; preservesformats and heads for each Tax Period.

Provides mechanism for online filing by Taxpayer, TaxpayerRepresentative or Internal FBR Facilitation Center. It also providesmechanism for field officers to file manually received returns.

Provides single version of calculation through another Iris module(Business Rule Engine).

Provides mechanism to file revised Returns within 60 days after filingwithout Commissioner Approval and after 60 days via CommissionerApproval.

Processes Universal Self-Assessment Order (USAS) same day andupdates Taxpayer ledger accordingly.

30

Flexible across periods and one can configure for any period throughconfigurations and rule changes.

Computation of Income and calculation of Tax done by system.

Flexible data validation rules.

Return heads (Amount Codes) flexible across the periods forenabling/disabling and hiding / showing.”

112. *Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan:

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased tostate whether there is any monitoring and evaluation system for theprivate courier services in order to control terrorist activities in thecountry; if so, the details thereof?

Tranferred to Communications Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

113. *Dr. Shazia Sobia:

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state whether it is a fact that theBenazir Income Support Programme/Prime Minister’s Youth SkillsDevelopment Programme/Waseela-i-Rozgar Programme/Waseela-e-Haq Programme have been suspended; if so, reasons thereof?


Privatization( Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): Unconditional cash transfer(UCT) is an ongoing programme of Benazir Income Support Programme(BISP). However, BISP has closed down its Waseela-e-Rozgar andWaseela-e-Haq Pororammes on the direction of BISP Board. Theseinitiatives were closed down mainly due to their weak design, fragilemonitoring & evaluation mechanism, overlapping of efforts and resourceswith other federal and provincial schemes.

So far as Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Programme isconcerned, it has not been suspended and beimg executed by National Vocational& Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC).

31

114. *Dr. Shazia Sobia:


(a) whether it is a fact that objectives of Tax Amnesty Scheme havenot been achieved so far despite extending its date;

(b) if so, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization( Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): (a) At the outset it is submittedthat it is not a Tax Amnesty Scheme and is a Voluntarily Tax Compliance Scheme(VTCS). The scheme was introduced at the request of representatives of tradebodies, business chambers and FPCCI in the wake of 0.6% withholding tax onbank transactions on non-filers under section 236P through the Finance Act, 2015,which was reduced to 0.3% upto 29th February, 2016 and to 0.4% w.e.f 1stMarch, 2016. Since the objective of withholding tax was documentation andexpanding the tax base, the Federal Government agreed to accept the demand ofthe traders after long drawn discussion that instead of paying withholding tax onbanking transactions of non-filers, a scheme be introduced whereby non-filerswould file their returns, and become filers and consequently withholding tax willnot be applicable to them.

As per the estimates provided by the traders it was expected that a largenumber of traders will avail the scheme. However, so far 9,020 returns have beenfiled under the voluntary tax compliance scheme (VTCS) and tax of Rs. 850Million has been deposited resulting into documentation of working capital ofRs. 85 Billion.

Before introduction of VTCS it was noted that around 61,000 traderswere declaring taxable income exceeding Rs. 400,000. In this background theresponse of 9,020 traders may not be termed as failure of VTCS.

Unlike amnesty schemes, which had been introduced by the previousgovernments, VTCS was introduced at the request of traders in the wake ofwithholding tax and the Federal Government has nothing to lose since withholdingtax under section 236P would still be applicable to non-filers, the rate of which, atpresent is 0.4%.

(b) Not applicable.

32

115. *Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar:


(a) the actual and final cut-off dates to file the tax returns for thelast year; and

(b) whether it is a fact that the said date extended again and again;if so, the details alongwith the reasons thereof?


Privatization( Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): (a) The actual and cut of dates forfiling of returns for the tax year 2015 are as under:

(i) For companies with tax year ending on 30th June, 2015 the actualdate for filing return was 31st December 2015. The cut off date wasextended up to 21st January, 2016.

(ii) For companies with tax year ending on 31st December, 2014 theactual date for filing return was 30th September, 2015. The cut offdate was extended up to 21st January, 2016.

(iii) For salary persons the actual date for filing return was 31st August,2015. The final cut off date was extended up to 21st March, 2016.

(iv) For all other cases the actual date for filing return was 30th September,2015. The final cut off date was extended up to 21st March, 2016.

(b) The due dates of filing of Income Tax returns have been extendedseveral times on request of different business chambers, tax bars, associations andtrade bodies and in the spirit of facilitation for the taxpayers. The FederalGovernment granted the extension to encourage larger number of people to filetheir income tax returns. The details of the extensions granted by the FederalGovernment in filing of Income Tax Returns is as under:

(i) Circular No 8 of 2015

(a) Due date of filing of return in case of Individual, AOP and Salariedperson extended till 31st October, 2015.

33

(b) The date of filing of returns for companies whose tax year ends on31st December, 2014, extended up to 31st October, 2015.

(ii) Circular No 11 of 2015.

The dates as mentioned in circular 8 of 2015 have further beenextended up to 30th November, 2015.

(iii) Circular No 12 of 2015.

The dates in all categories in circular No. 11 of 2015 have beenextended till December, 2015.

(iv) Circular No 13 of 2015.

The dates of filing of returns have been extended up to 31st January,2015 for all taxpayers other than companies.

(v) Circular No 1 of 2016.

The date of filing of return for companies has also been extended upto 21st January, 2016.

(vi) Circular No 2 of 2016.

The dates as per circular No. 13 of 2015 for individuals and AOPshave been extended till 29th February, 2016.

(vii) Circular No 5 of 2016.

The date of filing returns for individuals and AOPs was extended till21st March, 2016.

116. *Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar:

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state whether it is a fact that theGovernment is planning to float more Euro Bonds in the near future;if so, the reasons thereof?

34

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization( Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): At the moment, no such plan isunder consideration. However, a decision to raise the funds through issuance ofEuro bonds would be taken keeping in view macroeconomic condition of thecountry and investors’ appetite in the international financial markets.

