SSGC - na.gov.pk · FY 2013-14 (3,964) FY 2014-15 (2494) FY ... Order issued through “The Gazette...

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1 (55th 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 Thursday, the 12th April, 2018 28. *Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam: Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state whether it is a fact that the Sui Southern Gas Company and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines limited are facing losses; if so, since when alongwith reasons and details of losses thereof? Minister incharge of the Petroleum Division: The details of profit and loss of Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) & of Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) for last three years are as under: SNGPL –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Financial Year Profit/ (Loss) after tax (Rs. In Million) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– FY 2012-13 (9,749) FY 2013-14 (3,964) FY 2014-15 (2494) FY 2015-16 124 FY 2016-17 8,614 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Reasons For Loss Increase in UFG % and reduction in UFG benchmark by OGRA from 7 % to 4.5 % increased UFG disallowance which further increases Company’s losses. Further, increase in provision of doubtful debt disallowance further deteriorated the financial position of the Company.

Transcript of SSGC - na.gov.pk · FY 2013-14 (3,964) FY 2014-15 (2494) FY ... Order issued through “The Gazette...

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(55th 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

Thursday, the 12th April, 2018

28. *Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state whether it is a fact thatthe Sui Southern Gas Company and Sui Northern Gas Pipelineslimited are facing losses; if so, since when alongwith reasons anddetails of losses thereof?

Minister incharge of the Petroleum Division: The details of profitand loss of Sui Northern Gas Pipeline Limited (SNGPL) & of Sui Southern GasCompany Limited (SSGC) for last three years are as under:

SNGPL

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Financial Year Profit/ (Loss) after tax

(Rs. In Million)––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

FY 2012-13 (9,749)FY 2013-14 (3,964)FY 2014-15 (2494)FY 2015-16 124FY 2016-17 8,614

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Reasons For Loss

Increase in UFG % and reduction in UFG benchmark by OGRA from7 % to 4.5 % increased UFG disallowance which further increases Company’slosses. Further, increase in provision of doubtful debt disallowance furtherdeteriorated the financial position of the Company.

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SSGC

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Financial Year Profit/ (Loss) after tax

(Rs. In Million)––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

FY 2013-14 (3,753)

FY 2014-15 (5,391)

FY 2015-16 (6,115)

FY 2016-17 Finalization of Accounts ispending yet

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Reasons For Loss

Loss incurred during the year primarily due to:

Delay in revision of consumers sales price resulting in excessive financialcharges incurred by the company on delayed payments to its creditors affectingadversely the financial position of the Company.

Since 2011, SSGC was preparing its accounts based on stay granted bySindh High Court (SHC) on matters relating to UFG bench mark, treatment oflate payment surcharge, royalty from JJVL and profit from meter manufacturingfrom FY 2010-11 to FY 2014-15. However, the honorable court dismissed allthe appeals filed by SSGC against OGRA which contributed to overall loss to thecompany.

29. *Ms. Munaza Hassan:

Will the Minister for Postal Services be pleased to state:

(a) the operations/services which are being outsourced by PakistanPost alongwith the benchmarks thereof;

(b) whether formal bids have been invited therefor; if so, the detailsthereof;

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(c) the names of companies who participated in bidding processthereof; and

(d) the period for which this outsourcing will be made at first stage?

Minister for Postel Services (Molana Ameer Zaman): Introduction(a) The Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan during a meeting held on29-12-2015 at Governor House Murree approved Reform Agenda of PakistanPost. Pakistan Post was allowed to launch following three initiatives on PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) module:-

 (i) Mobile Money Solution

(ii) Launching Of Pakistan Post Logistics Services

(iii) rebranding of Pakistan Post

Following services of Pakistan Post will jointly be carried out on PublicPrivate Partnership (J.V), (PPP) module:—

Mobile Money order initiative:—

i. Pension and Salaries

ii Saving Accounts

iii. Domestic Remittances

iv. Mobile Wallet

v. Insurance

vi. Utility Bills Collection

vii. Public to Government Payments

viii. Micro-Loans

ix. International Remittances

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x. Ecommerce

xi. Buying Online Goods through Pakistan Post

xii. Over the Counter Cash in and Cash Out for Bank Account holders

xiii. Integration with backend

Pakistan Post Logistics Services initiative:—

i. Urgent Mail Service (UMS)

ii. Urgent Mail Service-Cash on Delivery

iii. Express Mail Service (EMS)

iv. Fax Mail Service (FMS)

v. Supply Chain Management

Re-branding of Pakistan Post.

