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(36th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

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“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”

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

Thursday, the 29th September, 2016

63. *Ms. Aisha Syed:(Deferred during 34th Session)

Will the Minister for Defence be pleased to state whether there is anyproposal under consideration of the Government to construct aboundary wall at Balochistan Border?

Transferred to Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

61. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Science and Technology be pleased to statewhether the bottled water of all companies being sold in the countryat present is free from contamination and hygienic?

Minister for Science and Technology: The Pakistan Standards &Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), an organization under the administrativecontrol Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), , under its Act VI of 1996 ismandated to formulate Standards and monitor the quality of products falling underthe Compulsory Certification Mark Scheme.

Presently, 107 items are included in the mandatory list of PSQCA, out ofwhich 37 are food items, including Bottled Drinking Water PS: 4639 (Annex-A).

PSQCA is monitoring Bottled Drinking Water in accordance withPS: 4639 (traceable to WHO guidelines) under technical regulation (SRO. 638(1)/2001) and Conformity Assessment Rules, 2011.

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PSQCA has a complete mechanism to check Quality of Bottled Drinkingwater by conducting Inspections of the Water Plants and sample testing on regularbasis. Moreover, PSQCA is continuously monitoring quality of Bottled DrinkingWater through market surveillance as well. The bottled drinking water certified byPSQCA, bearing PSQCA’s logo with valid Certification Marks license only assuresthe quality of drinking water and free from contamination. (chemical andmicrobiology).

The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) workingunder this Ministry also involved in the preparing of Quarterly Monitoring Reportof Mineral / Bottled Water by collecting samples from different cities of Pakistan,which is also forwarded to the concerned authorities for further action. As per thecurrent quarter report April — June 2016 (Annek-B), the data is as under:

No. brands/ samples collected : 114No. of cities targeted : 13Chemically Safe Brands : 101Chemically unsafe brands : 13Microbiologically unsafe Brands : 0

PSQCA keeps close monitoring of its licensees (manufacturers of bottleddrinking water). The quality of water sold by the unlicensed Water Companiescannot be guaranteed. However, PSQCA also takes action on the basis of quarterlymonitoring report of PCRWR and on receipt of complaints. PSQCA has closed52 Bottled Drinking Water Plants from June, 2015 to August, 2016 (Annex-C).

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

62. *Dr. Shazia Sobia:

Will the Minister for Human Rights be pleased to state whether anyprogramme for the awareness of rights of women and children hasbeen launched especially in backward and for flung areas of thecountry; if so, the prescribed procedure thereof?

Minister for Human Rights (Mr. Kamran Michael): The Governmentof Pakistan is committed to ensure Human Rights of its citizens as envisagedunder the Constitution as well as international commitments by adopting all

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possible measures to ensure protection and promotion of such rights, i.e. rightsof women, children, persons with disabilities and minorities, etc. The basicfunction of Ministry of Human Rights is to monitor Human Rights situation/violations in the country.

The Ministry of Human Rights has initiated Public Awareness Campaignon Human Rights Education and Sensitization under the Action Plan for HumanRights, approved by the Prime Minister of Pakistan on 13th February, 2016.The campaign’s major activities include seminars and advertisements in printand electronic media. Its target is general public, civil society, researchers,academia, students, government functionaries and different segments of society.The campaign focuses rights of women and children all over the country includingbackward and far flung areas, besides promotion of Human Rights’ values forcreating a culture of tolerance and respect. Under the campaign, the followingactivities have been undertaken:

(i) 3 Day Public Awareness Campaign on Pakistan Radio Network,PTV and ATV has been launched for awareness raising among generalmasses, especially for backward and far flung areas of the country.

(ii) 6 Day Public Awareness Campaign has been launched on print mediathrough publishing half page/quarter page advertisements both innational and regional/local newspapers particularly for backward andfar flung areas of the country.

(iii) A Toll Free Helpline (1099) has been launched at Islamabad forLegal Advice on Human Rights Violations across the country. PublicNotices have been issued in national and regional/ local newspapersto create awareness among the masses in order to ensure access ofthe victims to the Helpline.

(iv) 09 Seminars have been organized in selected Universities during 2015and 20 Seminars during 2016, in various parts of the country.

(v) “Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Material onHuman Rights Issues” has been developed for disseminationespecially in backward and far flung areas of the Country.

(vi) International Human Rights Day (10th December) and InternationalWomen’s pay (08 March) are also celebrated as regular features inorder to create awareness among the masses.

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(vii) Under the Action Plan, the following material is also being preparedfor Mass Media Awareness Program and capacity building of therelevant institutions:

- 20 Rights, 20 Advertisements: Designing/ development ofelectronic and print material for awareness and advocacycampaign on rights of women, children and minorities forbehavioral change in society.

- Design/development of material (Electronic/Print) on child rightsincluding protection of children from abuse and exploitationamong general public and duty bearers.

- Development of 30 minutes documentaries on each right, TVCommercials of 10 seconds on each right and Audio Messagefor Radio/FM on each right focusing Rights of Women andChildren.

- Designing of print media material i.e posters, brochures, leafletson each right focusing Rights of Women and Children.