117. *Ms. Shakila Luqman:

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state the year-wise total amount offunds received by the Pakistan from USA and England under theHead of the Coalition Support Fund during the last three yearsalongwith the head-wise utilization thereof?

Tranferred to Defence Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

118. *Ms. Shakila Luqman:


(a) the details of new amnesty scheme launched by the Governmentduring the year 2015-16; and

(b) the benefits to be accrued to the people therefrom?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization( Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): (a) No amnesty scheme has beenannounced by the Government during Tax Year 2015 rather it is a Voluntary TaxCompliance Scheme.

The details and salient features of the scheme are as follows:

FOR NON-FILERS:

i. The Scheme is applicable to traders for tax years 2015 to 2018where the working capital is Rs. 50 m or less and the trade is neitherregistered nor a filer.

35

ii. Trader shall file a simplified income tax return and shall pay incometax @ 1% of the working capital during tax year 2015 and for taxyears 2016 to 2018 income tax shall be paid at the following rateson their turnover.

——————————————————————————————————Turnover Rate of Tax

——————————————————————————————————i. Where turnover 0.20%

does not exceedRs.50 Million

ii. Where turnover Rs.100,000 + 0.15%exceed Rs.50 of amount exceedingMillion but does Rs. 50 Millionnot exceedRs.250 Million

iii. Where turnover Rs.400,000 + 0.10%exceed Rs.250 of amount exceeding 250Million Million

——————————————————————————————————iii. The tax regime would be subject to the following conditions:

a. For tax years 2017 and 2018, traders shall pay tax that is higherby 25% over the preceding year’s tax paid;

b. Traders shall not be required to withhold tax on the purchasesmade by them;

c. Traders shall be entitled to take credit of imputable income onthe basis of tax paid by them;

d. Traders availing this scheme shall not be subjected to audit.

FOR FILERS:

I. Voluntary Tax Compliance Scheme also covers the filers. Importantaspects of the scheme in respect of filers are as under:

a. Traders who have filed returns for Tax Year 2014 or anypreceding ten years are eligible;

36

b. Traders shall file normal income tax returns for Tax Years 2015-2018;

c. Traders shall pay tax on taxable income or turnover taxwhichever is higher;

d. The tax to be paid shall be calculated as higher of the following:

Turnover Tax in respect of trading activities at the ratesfor non-filers, or

Tax higher by 25% of the tax paid for the tax year 2014or for the latest tax year for which return has been filed,or

In case of loss or below taxable limit income in tax year2014 or for the latest tax year, tax of Rs. 30,000 whicheveris higher.

II. Traders who have already filed their returns for Tax Year 2015 canalso avail this scheme subject to —

a. Submission of revised return without the requirement of approvalof the commissioner

b. Payment of tax at,

10% of the tax originally paid for Tax Year 2015; or25% of the tax paid for Tax Year 2014; orTurnover Tax at the rates for non-filers whichever is higher

c. Traders shall not be entitled to take credit of tax deducted orcollected at source in Tax year 2015 and any succeeding year.

d. Refund due for any preceding year cannot be adjusted againstthe tax payable under this scheme

e. For Tax Year 2015 filing of wealth statement on taxable incomeupto Rs. 1 Million shall not be required

37

f. Traders availing this scheme shall not be subjected to audit

g. Traders shall not be required to withhold tax on the purchasesmade by them

h. Traders shall be entitled to get the benefit of imputable incomeby paying 1% tax on the difference of imputable income andthe taxable income declared

(b) The Voluntarily Tax Compliance Scheme (VTCS) recently introducedby the Government is a scheme for simplified procedure of filing of Income Taxreturns for traders and is devised for the purpose of broadening of the tax base.

The benefits expected as a result of introduction of new procedure is toenhance tax compliance, induce truthful declaration of income, expand the tax-base, discourage tax evasion, raise tax revenues, reduce cost of collection andminimize contact between tax officials and taxpayers, which had been a significantobstacle in tax compliance.

119. *Rai Hasan Nawaz Khan:


(a) the province-wise names of the energy projects underconstruction under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor atpresent;

(b) the time by which the construction works of said projects willbe completed; and

(c) the details of progress made on said projects so far separately?

Minister for Planning, Development and Reform (Mr. Ahsan Iqbal):(a) energy projects are located in all provinces and it is estimated thatapproximately 10400 MW electricity to be generated from prioritized energyprojects. Detail are at Annex-I.

(b) Energy projects are early harvest projects and expected to becompleted by 2017/18 except Hydel projects which will be completed by 2020/21.

38

(c) Progress of energy projects is at Annex-I.


120. *Rai Hasan Nawaz Khan:


(a) whether it is a fact that the State Bank of Pakistan has recentlyshowed its concern over its ignorance of the structure ofCPEC deals;

(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to clarify the saidstructure of deal to the concerned stakeholders?

Minister for Planning, Development and Reform (Mr. Ahsan Iqbal):(a) and (b) State Bank has not shared their concern with Ministry of Planning,Development & Reform regarding structure of CPEC deals.

ISLAMABAD: ABDUL JABBAR ALI,

The 12th May, 2016 Secretary.

PCPPI—0819(2016) NA—12-5-2016—650.

1

(32nd Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Friday, the 13th May, 2016

105. Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan:(Deferred during 11th Session)


(a) whether it is a fact that cost was estimated for installation ofcyber net fountains project in various areas of Islamabad duringthe year 2008; if so, the details alongwith the date of approvaland completion of the PC-I thereof;

(b) the details of the construction work carried on up till nowalongwith the time by which the said project will be completed;

(c) the total expenditures to be incurred thereupon alongwith theamount spent so far;

(d) whether Public Procurement Rules, 2004 were followed therefor;and

(e) whether irregularities have been found in the said project; if so,the action taken against the responsibles?

Admissibility is being re-considered.