An advertisement for hiring of Consultant for Pakistan Post Re-brandingproject has been published in print media as well as uploaded on departmental/PPRA websites on 25-3­2018. The last date for submission of CVs is14-4-2018. The process of bidding for Re-branding initiative will be initiated soonafter hiring of suitable consultant.

Outsourcing would only entail deployment, management and operationsof software by the partner while, the counter operations, supervision, costmanagement and backend operations would be managed by the Post officeemployees/staff and supervisors.

(b) Formal bids were invited in each initiative. Detail is as under:—

(i) Mobile Money Order initiative.

Bids were invited from private firms and advertisement was published inthe national press and uploaded on PPRA & departmental websiteon 23-1-2018.

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Several private firms responded with queries about the clauses of theRequest For Proposal (RFP) and Concession Agreement.

To discuss and clarify the questions of the private companies a pre bidconference was held on 22-2-2018 in the Postal Staff College, Islamabad.

However, no company has submitted RFP for the Mobile Money Orderproject till last date i.e. 9-3-2018 due to stringent criteria.

Outcome of the whole process was discussed in the meeting ofProcurement Committee for Mobile Money Order project wherein it was decidedthat the RFP will be re-advertised

after addressing the concerns of the, bidders shortly.

(ii) Pakistan Post Logistics Services Initiative.

Request for Proposals for launching of Pakistan Post Logistics companywas published in the national press and uploaded on PPRA & departmental websiteson 17-2-2018.

Several private companies responded to the advertisement with queries.To discuss the RFP document with the private firms, a pre-bid conference wasconvened at ECO, Postal Staff College, Islamabad on 28-2-2018.

On demand of private firms last date for submission of bids for LogisticsCompany initiative has been extended with the approval of Ministry of PostalServices by 15th, April

(c) Following companies participated in each initiative:—

(i) Mobile Money Order Initiative.

1. Marshal Engineering & Electronics

2. Habib Bank Limited

3. Xpress Transactions

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4. LMKT

5. Infotech Pvt. Limited

6. Bank Alfalah

7. M/S Telconet

8. Zing Solutions

9. Deloitte Yousaf Adil

10. Pak Datacom

11. 360 Technologies

12. Deloitte Pakistan

13. MEPS Solutions

14. Mobilink, Jazz

(ii) Pakistan Post Logistics Services Initiative

1. Seagold (Pvt.) Limited

2. IQ Capital Plus, Islamabad

3. DHL

4. Zing Logistics

5. Muller & Phips (M&P)

6. TCS

7. Blue-Ex

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8. Deloitte

9. 360 Technologies

10. Dolphin Shippers

11. Aiwan Group in consortium with PPF

(d) The period of public private partnership regarding the Mobile Moneyorder project will be ten years from the date of execution.

The period of J.V for the Logistics company project will be twentyyears from the date of execution.

At the end of terms, projects will be transferred to Pakistan PostOffice Department.

30. *Ms. Naeema Kishwar Khan:

Will the Minister for Defence be pleased to refer to the Starred QuestionNo.39 replied on 01-11-2017 and to state:

(a) whether the Executive Board decides for a period of more thanfive years in respect of renewal of Membership in DHA CityKarachi/Defence Officers Housing Authority situated at BypassHyderabad;

(b) whether said Scheme was launched in 2009; if so, reasons fornot deciding it so far;

(c) whether Memberships are being renewed in due course of time;if so, the explanation thereof;

(d) the time by which the Executive Board will decide to renew theMembership;

(e) the province-wise Members of said Board at present;

(f) the time by which the software of all DHAs will be prepared/connected alongwith the reasons of its delay; and

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(g) the total meetings held for said software and expendituresincurred thereon?

 Minister for Defence (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan):

(a) Renewal of all membership is carried out after 5 years, irrespectiveof the location of the members as per DHA by laws.

(b) The scheme was launched in year 2009, however, renewal ofmembership is personal responsibility of each member. The memberscan apply for renewal on completion of 5 years.

(c) Membership of all members can he renewed after expiry of 5 yearsperiod on the personal request of the member.