- Development of training manual for inclusion of human rightseducation especially rights of Women and Children with respectto GoP’s international commitments in the curriculum of PublicSector National Training & Capacity Building Institutions.

- Development of training manuals on 07 core Human RightsConventions for capacity building of the officials of relevantMinistries/ Divisions/ Departments particularly TreatyImplementation Cells.

- National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) &National Commission for Child Welfare and Development(NCCWD) have also taken certain steps regarding awarenessfor rights of Women and Children, which are placed atAnnexure-I.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

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63. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased tostate the daily production and requirement of gas in the country atpresent?

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid KhaqanAbbasi): At present, average raw gas production is around 4,000 MMCFD andthe Approx. constrained demand is around 6,000 MMCFD.

64. *Hafiz Abdul Kareem:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased tostate:

(a) whether it is a fact that D. G. Khan is a Divisional Headquartersbut there is no Zonal Office of Sui Gas at present; and

(b) whether it is also a fact that the people of the said area go toMultan regarding the minor matter relating to sui gas; if so, thereasons thereof?

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid KhaqanAbbasi): (a) Yes. SNGPL has reported that presently a Sub Area Office of thecompany is functioning at D.G. Khan and extending all facilities to the consumers.

(b) The company further reported that Sub Area Office at D.G. Khan isfacilitating public of the said area including receipt and processing of applications,New meter installation, matters relating to Billing, reconnections of gas meter,complaints related to leakages and emergency. The industrial consumers only arerequired to visit Multan Regional Office.

65. *Mrs. Shahida Rehmani:

Will the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs be pleased to state whetherthere is any proposal under consideration of the Government to banMuttahida Qaumi Movement (Political Party)?

Transferred to the Interior Division for answer on Next Rota Day.

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66. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to refer to StarredQuestion No.72 replied on 07-09-2016 and to state whether it is afact that the Government has failed to reconstruct Lahore toRawalpindi Motorway in the stipulated period; if so, the reasonsthereof?

Minister for Communications: It is apprised that National HighwayAuthority (NHA) has signed a Concession Agreement with M/s MORE (FWO)for overlay. Rehabilitation and Modernization of Lahore-Islamabad MotorwayM-2 on BOT (Build, Operate and Transfer) basis for a period of twenty (20)years, the ground breaking ceremony was held on 15th December, 2014 by PrimeMinister and reconstruction activities were started by M/s MORE(the concessionaire) in January, 2015.

As per the Concession Agreement, the completion period forreconstruction work was three (03) years, however, Concessionaire hassubstantially completed the carriageway in less than two (02) years, well beforestipulated construction period. The work on remaining activities are continuing.

67. *Ms. Aisha Syed:

Will the Minister for Human Rights be pleased to state the reasonsfor not appointing the Chairperson of the National Commission onthe Status of Women so far?

Minister for Human Rights (Mr. Kamran Michael): The tenure of

the last Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women(NCSW) has expired on 1st January, 2016. However, in line with the section 4of the NCSW Act, 2012, after completing the codal requirements, the Ministryof Human Rights has submitted the summary for appointment of the Chairpersonto the Prime Minister of Pakistan for consultation with the Leader of theOpposition.

68. *Ms. Shamas Un Nisa:

Will the Minister for Law and Justice be pleased to state the names ofsuperior Courts Judges having dual nationality at present?

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Minister for Law and Justice (Mr. Zahid Hamid): The Federal ShariatCourt, the Islamabad

High Court, Islamabad and the High Court of Balochistan,

Quetta have intimated that no Judge including the Chief Justice holds dualnationality. The information from Supreme Court of Pakistan, Lahore High Court,Lahore, Sindh High Court, Karachi and Peshawar High Court, Peshawar isstill awaited.

69. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to refer to the StarredQuestion No.84 replied on 07-09-2016 and to state the total lengthof National Highways/Roads/Motorways in kilometers which havebeen constructed in Sargodaha Division during the last three yearstill date?

Minister for Communications: It is intimated that during last three(03) years National Highway Authority (NHA) has not constructed any road/motorways in Sargodha Division.

70. *Ms. Mussarrat Ahmadzeb:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased tostate:

(a) the date on which the last geological survey was made inMalakand; and

(b) whether new minerals have been discovered from the said area?

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid KhaqanAbbasi): (a) Constitutionally, all minerals other than nuclear ones are Provincialsubject. Executive authority for exploration & development, its regulation andgrant of exploration licenses/ mining leases rests with the Provinces. FederalGovernment is mandated with geological surveys, national policies/plansformulation and coordination at national and international levels. Federal &Provincial organizations have been working within their domain for facilitatingdevelopment of mineral sector.

The Ministry’s concerned attached Department i.e. Geological Survey ofPakistan (GSP) has conducted a number of geological surveys in Malakand Divisionfrom time to time. During the last financial year (2015-16) too, GSP conductedgeological mapping & mineral investigation in Chitral District and exploratorystudies of copper mineralization in Bekari adjacent areas of Dir District.

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Government of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (Minerals DevelopmentDepartment) arranges exploration [includes geological surveys] of mineralresources of the Province through public funding (ADP) and grant of prospecting/exploration licenses to private sector investors.