5. Ms. Belum Hasnain:(Deferred during 24th Session)


2

(a) whether it is a fact that blasphemy law is being mis-used atpresent and affecting the innocent minorities in the country;

(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to control the said mis-utilization?

Reply not received.

62. Ms. Shagufta Jumani:(Deferred during 27th Session)

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased tostate the province-wise total number of registered and un-registeredNon Governmental Organizations working in Pakistan at present?

Transferred to the Economic Affairs Division for answer on next RotaDay.

66. Ms. Khalida Mansoor:(Deferred during 27th Session)

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased tostate the city-wise refugees residing in the country at present?

Transferred to the States and Frontier Regions Division for answer onnext Rota Day.

50. Mr. Sajid Nawaz:(Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased tostate whether it is a fact that compensation funds have not beenreleased to the affected families of Waziristan Operation up-till now;if so, the reasons thereof?

Transferred to the States and Frontier Regions Division for answer onnext Rota Day.

3

117. Dr. Shazia Sobia:(Deferred during 28th Session)

Will the Minister In-charge of the Prime Minister’s Offices be pleasedto state the average per day expenses of the Prime Minister’s Houseduring the last two years?

Reply not received.

27. Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar:(Deferred during 29th Session)

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased tostate the details of land regained in the rural areas of Islamabad bythe Ministry during the tenure of the present Government?

Reply not received.

32. Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub:(Deferred during 29th Session)


(a) whether it is a fact that irregularities being carried out in theBenazir Income Support Programme;

(b) if so, the steps being taken by the Government to control thesaid practice?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): (a) Keeping in view of BISPtechnology enabled systems, the programme is in a position where major irregularitiescan be detected. However, some complaints were received from field regardingsuspicious beneficiaries. Hence, complete audit of about 1.6 million beneficiarieswas conducted. Their record was confirmed at two levels i.e. (first) with NADRAdata base and (secondly) manual verification was done. This exercise revealed125,714 beneficiaries as suspected and their payments were stopped immediately.These beneficiaries will be unblocked subject to verification and necessarydocumentary evidence.

4

(b) Following steps are being taken to avoid such practice in future:

System has been upgraded with the technical support of NADRA.

Necessary training and capacity building in this regard has also beenprovided to all officers/officials.

All the beneficiaries’ updates are now subject to verification ofdocuments and its subsequent matching with BISP and NADRAdatabase.

Data management committees for meticulous vigilance have beenformulated at various tiers to avoid such issues.

Departmental committees for conducting inquiries against BISPofficer/officials have been constituted.

34. Mr. Ramesh Lal:(Deferred during 29th Session)

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased tostate the names and father names of those persons to whom licencesof bear and wine have been issued since 01-01-2013 alongwith thedetails thereof?

Reply not received.

38. Ms. Sabiha Nazir:(Deferred during 29th Session)

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased tostate the steps being taken by the Ministry to make sure that thePrivate Security Guards are properly trained and physically fit toperform their duties in Islamabad?

Reply not received.

5

57. Mr. Sajid Ahmed:(Deferred during 30th Session)

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased tostate whether it is a fact that the records of the lands in Islamabadhave not been computerized so far?

Reply not received. 65. Mr. Nazir Ahmed Bughio:

(Deferred during 30th Session)


(a) whether it is a fact that the employees recruited for Immigrationand Passport Project on contract basis have authorized toissue travel documents of sensitive nature;

(b) if so, the prescribed criteria thereof?

Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control (Ch. Nisar Ali Khan):(a) The officer of BPS-17 and BPS-16 of the Directorate General, Immigrationand Passports are authorized to accept passport applications. However, becauseof shortage of human resource and in case of non-availability of BPS-17 andBPS-16 officers, the officials OF MRP Project and lower grade officials are alsoauthorized in public interest to accept passport applications. Subsequently theseofficers can scrutinize the applications to check for their completion and veracity.However, passports are issued by the Directorate General, Immigration andPassports after further scrutiny.

(b) The officials deputed at Regional Passport Offices and Missionsabroad can only make acceptance of passport application whereas passports areissued by the Directorate General Immigration and Passports.

68. Mr. Babar Nawaz Khan:(Deferred during 30th Session)


6

(a) the total funds provided by the foreign Government and Nationaland International Charity Organizations for the affectees ofterrorism since 31-05-2015 alongwith the details thereofseparately; and

(b) the present status of projects/programmes started from saidfunds?

Transferred to the Finance Division for answer on next Rota Day. 71. Mr. Jamshed Ahmad Dasti:

(Deferred during 30th Session)


(a) the tehsil-wise total number of widows and indigent women towhom financial assistance has been disbursed under the BenazirIncome Support Programme in District Kark during the lastfive years till date;

(b) the total number of persons whose financial assistance has beenstopped after the revision of the said scheme during the saidperiod;

(c) the steps being taken by the Government to give more benefitsto more deserving people from said scheme; and

(d) the details of persons of said District whose names have beendeleted from the said scheme at first stage alongwith the reasonsthereof?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): (a) Currently in CFY 2015-16,15,190 women (which include 684 widows) are receiving BISP Cash grants in rDistrict Kark, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Last five years

summary is enclosed as

Annex-A.

(b) A total of 2,343 persons (District Kark, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) fromfirst phase were found ineligible as per BISP criteria, therefore, the payment forsaid number of beneficiaries were stopped in June, 2010.

7

(c) BISP has started the process of resurvey/NSER-update to minimizethe exclusion & inclusion errors of previous targeting/survey. The first phase ofNSER1 - update in 16 districts across the country is likely to be initiated byJune, 2016 and will be completed by the coming year. NSER update/ surveyactivity will provide an opportunity to more eligible poor people across thecountry to benefit from BISP.

(d) 2,343 beneficiaries (District Kark, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) of firstphase were excluded because they were not falling in the poverty criteria approvedby the government.

1 National Socio- Exonomic registry (NSER), maintained by bisp for assessingthe Poverty profile of the Households of the Country.