(d) Renewal of membership is carried out by the DHA management onrequired basis and it is a regular feature.

(e) Members of Executive Board have been outlined in the PresidentialOrder issued through “The Gazette of Pakistan” on 9 April 1980.

(f) The process of development of software for interconnectivity isunderway. Efforts are in hand to develop the same expeditiously.

(g) Meeting are held on regular basis which also carries out expenditureevaluation/analysis.

31. * Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state the quantum ofelectricity that can possibly be generated in the country?

 Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):

Present installed capacity to generate electricity, as on 04-04-2018, is30,195 MW. The De-rated Capacity is 28,440 MW.

On 03-04-2018, Average 14,275 MW were generated, as under:

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––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Hydel 1,572

GENCOs 2,092

IPPs 10,610

Total 14,275––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Whereas Peak Generation was 16,728 MW. Generation depends ondemand and plants are dispatched as per economic merit order.

Month-wise probable Quantum of Electricity that can be generated in thecountry, is attached as Annex-I.

Annex-I

32. * Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) the impact of electricity theft from the system in financialterms which has to bear it to consumers and load managementseparately;

(b) whether said theft also leads to electricity load shedding;

(c) the steps being taken to curb electricity theft; and

(d) the change in figures of electricity theft which has been witnessedsince June 1, 2013 in each  DISCO?

Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):(a) the impact of electricity theft from the system in financial terms on the basis ofunit lost calculated by the third party is attached as (Annex-A).

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The Federal Minister for Power Division announced on 03.12.2017 thefeeder-wise load management according to the category of Aggregate Technical& Commercial (AT&C) losses (Annex-B) according to which high loss feedersundergo load management to save the government kitty from paying for the theft.

(c) The following steps have been taken to control the theft of electricity:-

Amendment in the Electricity Act to enhance the punishment.

Detection of theft by teams and M&T (display wash, meter burntand meter data retrieval)

Combing of high loss feeders with regard to replacement of sluggish/low range meters.

Disciplinary cases against employees who are found involved in theft.

Seeking support from law enforcing agencies through ProvincialGovernments.

Special efforts for checking of high consumption connections i.e.commercial, industrial and agriculture) etc.

(d) The figure of Transmission & Distribution (T&D) losses showing thereduction in the losses which is proof of decreasing trend of theft against total unitsreceived:—

% Age Transmission & Distribution (T&D) Loss––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

18.9% 18.7% 18.7% 17.9% 17.9%––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

* DISCO-wise detail of %age Transmission & Distribution (T&D)losses is placed at Annex-C.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

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33. * Mr. Muhammad Jamal Ud Din:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

    (a) whether it is a fact that  electricity Poles have been installed inthe middle of the Abdul Salam Thahim Sports ComplexStadium Shahdadpur, District Sanghar, Sindh;

    (b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to shift said poles; if so, when it will be implemented;and

    (c) the steps being taken by the Government to shift the same?

Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):(a) The poles have been there at this site for the last 30-40 years when the areawas used for Agriculture. Sports Stadium was constructed later on.

(b) & (c) The proposal for shifting the said line has been generated andsame will be implemented after necessary approvals by the competent authority

34. * Ms. Suraiya Jatoi:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state the totalfunds disbursed to National Highway Authority (NHA) since June,2013 alongwith total number of projects completed by NHA duringthe said period?

Minister for Communications (Hafiz Abdul Kareem): List of projectscompleted Since June, 2013 through GoP & Foreign Funding are atAnnex-A & B.

Since 2013-14 funds of Rs. 642,014.52 million have been utilized byNHA on various development projects which are part of Public Sector DevelopmentProgram (PSDP) of Federal Government. The year wise detail of funds disbursedby NHA is as under;

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––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––S/No Financial Year PSDP Utilization

(Rs. in Millions)––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1 2013-14 56,969.62

2 2014-15 72,672.12

3 2015-16 82,960.71

4 2016-17 266,664.98

5 2017-18 162,747.09(Upto Feb, 2018)

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Total 642,014.52

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library) 35. * Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs be pleased to state whetherthe election for Provincial Assembly will be held in the FederallyAdministered Tribal Areas during general elections 2018?

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs (Sheikh Aftab Ahmed): No, unlessthe Provincial seats for FATA are to be created by the Parliament throughconstitutional amendment.