(b) Yes, the recent surveys have shown occurrence of granite (pink &black), marble, serpentinite and copper mineralization at various locations ofMalakand Division [Chitral, Dir & Timargara Districts]. In earlier surveys, depositsof antimony, building stones, china clay, chromite, copper, emerald, iron ore,kyanite and tungsten were also discovered.

71. *Dr. Nafisa Shah:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased tostate whether there is any circular debt accumulated on account ofthe LNG charges; if so, the details thereof?

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid KhaqanAbbasi): SNGPL has reported that as on 22-09-2016 an amount of Rs. 4,693million are overdue receivable from IPP on account of RLNG, while an amount ofRs. 8,021 million is payable to PSO.

72. *Ms. Shagufta Jumani:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased tostate the steps being taken by the Government to rationalize the pricesof petroleum products in the country?

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid KhaqanAbbasi): The prices of petroleum products have been rationalized in 2011 by theGovernment whereby the prices are linked with the PSO’s actual imports andinternational Arab Gulf (AG) market published prices of petroleum products, asper mechanism/ formula approved by the GoP. Accordingly prices are revisedupward/ downward in the country.

73. *Ms. Sajida Begum:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state the Roadsand Motorways which are under construction/completed under theChina Pakistan Economic Corridor project?

Minister for Communications: The details of roads and motorwayswhich are under construction/ completed under the China Pakistan EconomicCorridor is listed at Annex-A.

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74. *Ch. Muhammad Shahbaz Babar:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased tostate whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to sign new agreement regarding Pak-Iran Gas PipelineProject; if not, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid KhaqanAbbasi): After the expiry of timelines on 31st December 2014 for the completionof Iran Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project, the Government of Pakistan requestedIran for amendment in the Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement (GSPA) allowingboth parties to complete the Project in the extended period. A draft amendmentwas also shared with Iran. Iranian response to the proposed amendmentis still awaited.

75. *Ms. Belum Hasnain:

Will the Minister for Science and Technology be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that a number of heavy metals havebeen detected in drinking water sources of the counry;

(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to address said situationduring the last four years?

Minister for Science and Technology: (a) Provision of safe drinkingwater falls under the purview/ domain of Provincial and Local Governments. ThePakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), a R&D organizationunder Ministry of Science and Technology, have undertaken certain watermonitoring surveys in 2807 villages of 24 Districts in the country from 2003 to2015 which have revealed presence of Arsenic, a heavy metal in ground water incertain areas of Sindh and Southern Punjab (Copies of Executive summaries ofthe Reports are enclosed at Annex-I).

(b) (i) It is submitted that PCRWR has developed low cost Arsenicdetection/ testing kit and Arsenic removal filter (18 liter capacity fordomestic use). Testing is carried out on the request of LocalGovernments/ TMAs, Public Health Engineering Department and

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General Public. The Arsenic removal filter plants were distributed onneed basis and marketed after due publicity for awareness of endusers/ agencies. (Minor details and design are at Annex-II).

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

76. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased torefer to the Starred Question No.81 replied on 07-09-2016 and tostate the location-wise oil and gas reservoirs discovered during thelast three years alongwith the per day production thereof?

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid KhaqanAbbasi): The requisite information for the reported period is placed as Annexure-I.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

77. *Ms. Shamas Un Nisa:

Will the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs be pleased to state whetherany study has been conducted by the Election Commission of Pakistanto check/find deficiencies occured in the General Elections 2013; ifso, the details; if not, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs (Sheikh Aftab Ahmed): Election

Commission of Pakistan has issued Report on conduct of General Elections-2013.The report covers all facts and challenges during course of this activity.

2. However, inquiry report of the Judicial Commission on conduct ofGeneral Elections, 2013, which is available on web may also be relevant on thesubject, please.

78. *Ms. Naseema Hafeez Panezai:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that overloading on Motorways/Highwaysis a common practice;

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(b) if so, the steps being taken by the Government to controlsaid practice and to adopt new technology for constructing otherroads more solid?

Minister for Communications: (a) It would be incorrect to say that

overloading on Motorways/Highways is a common practice; however, on highwaysoverloading prevails to some extent.

(b) To control overloading and implementation of load limits as perNational Highways Safety Ordinance (NHSO)-2000, National Highway Authority(NHA) has established weigh stations on its network and currently there are 96Weigh Stations (both permanent & mobile) across National Highways andMotorways. On Motorways, however, there is strict control on overloading at theentry point of each interchange and no overloaded vehicles is allowed to joinMotorway. NHA is further expanding establishment of weigh stations in a plannedmanner in accordance with prioritized demands of the regions where overloadingis anticipated. The control of overloading is being done by NH&MP as perprovisions of NHSO-2000.

In addition to the other initiatives, NHA is adopting Rigid Pavement(Cement Concrete) on outer/heavy traffic lane instead of Flexible Pavement(Asphalt Concrete) which is helping to control road damages. Benefits of RigidPavement over flexible pavement are as follows:

(i) Its service life is one and half times more than flexible pavement.