16. Ms. Suraiya Jatoi:(Deferred during 31st Session)


(a) the total number of female employees working in the Ministryand Federal Securities Agencies at present alongwith the detailsthereof; and

(b) the total number of employees belonging to Minorities workingin the Ministry and said agencies at present alongwith the detailsthereof?

Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control (Ch. Nisar Ali Khan):(a) & (b)

i. Presently 38 female employees in different cadres are workingin the Ministry of Interior (Main) (Annex-A)

ii. Total 612 female employees working in ICT Police (Annex-C)

iii. Total 552 female employees working in Civil Armed Forces (CAF)(Annex-D)

(Grand Total=1202)

8

iv. 14 employees belonging to Minorities are working in theMinistry of Interior (Main) (Annex-II).

v. Total 149 employees belonging to Minorities are working in ICT,Police (Annex-C)

vi. Total 2627 employees belonging to Minorities are working in CivilArmed Forces (CAF) (Annex-D)

(Grand Total= 2790)

At present 612 female employees are working in various offices/departments of ICT Administration & ICT Police. Details is as under:—

1. Chief Commissioner Office——————————————————————————————

S. No. Designation with BPS Working Strength——————————————————————————————

1. Directror (Women Development (BS- 19) 01

2. Director (AES) (BS-18) 01

3. Women Programme Officer (BS-17) 01

4. Assistant (BS-14) 01

5. Lady Instructor (BS-11) 04

6. UDC (BS-09) 01——————————————————————————————

2. Inspector General of Police

Executive Staff——————————————————————————————S. No. Designation with BPS Working Strength

——————————————————————————————1. Assitant Sub-Inspector(BS-9) 142. Head Constable (BS-7) 253. Constable (BS-5) 1974. Followers (BS-1) 5

——————————————————————————————

9

Ministerial Staff——————————————————————————————


1. Assistant (Bs-14) 012. Head Desk Assistant (BS-15) 013. Data Entry Supervisor (BS-15) 014. Data Entry Operator (BS-12) 015. UDC(BS-9) 046. LDC (BS-07) 04

______________________________________________________________

3. Deputy Commissioner Office——————————————————————————————


1. Addl. Deputy Commissioner (R) (BS-18) 012. Secreary ITA (BS-18) 013. Director Excise (BS-18) 014. Assistat Commissioner (BS-17) 03

——————————————————————————————

4. Distric Health Office——————————————————————————————


1. Medical Officer (BPS-17) 042. Lady Health Visitor (BPS-09) 173. Lady Health Supervisor (BPS-07) 094. LDC (BPS-07) 015. Lady Health Worker (BS-05) 3106. Nursing Asstt. / dai (BPS-04) 017. Naib Qasid (BPS-01) 02

——————————————————————————————149 female employees belonging to minorities are Working in offices/

Departments of ICT Administration & ICT Police at present. Details is as under:—

1. Inspector general of Police——————————————————————————————


1. Sub-Inspector (Bs-14) 032. Assistant Sub-Inspector (BS-9) 033. Head Constable (BS-7) 074. Constable (BS-5) 675. Flowers (BS-1) 58

——————————————————————————————

10

2. Deputy Commissioner Office——————————————————————————————


1. Sanitary Worker (BPS-01) 02——————————————————————————————

3. Disrtic Health Office——————————————————————————————


1. Lady Health Visitor (BPS-09) 012. Lady Health Worker (BPS-05) 043. Sanitary Worker (BPS-01) 03

——————————————————————————————4. Food Department

——————————————————————————————S. No. Designation with BPS Working Strength

——————————————————————————————1. Sanitary Worker (BS-02) 01

——————————————————————————————

Government Of PakistanMinistry of Interior

CAF Wing

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

11

@17. Ms. Suraiya Jatoi:(Deferred during 31st Session)

Will the Minister In-Charge of the Prime MInister’s office be pleasedto state:

(a) the steps taken by the present Government to promote investmentin the country; and

(b) the milestones achieved therefrom?

Minister In-Charge of the Prime Minister’s Office: (a) STEPSTAKEN TO PROMOTE INVESTMENT IN THE COUNTRY

I. Government of Pakistan signed a historic MoU with the ChineseGovernment for US$ 46 billion investment in China-PakistanEconomic Corridor. These projects pertain to infrastructuredevelopment, energy, transport and industrial sectors. Consequently,a huge investment in different economic sectors is likely to flow intothe country from other parts of the world too.

II. Government has initiated a number of measures for simplification ofprocedures and reducing cost/ time for different activities forimprovement of the business climate in the country. An Action Planhas been devised to make improvement in all the ten (10) businessindicators of Ease of Doing Business namely starting a business; payingtaxes; trading across borders; enforcing contracts; access to credit;construction permits; getting electricity; protecting investors; resolvinginsolvency and registering property.

III. For the promotion of investment prospects in the country, governmenthas aggressively used all the available platforms like holding ofinvestment conferences, and business forums in the country andabroad; and distribution of publicity material through PakistanEmbassies abroad and through print & electronic media

IV. BOI has established a dedicated Cell at its Head Office to facilitateand support Pakistani Diaspora in making investments in the country.

V. Investment Facilitation Centres (IFCs) have been established inIslamabad and Provincial Capitals to assist SMEs to set up theirbusinesses on fast track basis.

———————————————————————————————————————————

@ Transferred from Finance Division.

12

VI. One window facility is provided to the foreign investors through BOI’sHeadquarters and Regional offices.

VII. Improvement of SEZ Act to make it more investors and businessfriendly by introducing SEZ (Amendment), Ordinance 2015.

VIII. Improvement of Work Visa Policy for investors / technical personnelworking in CPEC projects; wherein the Visa processing time hasbeen reduced from 4-weeks to 7-working days with provision ofmultiple entry for a maximum of 5-years validity.