(ii) It can bear and sustain overloading better than flexible pavement.

However, Rigid Pavement is expensive than flexible pavement but in thepresent circumstances it is being adopted at critical locations.

79. *Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Human Rights be pleased to state the steps beingtaken by the Government for the protection of rights of all citizensespecially to prevent the cases of rape and honour killings?

Minister for Human Rights (Mr. Kamran Michael): The Government

of Pakistan is committed to ensure Human Rights of all citizens as envisaged underthe Constitution as well as international commitments by adopting all possiblemeasures to ensure protection and promotion of such rights, i.e. rights of women,

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children, persons with disabilities and minorities, etc. The review and revision ofthe existing law on honour killing is the priority of the present Government. TheMinistry regularly takes up all Human Rights violation cases including the cases ofrape and honor killings with the concerned authorities for their redressal.

Steps being taken by the Government for protection of rights of all citizensand to prevent the cases of rape and honor killings are as under:

1. Action Plan for Human Rights, approved by the Prime Minister ofPakistan on 13th February, 2016, is being implemented. The ActionPlan provides for the following interventions in order to ensureprotection of Women’s Rights:

(i) Formulation of National Policy Guidelines on Gender BasedViolence (GBV).

(ii) Study to review all discriminatory legislation against women.

(iii) Establishment of new Crisis Centers for women andstandardization of existing services at district level.

(iv) Design and execution of Men Engage Model Program toeliminate GBV.

(v) Directions for a uniform Women’s empowerment package forfederal and provincial governments under Article 149 of theConstitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

2. An amount of Rs. 750.00 million has been approved to put in placeinstitutional mechanisms for realizing the rights proposed in the ActionPlan which includes an amount of Rs. 400.00 million for human rightseducation, sensitization, awareness raising, research andcommunication, Rs. 250.0 million for establishment of NationalInstitute of Human Rights for capacity building, training, researchand development and Rs. 100.0 million Endowment Fund for FreeLegal Aid for Poor Victims of Human Rights Violations.

3. A Project titled, Helpline “1099” for Legal Advice to the victims ofHuman Rights Violations has been launched. The Helpline (1099)provides referral services to address grievances of the victims. Public

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Notices have been issued in newspapers to create awareness amongthe masses in this regard. Since 10th February, 2016 total callsreceived are 36341, out of which 4696 cases were eligible whichwere taken up with the relevant departments for redressal.

4. National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) has beenestablished with a broad mandate and powers to take suo-motoactions. The Ministry of Human Rights has also notified the NCHRComplaint Rules, 2015 which comprehensively elaborate theprocedure regarding evaluating and disposing of complaints of HumanRights Violations, including the cases of rape and honor killings.

5. The Ministry of Human Rights has initiated Public AwarenessCampaign on Human Rights Education and Sensitization under ActionPlan for Human Rights, 2016 through Seminars as well asadvertisements in print and electronic media. The campaign’s targetis general public, civil society, researchers, academia, students,government functionaries and different segments of society.The campaign focuses Right to Life (to prevent honor killings) besidespromotion of Human Rights’ values for creating a culture of toleranceand respect. In this regard, the following activities have beenundertaken:

(i) 09 Seminars have been organized in various Universities during2015 and 20 Seminars during 2016 as a part of Human RightsEducation, Sensitization & awareness raising.

(ii) 3 Day Public Awareness Campaign on Pakistan RadioNetwork, PTV and ATV has been launched for awarenessraising among general masses. Moreover, 6 Day PublicAwareness Campaign has been launched on print media throughpublishing half page/quarter page advertisements.

(iii) “Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Materialon Human Rights Issues” has been developed as a part of PublicAwareness Program. The material also contains messagesagainst rape and honor killings. International Human Rights Day(10th December) and International Women’s Day (08 March)are also celebrated as regular features in order to createawareness among the masses.

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(iv) Ministry of Human Rights has formulated a draft National PolicyFramework for promotion and protection of human rights aftercompleting the consultative process at federal and provinciallevel. The draft has been circulated among Ministries/Divisionsfor final consultation/input before submission to Federal Cabinetfor its approval. The task for formulation of provincial strategieson human rights has also been started in collaboration withprovincial governments.

(v) A National Task Force (NTF) to monitor implementation ofAction Plan for Human Rights has been notified under the chairof Federal Minister for Human Rights comprisingparliamentarians (one each from National Assembly & Senateof Pakistan), relevant Federal Ministries and Provincial HumanRights Departments. Provincial Task Forces (PTF) in Punjab,KP and Sindh have also been approved. Establishment ofProvincial Task Force in Balochistan is also in process.

80. *Ms. Belum Hasnain:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased tostate the time by which the work of TAPI Gas Pipeline will becompleted?

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid Khaqan

Abbasi): Scheduled commissioning of the TAPI Project is June 2020.

81. *Ch. Muhammad Shahbaz Babar:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased tostate the steps taken by the present Government for exploration ofshale gas in the country?