IX. Finalized the new Auto Policy in consultation with stakeholders.

(b) The Milestones Achieved therfrom

I. Government has notified three (3) Special Economic Zones at PortQasim, Korangi Creek (both in Karachi) and Khairpur. Anotherthree (3) applications from Punjab are under process at BOI for thegrant of SEZ status. A number of other industrial zones from all theprovinces are in process to get the status of SEZs.

II. To facilitate Ease of Doing Business Federal Govt. in coordinationwith provincial stakeholders achieved the following targets:

(a) Virtual / Physical One Stop Shop established for registering anew company.

(b) ADR centers established at Karachi and Lahore

(c) Land record digitalized in Punjab and Sindh

(d) Pilot projects of commercial courts started in Punjab

(e) Automation for custom clearance through WeBOC andtax filing

III. BOI, in consultation with provincial governments identified twenty-nine (29) sites for establishing Special Economic Zones alongsideChina-Pakistan Economic Corridor

13

IV. BOI organized/ conducted nineteen (19) overseas and seventeen(17) local investment conferences and business forums/ seminars tomarket opportunities and explore joint ventures.

V. BOI facilitated 121 foreign inward delegations visiting Pakistan and300 local delegations to the other countries. BOI also replied 4500queries from the foreign investors.

VI. 7000 copies of promotional material relating to prospects ofinvestment were disseminated among Pakistani missions abroad,foreign missions in Pakistan, Chambers & Business Houses and duringvarious seminars/conferences.

VII. BOI processed 366 cases for the opening of branch offices, 189cases for the liaison offices, 7650 cases of Work Visa, 3818 casesfor urgent security clearance, and 471 airport entry passes.

Owing to above measures, during the present Government tenure the localinvestment increased by 14.26 % from US $94.76 b in 2010-13 to US $ 108.28b in 2013-16. Similarly foreign direct investment increased by 54.2% from$ 2.857 billion in March, 2010-13 to $ 4.405billion in March, 2013-16.

18. Ms. Aisha Syed:

(Deferred during 31st Session)

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased to statewhether it is a fact that the office of National Database andRegistration Authority has not been established in Ormara, DistrictGwadar; if so, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control (Ch. Nisar Ali Khan):Establishment of NADRA Office at Ormara, District Gwada is not feasible due topopulation figures. However, is Mobile Registration Van is deployed at Ormaraon requirement basis.

14

19. Ms. Mussarrat Ahmadzeb:

(Deferred during 31st Session)

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state whether there is a technicaltraining programme under Prime Minister’s Youth Programme; if so,the total number of youth from Malakand Division are benefitingtherefrom?

Reply not received.

21. Mr. Abdul Waseem:(Deferred from 31st Session)


(a) the names of those departments which are working to controlthe smuggling of different items from the entrance and existroutes of the country; and

(b) the details of the performance made by those departments duringthe last three years till date?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): (a) Currently, the followingdepartments deployed at border exercise anti-smuggling powers under Section 6of the Customs Act, 1969.

(i) Frontier Corps (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), vide SRO 1090(1)/2010,dated 01-12-2010.

(ii) Pakistan Rangers (Punjab & Sindh), vide SRO 1090(1)/2010,dated 01-12-2010.

(iii) Pakistan Coast Guards, vide SRO 42(1)/2014, dated 20-01-2014.

(iv) Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, vide SRO 43(I)/2014, dated20-01-2014.

15

(v) Political Administration of FATA, vide SRO 60(I)/2000,dated 14-02-2000.

(vi) Pakistan Customs.

(b) Anti-smuggling performance in respect of above referred departmentsare as under;____________________________________________________________

VALUE OF GOODS SEIZEDName of Departments TOTAL

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015 — 16(up to March, 2016)

____________________________________________________________________Pakistan Customs 5,328.83 7,409.32 9,582.29 9,772.61 32,093.05

Maritime Security Agency 436.04 114.91 151.14 23.55 725.64

Pakistan Coast Guards 582.43 507.33 630.53 223.27 1,943.56

Frontier Corps (KPK) 88.40 129.49 262.77 268.76 749.42

Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) 18.49 20.44 6.02 505.45 550.40____________________________________________________________

As regards anti-smuggling performance of Political Administration of FATA,Chief Secretary (KP), Peshawar has been asked to supply the same which isawaited.

24. Mr. Sher Akbar Khan:Deferred during 31st Session

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to refer to Un-Starred Question No.119replied on 17-03-2016 and to state:

(a) the name of the employees whose cases submitted by the NationalAssembly Secretariat on 21-09-2015 regarding the differenceamount of HBA have not been included in the list by the AGPR

16

so far alongwith the reasons thereof;(b) the time by which the names of said employees will be included

in the list therefor; and

(c) the time by which the said amount therefor will be released?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): (a) A list indicating the names ofemployees whose cases were submitted by the National Assembly Secretariat on21-09-2015 regarding difference of House Building Advance (HBA) is atAnnex-I. However, the name of Mr. Iftikhar Ahmed, D.S was enlisted at S.No.480(Register # 02) of the difference of HBA Register. His case was received in officeof AGPR on 09-10-2015. In earlier reply dated 17-03-2016 his name could notbe included in the list due to oversight which is regretted.

(b). The name of Mr. Iftikhar Ahmad D.S has, already been entered inthe seniority/waiting list at Sl No. 480 (Resister No. 2).

(c) Fund /Availability Certificate (FAC) will be issued in current quarterof Financial Year 2015-16.

17

o

17-0

3-20

16nd

18

25. Mr. Asad Umar:(Deferred during 31st Session)


(a) the reasons for not implementing the Judgment No.0000507/14,dated 25-10-2014 of the Federal Ombudsman of Pakistan inrespect of Medical Cooperative Housing Society, Islamabad;

(b) the action being taken against responsibles for not implementingthe same;

(c) the time by which its results will come to fore; and

(d) the dates on which the District Administration, Islamabad wascalled by the Federal Ombudsman Secretariat in its Office;

(e) whether Government intends to take action against the officialsof the District Administration, Islamabad who are responsiblefor not implementing the same?

Reply not received.