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid Khaqan

Abbasi): Government is making all-out efforts to explore and exploit shale gasresources in the country and has taken the following steps so far;

(i) US Energy Information Administration (USEIA) in April 2011reported 206 TCF shale gas in place resources, in Lower IndusBasin out of which 51 TCF were technically recoverable. Later on

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June 2013, USEIA revised shale gas in-place resources in Pakistanas 586 TCF out of which 105 TCF were considered technicallyrecoverable. In addition, 9.1 billion barrels shale oil technicallyrecoverable resources out of 227 billion barrels shale oil in-placewas estimated.

(ii) In order to authenticate USEIA resource estimates & assess theavailability of required technology & infrastructure for shale gasoperations in the country, USAID-Energy Policy Program wasengaged for geological assessment of shale

,gas resources in Pakistan

by utilizing high-tech interpretation softwares and existing well Fogs,cores/cuttings and geo-chemical reports.

(iii) Sweet spots for shale gas exploration have been identified in thestudy area.

(iv) Interim shale gas policy framework is being prepared for pilotprojects in order to test the identified sweet areas.

(v) Based on the results of the pilot projects, shale gas policy will beformulated for exploration and exploitation of shale gas and shale oilin the country.

82. *Ms. Naseema Hafeez Panezai:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased tostate:

(a) the details of districts in Balochistan for which approval forsupply of gas has been given by the Prime Minister;

(b) the procedure adopted for the selection of those districts; and

(c) the names of other districts in the country for which approvalfor provision of sui gas has been given by the Prime Ministersince 01-06-2013 alongwith the cost incurred on each projectthereof?

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid Khaqan

Abbasi): (a) SSGCL has reported that the Prime Minister has approved the

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following schemes in district Qila Abdullah and Jaffarabad, Balochistan under PakMDGs Community Development Programme during FY: 2015-16.

(i) Supply of Gas to Enayat Ullah Karez, District Qila Abdullah costingRs.570.985 million (GoP share Rs. 537.505 million & SSGCL ShareRs. 33.480 million).

(ii) Supply of Gas to 17 villages/localities of District Jaffarabad costingRs.59.058 million (GoP share Rs. 9.641 million & SSGCL ShareRs. 49.417 million).

(b) The Scheme at (i) above was approved by the Prime Minister andthe scheme at (ii) was approved by the Prime Minister on the request of MNAMir Zafar Ullah Jamali.

(c) The requisite information is given at Annex-A.

Annex-A——————————————————————————————

S. # SUMMARY STATUS DISTRICT

——————————————————————————————1. GAS DEVELOPMENT WORKS/SCHEMES Approved Islamabad

IN DIFFERNT LOCALITIES OF ISLAMABAD.

2. SUPPLY OF GAS TO VARIOUS LOCALITIES Approved District SialkotOF DISTRICT SIALKOT. (Punjab)

3. SUPPLY OF GAS TO ZAMAN KHAN QILLA Approved District CharsaddaSHEIKH KALLAY NEAR SARDARYAB (Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa)CHARSADDA.

4. FOR PROVISION OF GAS TO 5 UNION Approved District BannuCOUNCILS OF BANNU. (Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa)

5. FOR PROVISION OF GAS TO VARIOUS Approved District D.I. KhanLOCALITIES OF DISTRICT D.I.KHAN. (Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa)

6. SUPPLY OF GAS TO LOCALITIES OF Approved District JaffarabadDISTRICT JAFFARABAD, BALOCHISTAN. (Balochistan)

7. SUPPLY OF GAS TO KHUNGI DISTRICT Approved District Lower DirLOWER DIR, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA. (Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa)

8. FOR SUPPLY OF GAS TO VARIOUS VILLAGES Approved District Toba Tek SinghOF DISTRICT TOBA TEK SINGH. (Punjab)

9. FOR SUPPLY OF GAS TO VARIOUS VILLAGES Approved District Sialkot (Punajb)OF DISTRICT SIALKOT.

——————————————————————————————

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——————————————————————————————S. # SUMMARY STATUS DISTRICT

——————————————————————————————10. RELAXATION OF MARATORIUMS FOR Approved District Mansehra

SUPPLY OF GAS TO VARIOUS LOCALITIES (Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa) IN DISTRICT MANSEHRA.

——————————————————————————————83. *Mr. Ramesh Lal:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased tostate:

(a) whether it is a fact that the Gas Pipe Lines have been laid downin Manchan Khel, District Lakki Marwat;

(b) whether it is also a fact that gas connections have not beengiven and meters have not been provided in the said area sofar; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(c) the time by which the meters and gas connections will be providedin the said area?

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid KhaqanAbbasi): (a) Yes.

(b) No. SNGPL has reported that so far 178 Nos of gas connectionshave been installed in the above locality.

(c) Remaining gas connections will be provided after commissioning of2” & 1” dia approved gas pipelines shortly.

84. *Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased tostate:

(a) whether it is a fact that oil refineries have been producing lowquality petroleum products in particular petrol as compared tointernational standard; if so, the reasons thereof;

(b) whether Government has taken notice thereon; and

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(c) whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to modernize/up grade the oil refineries andto equip them with latest technology as being used atinternational level; if so, the details including the funds to beearmarked therefor and targets set/to be set for expansion ofrefiner capacity thereof?

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid Khaqan

Abbasi): Under Rule-11 of the Pakistan Petroleum (Refining, Blending &Marketing) Rules, 1971, refineries produce product as per specification approved/notified by MP&NR. This Ministry is endeavoring to upgrade vehicular fuel qualityor promoting use of clean fuels in the country. Pakistan is gradually adopting Eurofuel quality standards. Local oil refineries are producing Euro-II Premium MotorGasoline (PMG) (Petrol).

(b) In order to improve the PMG quality in the country, Government ofPakistan (GoP) has taken the following steps:—

Unleaded PMG was introduced in the country with from July, 2002,which has brought tremendous benefit to public, as lead was highlyinjurious to health especially for children.

PMG with EURO-II (0.05 wt. % Sulphur, 5 Vol. % Benzene) having87 RON is being marketed.

The GoP has decided to switch over from the existing 87 RON to92 RON PMG from November, 2016.

It has also been decided to import higher octane products (95/97RON PMG (HOBC) under the deregulated environment.

As regards the imported HSD, GoP has decided that all imports of HighSpeed Diesel (HSD) shall conform to Euro-II specification from January, 2017.

(c) Regarding up-gradation/expansion of oil refineries GoP has issueddirectives to oil refineries to install Diesel Hydro Desulphurization (DHDS) andNaphtha isomerization units. At present, Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) andAttock Refinery Limited (ARL) have completed their isomerization projects. PakArab Refinery Ltd. (PARCO) and ARL have installed DHDS units and areproducing Euro-II compliant HSD; whereas, other refineries have been directedto install DHDS unit by 30th June, 2017.

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Furthermore, GoP has banned the installation of hydro skimming refineryand only fully or semi-conversion refineries shall be permitted to operate in thecountry.

85. *Ms. Shaista Pervaiz:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) the set of guidelines for safety roads construction at present;

(b) whether roads/ National Highways/Motorways are beingconstructed under said guidelines; and

(c) whether any action has been taken by the Government against

the roads designers who have been found faulty therein duringthe last three years; if so, the details; if not, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Communications: (a) In order to construct safe roads,

National Highway Authority (NHA) makes use of international design standards,as stipulated; “A policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Street byAASHTO”. All new Motorways, Expressways and Highways design are basedon set standards.

(b) Yes, National Highways/Motorways are being designed andconstructed as per AASHTO standards as stated above.

(c) It is ensured that any inherent design fault is identified and checkedbefore the project is put for implementation, as supervisory consultant vets thedesign before construction. However, in case of any design fault during construction,contractual course to indemnify the client is opted.

As stated above, design parameters are very well illustrated in the Termsof Reference of the Design consultants and are checked before implementation.The probability of pure design fault is low. There is more probability that problemin Project occur due to construction issues. However, any post construction issuein the Project is evaluated and responsibility is shared among the designer/supervisor/ constructor.

Recently on Kohala-Muzaffarbad Project , there were some postconstruction failures in retaining walls and slopes. After inquiry, the Contractor,Designer and supervisory consultant were fined, sharing responsibility.

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At another instance, fact finding is going on in (some bridge design issues),in Balochistan and once the design fault is proven, appropriated action shall betaken which shall include financial penalties as well debarring the consultant forspecific time period.

86. *Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Law and Justice be pleased to state the stepsbeing taken by the National Accountability Bureau to controlcorruption in Government departments?

Minister for Law and Justice (Mr. Zahid Hamid): NAB is struggling

hard to eradicate corruption through its three pronged strategy of awareness,prevention and enforcement. Under awareness regime, NAB has taken concretesteps to creat awareness against corruption, through following activities:

TV Talk Shows.

Radio Programmes.

Walks.

Lectures.

Seminars.

Workshops.

Advertisements in leading English / Urdu newspapers.

Newsletters.

Essay Writing Competitions.

Declamation Contests.

Poster / Painting Competitions.

Character Building of future generation through establishment ofcharacter Building Societies (CBS) at schools, colleges anduniversities level, across the country.

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Publication of procedure for lodging a complaint in NAB on the BillBoard.

Installation of permanent bill boards carrying anti corruption slogansat prominent points.

Printing NAB’s message on Utility Bills

Dissemination of anti-corruption messages through mobile phonemessaging in addition to electronic media.

Holding of seminars in a year for different segments of societies, withactive participation of NGOs and UN offices to ensure greater visibilityand effectiveness.

In commemoration of anti Corruption day (9th December), holdingof different activities i.e. TV Talk Shows, seminars, walks,declamation contests, display of posters / Banners and publicationof Special Supplements in the newspapers.

Pro active approach:

NAB has been engaging different Governmental and Non-GovernmentalOrganizations in fight against corruption. In this contex

. following steps have been

taken:

(a) Signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HigherEducation Commission (HEC) for creating awareness amongststudents of various Universities.

(b) Collaboration with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) - Pakistan CricketTeam advertisement for “Say No to Corruption”.

(c) Collaboration with Pakistan Hockey Federation - Hockey Team toraise slogan “Say No to Corruption”.

(d) Collaboration with Pakistan Television (PTV) for airing the song“Say No to Corruption”.