26. Mir Aamir Ali Khan Magsi:(Deferred during 31st Session)


(a) whether it is a fact that the officers of BS-17 and 18 are beingappointed in the project of the Directorate General ofImmigration and Passports through the examination of theNational Testing Service (NTS) by neglecting the role of theFederal Public Service Commission (FPSC); if so, the totalnumber of officers appointed so far by the NTS; and

(b) the category-wise number of contractual employees of saidDirectorate whose services are being regularized without passingthe examination of the FPSC?

19

Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control (Ch. Nisar Ali Khan):(a) It is stated that project posts are purely temporary posts and hiring againstsuch posts is made on contractual basis. The department initiated the recruitmentprocess after seeking approval from the Ministry of Interior vide letter No. 4/37/2013-Estt(I&P), dated 02-04-2016 (Annex-A).

All posts have been filled up in the light of the mechanism constituted bythe Establishment Division and conveyed vide its Office Memorandum No. F.53/1/2008-SP, dated 03-03-2015 (Annex-B).

A total of 138 officers have been appointed against posts in BS-17 and04 officers in BS-18.

Only regular posts are filed through FPSC. (Annex-C)

(b) The services of contractual employees in BPS-16 and aboveconverted from Development (Project side) to Non-Development side is underprocess as per provision contained in Civil Servants (Appointment, Promotionand Transfer Rules/Regulations).


45. Ms. Munaza Hassan:


(a) whether it is a fact that billion of rupees of exporters areoutstanding as refunds against the Federal Board of Revenue(FBR) at present;

(b) whether it is also a fact that the FBR has failed tomake said refunds to exporters; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(c) whether it is further a fact that the Government uses such fundsfor its budgetary support; if so, the steps being taken by theGovernment to address the said matter in a transparent mannerand at the earliest?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): (a) Following are the outstandingrefunds:

20

Income Tax:——————————————————————————————

Period Amount——————————————————————————————

2015-16 Rs. 89.7 Billion (up to 31/03/2016)

2014-15 Rs. 88.4 Billion

2013-14 Rs. 99.3 Billion——————————————————————————————

Sales Tax:

No. of Cases: 73,793

Amount Involved: Rs. 125,470 Million

However, it is pertinent to mention here that these refunds are not verifiedregarding their admissibility and genuineness. FBR has specific statutory provisionsfor determination of the legal admissibility of a refund claim. The refund claims areprocessed and issued in accordance with the said legal provisions. Detail of refundpayments in the last three years is as under:

Refunds Paid:

Sales Tax:——————————————————————————————

Period All Taxpayers Including exporters Exporters——————————————————————————————

01/07/15 Rs. 32.718 Billion Rs. 24,499 Billionto date

33557 Cases28,293Cases

01/07/14 Rs. 43.72 Billions Rs. 31.86 Billionto 30/6/2015

21397 Cases 17,886 Cases

01/07/2013 Rs. 32.35 Billions Rs. 22.54 Billionto

30/06/2014 23145 Cases 14821 Cases——————————————————————————————

21

Income Tax

___________________________________________________________Period Refunds issued to all Taxpayers

____________________________________________________________01/07/2015 Rs. 34.98 Billion

to31/03/2016

01/07/2014 Rs. 77.65 Billionto

30/06/2015

01/07/2013 Rs. 63.71 Billionto

30/06/2014______________________________________________________________

(b) As mentioned in Part (a). above, FBR has specific statutory

provisions for determination of the legal admissibility of a refund claim. The refundclaims are processed and issued in accordance with the said legal provisions. Thepending refund claims are not verified yet regarding their admissibility andgenuineness. Therefore, FBR has not failed to issue refunds to exporters.

(c) The pendency of the refunds is a “Legacy Issue”. The charts of SalesTax and Income Tax refunds paid during the last three years proves that FBRissues almost the same amount of refunds as s applied for during that year.

46. Ms. Sajida Begum:


(a) whether it is a fact that the seniority list of officers working oncontract basis in Machine Readable Passport project is beingmaintained;

(b) whether there is any legal status of maintaining the seniority listof contract employees; if not, the seniority list maintainedthrough which foreign posting is being made under theprescribed code of seniority-cum-fitness; and

22

(c) whether it is also a fact that the employees of said projectare being promoted through a fake seniority list; if so, the namesand designations thereof?

Reply not received. 47. Ms. Aisha Syed:

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased tostate whether any punishment has been awarded by the presentGovernment to the senior police officers for negligence duringperformance of their duties in the police department; if so, the numberthereof?

Transferred to Establishment Division for answer on next Rota Day.

48. Dr. Nafisa Shah:


(a) the details of the energy projects included in the China-PakistanEconomic Corridor alongwith the total expenditure to beincurred thereupon; and

(b) the sources of funds to meet the cost of said projects?

Minister for Planning, Development and Reform (Mr. Ahsan Iqbal):(a) approximately, US$ 35 million have been allocated to energy sector to mitigateenergy crises. Detail is at Annex-1

(b) Energy sector has apportionment of 77% of US$ 46.0 billion underIPPs mode.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library) 49. Dr. Nafisa Shah:

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state the percentage of GST imposedon the petroleum products including petrol, diesel and LNG?

23

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): In order to rationalize the rate ofsales tax on petroleum products, fixed rate of sales tax on Petroleum Productshas been introduced through S.R.O 369(1)/2016, dated 29-04-2016 , which areas follows:——————————————————————————————

S. No. Description PCT Rate heading Rate——————————————————————————————

(1) (2) (3) (4)——————————————————————————————

1. Motor spirit excluding 2710.1210 Rs. 9.89 per litreHOBC

2. High speed diesel oil 2710.1931 Rs. 25.16per litre3. HOBC 2710.1210 Rs. 10.65 per litre4. Kerosene 2710.1911 Rs. 3.60 per litre5. Light Diesel Oil 2710.1921 Rs. 3.38 per litre

——————————————————————————————Standard rate of Sales tax @ 17% is levied on the supply of LNG except

supply made to CNG sector which is charged @ 5% through S.R.O 398(1)/2015, dated 8th May, 2015.