23

(e) Collaboration with PTA, PIA, SNGPL, IESCO and Banks to displayand print NAB slogan “Say No to Corruption” from their plat form.

(f) Signing of MoU with UNODC (in the pipe line) for joint effort againstcorruption.

(g) Generic and sector specific awareness campaigns in print media,focusing on warning public against:

(1) Possible financial scams

(2) Fake housing societies

(3) Unrecognised education institutions etc.

(h) Interaction with civil society organizations (Aimed at changingsocietal attitude towards corruption from acceptance toabhorrence)

(i) Anti-Corruption Themes in the National Education Curriculum forclasses 1-12.

(j) Efforts are being made to join hands with Motorways Police to takefollowing initiatives:

(1) Display of advertisement board at various points with“Say No to Corruption” at Motorway (M1, M2, M3).

(2) Distribution of pamphlets, hand bills and stickers etc. havinganti-corruption messages to vehicles plying on Motorway.

(3) Joint seminar on “Say No to Corruption” with MotorwayPolice.

(4) Joint newspaper advertisements for awareness of general publicregarding ill effects of corruption.

(5) Any new creative ideas which would strengthen theanti-corruption campaign as proposed by your good office.

24

Under Prevention Regime NAB has established prevention committeesu/s 33-C, NAO to review rules and regulations of Federal as well as ProvincialDeptts. so as to suggest doable recommendations in coordination with Deptts.concerned.

Further, NAB has taken many steps to control corruption throughcomprehensive approach and to create effective platform for prudent andaccountable management of public resources. The three pronged strategy of NABconsisted upon Awareness, Prevention and Enforcement can be counted themajor steps for eradication of corruption from society. The steps taken under thesaid three pronged strategy are annexed as supplementary material.

Apart from these, NAB has taken the strategic measures during last twoyears and initiated tangible actions to bring about the revival and rejuvenation ofNational Accountability Bureau by enhancing both the quality and quantity ofmanpower. The salient features of strategic measures are:

(a) In order to ensure effective enforcement of NAO the operationalmethodology and standard operating systems have been revised /upgraded as approved during the 19th DG’s Conference inSeptember 2014 which are helpful in effective and transparentdisposal of cases to curtail the abuse of authority in an arbitrarymanner.

(b) The concept of combined investigation team (CIT) has beenintroduced for utilization of collective wisdom and experience ofsenior investigators and law officers to improve quality of inquiry /investigation and the time limit have been fixed for the completion ofcomplaint verification, inquires, investigation and filing of reference as:

——————————————————————————————Complaint Verification 02 Months

——————————————————————————————Inquires 04 Months

——————————————————————————————Investigation 04 Months

——————————————————————————————Consequently the time for filing of 10 Monthsreference would be the total time of above.However, the said time limit is not mandatoryand would be enhanced depending upon thecogent reasons.

——————————————————————————————

25

87. *Ms. Suraiya Jatoi:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of persons appointed in Motorway and NationalHighway Police during the last three years alongwith the gradeand and province-wise break-up thereof; and

(b) the procedure adopted for those appointments?

Minister for Communications: (a) & (b)

Uniformed Posts

26

Recruitment of 727. C/JPOs

In order to carry out recruitment in a fair transparent manner, MoU wassigned between NH&MP and National Testing Service (NTS) on 24-09-2014.The physical and written tests of candidates were conducted by NTS and provincewise merit list of candidates was forwarded to NH&MP for conducting interviews.Accordingly, interviews were conducted by the NH&MP and after approval ofthe competent authority i.e. Inspector General, NH&MP, the candidates werefinally appointed in NH&MP.

Recruitment of 321 SUPO FPSC

The NH&MP APT Rules, 2007 provides that recruitment in the rank ofSI/Patrol Officer (BS-14) shall be made by Federal public Service Commission(FPSC), therefore, recruitment of 321 SI/Patrol Officer (BS-14) was carried outby FPSC.

Non-Uniformed Posts

(i) 01 Assistant Director (BS-17) of Sindh (R) quota recruited in theyear 2013.

(ii) 17 posts of Computer Operator (BS-16) were advertised by FPSC.Out of these 15 Computer Operators (BS-16) have joined NH&MP,whereas, joining of 01 Computer Operator of Balochistan Domicileis under process. 01 candidate of FATA Domicile has submittedwritten unwillingness, accordingly, the FPSC has been requested torecommend alternate candidate of FATA Domicile in his place. Thequota/province detail of 15 Computer Operator who have joinedNH&MP is as under:—

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Recruitment in the posts of BS-16 and above fall under the purview ofFPSC therefore, the recruitment of Assistant Director (BS-17) and ComputerOperator (BS-16) in NH&MP has been carried out through FPSC.

88. *Shazia Marri:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased tostate:

(a) whether it is a fact that Government has evolved a mechanism

for giving gas connection which is known as “urgent feepayment”;

(b) whether it is also a fact that once a consumer pays urgent feeand he gets priority over consumer, who pays ordinary fee;

(c) if the answers to part (a) and (b) above are in the affirmative,whether said mechanism is against the spirit of the Constitution;

(d) if so, the corrective measures being taken by the Governmentin this regard?