50. Ms. Suraiya Jatoi:

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state the year and area-wise taxcollected in the country since 01-01-2007?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): Year-wise and area -wise taxcollected in the country since 01-01-2007 is attached as Annexure “A”


51. Ms. Suraiya Jatoi:

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state the sector-wise subsidiesprovided by the Government since 01-01-2013?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): The details of sector-wise subsidiesprovided by the Government since 01-01-2013 to date are as under:

24

Sector Rs. in billion

a. Power Sector 976.689

b. Commodity Sector 126.985

c. Commerce/Textile 16.057

d. Railway 119.198 52. Rai Hasan Nawaz Khan:

Will the Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control be pleased torefer to Un-Starred Question No.53 replied on 15-2-2016 and tostate:

(a) the total number of Afghanis out of 3487 accusedpersons arrested in Islamabad during the year 2014-15alongwith the names of organizations to which they werebelonging; and

(b) the total number of such search operations carried out duringthe year 2015-16 alongwith the total number of persons arrestedtherefrom?

Reply not received.

53. Rai Hasan Nawaz Khan:


(a) whether it is a fact that Government has failed to plan aneffective policy to payback the debts of the country; if so, thereasons thereof;

(b) the steps are being taken by the Government to plan an effectivepolicy to payback the said debts;

(c) the time by which the above mentioned plan will start to reducethe debts of the country; and

(d) the total debts of the country at present?

Reply not received.

25

54. Dr. Muhammad Azhar Khan Jadoon:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Prime Minister’s Office be pleasedto state:

(a) whether it is a fact that a number of Hospitals/BHUs wereaffected due to Earthquake-2005; if so, the names and addressesof those Hospitals alongwith the present status of theconstruction works thereupon;

(b) whether it is also a fact that said Hospitals/BHUs have not beenreconstructed by ERRA so far;

(c) the total number of Hospitals out of them have been constructedso far;

(d) the total number of Hospitals out of them are under constructionat present alongwith the percentage of work completedthereupon; and

(e) the time by which remaining construction work of said Hospitalswill be completed?

Minister In-charge of the Prime Minister’s Office: (a) Yes, overall306 Hospitals / BHUs were damaged in 2005 Earthquake. The detail is atAnnex-A & Annex-B.

(b) It is not a fact. Out of a total 306, ERRA has completedreconstruction of 198 Hospital / BHUs whereas 63 are under construction and incase of another 45, the reconstruction is yet to be started.

(c) 198 Hospitals / BHUs have been completed so far. The detail is atAnnex-A.

(d) 63 hospitals are under construction. The detail is at Annex-B.

(e) The remaining work of under construction / yet to be started Hospitals/BHUs would be completed in near future. It may take 18-24 months to completetheir construction depending on availability of resources for the purpose.


26

55. Dr. Muhammad Azhar Khan Jadoon:

Will the Minister In-charge of the Prime Minister’s Office be pleasedto state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the audit of Earthquake Reconstructionand Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) has been conducted; if so,the details thereof;

(b) if the answer to part (a) above is in the negative, whether thereis any proposal under consideration of the Government to startthe audit of ERRA; if so, the present status thereof?

Minister In-charge of the Prime Minister’s Office: (a) Yes, audit of

the accounts of ERRA has been onducted regularly over the years. A dedicatedField Audit Office known as Directorate General of Audit ERRA, has beenfunctioning since August, 2006. The same has now been renamed as DG Audit,Disaster Management. 7 x Audit Reports have so far been printed on the accountsof ERRA since its inception in October 2005 and placed before the NationalAssembly.

(b) Not applicable.

56. Ms. Sabiha Nazir:


(a) whether it is a fact that the fake currency is being smuggled toUAE from Pakistan;

(b) if so, the steps being taken by the Government to control printingof fake currency?

Transferred to the Revenue Division for answer on next Rota Day. 57. Ch. Muhammad Shahbaz Babar:


27

(a) the number of individuals who got benefits from the moneylaundering scheme; and

(b) the total amount transferred to Pakistan by the said scheme?

Reply not received.

58. Dr. Mahreen Razaque Bhutto:

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state the benefits obtained from theprivatization during the last five years till date?

Reply not received.

59. Dr. Mahreen Razaque Bhutto:


(a) the steps taken by the incumbent Government to implement andrevitalize the global partnership for sustainable development;and

(b) the details of milestones achieved therefrom?

Transferred to the Climate Change Division for answer on next Rota Day. 60. Mr. Abdul Qahar Khan Wadan:


(a) the amount of recovery of Hyderabad Customs Collectorateoutstanding against various companies as well as public undersection 202 of Custom Act which has properly been adjudgedby the Courts alongwith the details thereof;

(b) the names of said companies alongwith the amount recoveredtherefrom separately and the adjudication in this regard;

28

(c) whether customs authorities are authorized to receive fine/penalty under section 180 of Custom Act without serving ShowCause Notice; and

(d) whether custom authorities are authorized to issue demandnotice for the recovery of above said fine/penalty for non-adjudged amount under section 202 of Custom Act?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): (a) The details of cases in respectof outstanding amount of recovery against various companies alongwith their namesand amount recovered is enclosed as Annex-A.

(b) The names of the companies and amount recovered therefrom is atAnnex-B.

(c) Section 180 of the Customs Act, 1969, provides that no order underthis Act shall be passed for the confiscation of any goods or for imposition of anypenalty on any person without issuing a Show Cause Notice to such person andproviding a reasonable opportunity of being heard personally or through a counselor duly authorized agent. Therefore, fine/penalty cannot be imposed/received byCustom authorities under Section 180 of the Customs Act, 1969 without issuing aShow Cause Notice.

However, under Section 180(a) of the Customs Act, 1969, if a personapplies for summary adjudication of his case by foregoing his right of Show CauseNotice, the Adjudicating authorty may issue order withour issuing him a ShowCause Notice. However, in such case too, the Custom Officer shall issue anappealable order while imposing any fine/penalty.

(d) As fine/penalty is imposed after proper adjudication or case andissuance of an appealable order, hence

. recovery of fine/penalty without adjudication

order is not possible under Section 202 of the Customs Act, 1969.

Sub-Section (1) of Section 202 of the Customs Act, 1969, is reproducedbelow:

“202. Recovery of Government dues.—(1) When under this Act orunder any other law for the time being in force, which provides

29

for any tax, duty or other levy being collected in the samemanner as customs-duties are collected, a penalty is adjudgedagainst, or notice or demand is served upon, any person callingfor the payment of any amount unpaid which may be payableby way of penalty or by way of duty, tax or other levy or underany bond [guarantee] or other instrument executed under thisAct or such other law or the rules made there under”.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library) 61. Mr. Abdul Qahar Khan Wadan:


(a) whether the Prime Minister had given priority to the WesternRoute in All Parties Conference during the last year;

(b) if so, whether feasibility reports for construction of Motorwayand installation of Railway track from Khuzdar to Quetta, Quettato Zhob and Zhob to Dera Ismail Khan were announced to makethereupon;

(c) the funds allocated therefor under Public Sector DevelopmentProgramme (PSDP) and whether any inauguration has beenmade in this regard; and

(d) whether funds have been allocated in PSDP or under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for establishment of economiczones in Khuzdar, Quetta, Zhob and Dera Ismail Khan and forinstallation of optical fiber and energy pipeline network in saidareas; if so, whether feasibility report has also been prepared inthis regard?

Minister for Planning, Development and Reform (Mr. Ahsan Iqbal):(a) It was decided in APC meeting held on 28 May 2015 and reiterated onJanuary 15, 2016 that;

Working on the principle of “One-Corridor, Multiple Passage”, theWestern Alignment for the CPEC will be constructed on priority, with a timeline of

30

2 years and 6 months, i.e. 15th July 2018. If required, the existing allocation forCFY for this alignment i.e. Rs. 40 billion will be enhanced appropriately”.

(b) Feasibility study or the construction of western alignment from Burhan-D.I Khan was done by NHA and the contracts are in process of awarding.

As far as Railway lines are concerned, complete mechanism of CPECRailway is on website of MPD&R.

(c) The Rs. 20.3 billion was allocated for CFY for this alignment,inauguration regarding western alignment is yet to be made.

(d) Government of Pakistan’s delegation led by Minister. MPD&Rincluding Chief Minister Government of Balochistan and official representativesfrom Provinces visited industrial parks in China from April 24-29, 2016. Oncetechnical feasibilities of Industrial Parks are received from the Provinces, that willbe shared with Chinese side. PSDP allocation will be done as per requirement/procedure. 62. Mr. Waseem Akhtar Shaikh:

Will the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economics Affairs Statisticsand Privatization be pleased to state:

(a) the date and department-wise names of employees who appliedfor House Building and Car Advances during the February, 2016alongwith the seniority number thereof; and

(b) the time by which the said advances will be given to saidemployees?

Reply not received.

63. Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:


(a) whether it is a fact that the commuted portion of pension ofcivil servants is restored after 15 years of retirement;

31

(b) whether it is also a fact that the annual increases made by theGovernment in the pension from superannuation to restorationof commuted pension do not include therein;

(c) whether it is further a fact that the Supreme Court in CP No.2393 of 2010 and 2394 of 2010 has decided that annualincrease shall be included at the time of restoration; and

(d) whether it is further a fact that Government is not beingimplemented the said decision; if so, the steps being taken togive benefits to all civil servants as per said decision atan earliest?

Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics andPrivatization (Mr. Mohammad Ishaq Dar): (a) The commuted portion ofpension of retired civil servants is restored after 15 years of retirement, for thepensioners who prior to 1-12-2001 and after 12 years for the pensioners whoretired after 1-12-2001.

(b) The annual increases made by the Government in the pension fromsuperannuation to restoration of commuted pension are admissible on restorationof commuted value of pension.

(c) The judgment of Supreme Court of Pakistan in CP No. 2393 and2394 of 2010 titled A.A. Zuberi and Abrar Hussain Naqwi was implemented inpersonam being against government policy (Annex-I).

(d) he Government has implemented the judgment of Supreme Court ofPakistan dated 24-04-2012 in CP No.549 to 559 and 575 to 589 of 2012 inrespect of all the pensioners who retired prior to 1-12- 2001 vide Finance DivisionO.M. No. F.13 (13)-Reg.6/2011, dated 21-1-2013 and 11-03-2013( Annex-II&III). This benefit has now been extended to all the pensioners whoretired/would retire after 1-12-2001 vide Finance division OM No. 15(2)-Reg.6/2015-699 dated 7-7-2015 and 5(2)-Reg.6/2015 dated 9-2-2016(Annex-IV&V).


32

64. Mian Najibuddin Awaisi:


(a) whether ban was imposed by the Minister of interior under theDirective No.F.1/12013-AS(1) dated 12th June, 2013 onpermanent absorption/deputation of officers/officials in theIslamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA); if so,whether officers/officials working therein on deputation basisat present;

(b) the officers/officials obsorbed in the ICTA since 12-06-2013;

(c) the officers/officials repatriated to their parent departments afterthe said ban;

(d) the officials in revenue and other departments of ICT, Islamabadgiven extension after completion of their deputation period inICT since 12-06-2013;

(e) the officials in revenue departments, ICT who have beencompleted their deputation period till March, 2016; and

(f) whether the deputationists have the one year training certificatefrom Director Land Record which is necessary for Naib Tehsildar?

Lapsed under Rule 247(3).

ISLAMABAD: ABDUL JABBAR ALI,The 12th May, 2016. Secretary.

PCPPI—0819(2016) NA—12-5-2016—650.

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