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid Khaqan

Abbasi): (a)

(b) Yes.

(c) Keeping in view huge pendency of applications for gas connectionsand dire need of gas connection by applicants, SNGPL contemplated urgent feeconnection scheme similar to “urgent passport” and “issuance of CNIC on fasttrack basis” Therefore a petition was filed with OGRA for approval of urgent feescheme. The same was approved after due diligence including public, hearings atvarious places.

(d) Such schemes exists in various public entities including NADRA,Passport office etc.

89. *Dr. Shazia Sobia:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state the amountcollected through challans/fines on Motorways and NationalHighways in the country during the last three years alongwith detailsof utilization thereof?

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Minister for Communications: Detail of amount collected throughchallans/fines on Motorways and National Highways is given below:—

Police Fine Collection Detail(Amount in Million)

——————————————————————————————Sr. No Years Collection Collection Total

on Highways on Motorways Collection——————————————————————————————

1. 2013-14 1,815.20 399.16 2,214.362. 2014-15 2,007.00 396.28 2,403.293. 2015-16 1,767.77 505.90 2,273.67

——————————————————————————————

Weigh Fine collection detail(Amount in Million)

——————————————————————————————Sr. No. Years Collection Collection Total

on Highways on Motorways Collection——————————————————————————————

1. 2013-14 274.17 2.45 276.622. 2014-15 411.41 7.34 418.753. 2015-16 373.14 16.81 389.96

——————————————————————————————Utilization of said amount is as per approved summary of the Cabinet and

Finance Division. The collected amount of fine after deduction of operational andmaintenance charges is distributed equally among NHA& NHA&MP. Out of thisamount given to NH&MP, 50% is allocated for Road Safety Campaign and Trafficeducation, 25% for Regimental and Welfare of force and 25% for annual reward.NHA utilizes its share on maintenance of its road network.

90. *Ms. Shakila Luqman:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased tostate:

(a) whether it is a fact that the survey has been conducted to exploreoil and gas in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan duringthe last three years;

(b) if so, the results/ achievements gained therefrom ?

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Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid KhaqanAbbasi): (a) Yes.

(b) During last three years, 17 wells including 10 Exploratory and 7Appraisal/ Development Wells have been drilled in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 7new oil and gas discoveries were made.

In Balochistan 15 welts including 7 Exploratory and 8 Appraisal/Development Wells have been drilled, however, no new oil and gas discovery wasmade.

ISLAMABAD: ABDUL JABBAR ALI,The 28th September, 2016 Secretary.

PCPPI—2373(2016) NA—28-9-2016—650.

1

(36th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Thursday, the 29th September, 2016

57. Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:(Deferred During 34th Session)

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the post of Assistant Manager of ExpressPost Branch of GPO/Pakistan Post, Islamabad is lying vacantsince long;

(b) the name of employee/officer to whom charge of the said posthas been given alongwith the terms and conditions andqualification thereof; and

(c) whether there is any proposal under consideration to fill thesaid post; if so, the time by which the said post will be filled; ifnot, the reasons thereof?

Reply not received.

7. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) the total enemy property/land in Sindh, specially in Tharparkarat present; and

(b) whether it is fact that some land grabbers have grabbed a majorportion of that property;

(c) if so, the reasons alongwith the details thereof ?

2

Minister for Communications: (a) Total number of Enemy Property/land in Sindh is about 200,335 Acres. About 194,085 is lying in District Tharparkar.

(b) It is not a fact that the land gabbers have grabbed the Enemy PropertyLand.

(c) No.

8. Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar:

Will the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources be pleased tostate whether it is a fact that the prices of oil products in Pakistan isnot being decreased with the same percentage as they are decreasingin the international market; if so, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources (Mr. Shahid KhaqanAbbasi): The prices of petroleum products are linked with PSO’s actual importsand international Arab Gulf (AG) market published prices of petroleum products,as per mechanism/formula approved by the GoP/ECC. Accordingly prices arerevised upward/downward in the country.

During the continuously decreasing trend of oil prices in international market,its benefit is being transferred to the consumers in the country, after adjustment ofapplicable taxes.

It has been globally observed that due to reduction of oil prices in theworld, the Government’s revenue in various countries has also been impacted/reduced. Therefore entire impact of price reduction is not passed on to the consumer.The GoP has also passed on benefit of price decrease to consumer as well asretained partly through tax rate as announced by FBR to meet shortfall in budgetarytarget.

It is also worth that in Pakistan oil prices are at reasonable/ minimum limitas compared to the neighboring countries worked out by exchange parity inRs./ liter, as follows effective on 19th September, 2016.

3

(Rs./litre)——————————————————————————————

Country Petrol Diesel——————————————————————————————

India 103.60 85.54Sri Lanka 92.07 68.33Bangladesh 113.37 82.80Nepal 91.61 68.95Pakistan 64.27 72.52

——————————————————————————————

ISLAMABAD: ABDUL JABBAR ALI,The 28th September, 2016. Secretary.

PCPPI—2373(2016) NA—28-09-2016—650.