36. * Ms. Suraiya Jatoi:

Will the Minister for Science and Technology be pleased to state thetotal amount spent on promotion of scientific and technologicaladvancements since June, 2013 alongwith the details thereof?

Minister for Science and Technology (Rana Tanveer Hussain):Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is the national focal point and enablingarm of Government of Pakistan for planning, coordinating and directing efforts; toinitiate and launch scientific and technological programs and projects as per nationalagenda. It suggests technological development for higher growth-rates and to

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improve standards of living. Ministry adopts three pronged strategy for promotionof Science & Technology that includes investment in R&D in specific areas, HRD/ Capacity Building, national Outreach Programs.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) focuses on promotionof scientific culture in the country and serves the national S&T needs throughR&D for developing products / technologies / processes to facilitate industry. TheMinistry’s R&D programs are mainly implemented by its Organizations andUniversities working in the areas of Agriculture, Biotechnology, Building Materials,Chemical Technology, Environmental Studies, Electrical & Electronics, Engineering,Food Technology, Glass & Ceramics, Human Resource Development, HerbalMedicines, Leather, Materials Sciences, Medical Technology, Minerals, Metrology& Standards, Metallurgy, Nano-Technology, Ocean Resources, Pesticides &Herbicides, Pharmaceuticals, Quality Assurance and Accreditation, StrategicChemicals, Renewable Energy, Textiles, Water Sector etc. MoST’s Organizationsalso render testing and analysis services to the industrial sector and other clients

MoST organizations are also actively engaged in elevating the technicalhuman resource and S&T capacity building through holding, participating andsponsoring participation in International Conferences, Seminars, Symposiums,Workshops etc. Regarding academic activities, the two Universities i.e. COMSATSInstitute of Information Technology (CIIT) and National University of Sciencesand Technology (NUST) are providing graduate and post graduate studies in thefields of Information Technology, Engineering and various other emerging scienceand technology fields. Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research(PCSIR) is offering bachelor degree in Industrial Electronics at its Karachi Centerand Associate Engineer / Diploma courses through its Precision Mechanics andInstrument Technology Centers across the country. National Institute of Electronicsprovides hands on training to more than 700 internees / students of universities/institutions in the field of Electronics/IT to promote Knowledge Based Economy.

Pakistan Science Foundation as per its mandate undertakes popularizationof science and promotion of basic and fundamental research in the universities andother institutions on scientific problems relevant to the socio-economic developmentof the country. The Foundation encourages scientific societies by providing financialassistance to hold their regular conferences, meetings and publications of scientificjournals in various disciplines. Young students are encouraged under Inventions &Innovations Programme of the Foundation for developing prototype and processesin their final year research projects.

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As far as total amount spent on promotion of scientific andtechnological advancements is concerned, this Ministry has spentRs. 1.665 billion on promotion of Scientific and Technological R&Dactivities since 2013-14. Gist of the funding is as under:

The organization wise detail regarding actions taken for promotion ofscientific and technological advancements is attached at Annex-I.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

37. * Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Law and Justice be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of cases registered in the NationalAccountability Bureau (NAB) at present;

(b) the total number of pending cases in NAB against politicians,businessmen and Government  officers of BPS 20 and above atpresent; and

(c) the total number of cases decided by NAB during the last fiveyears?

Minister for Law and Justic (Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk):(a) Since its inception the total Number of cases registered in the NationalAccountability Bureau (NAB) till 31-03-2018 is 12162 with following breakup.

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(b) the total Number of cases pending I under progress in the NationalAccountability Bureau (NAB) against politicians, businessmen and Governmentofficers in BPS-20 end above are 946 with following breakup.

(c) The total numbers of cases (Inquiries, Investigations) decided duringlast five years are detailed below.

38. * Mr. Abdul Qahar Khan Wadan:

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

(a) whether Software Technology has been exported by the Ministrysince 01-01-2013; if so, the names of countries thereof; and

(b) the steps being taken to export the same in near future? 

Transferred to Information Technology and Telecommunication Divisionfor answer on Next Rota Day.

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39. * Mr. Waseem Akhtar Shaikh:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) the number of posts reserved for children of retired employeesin the Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO);

(b) the number of posts lying vacant in PESCO for the lasteight years alongwith the reasons thereof;

 (c) the number of applications received and recruitments madeon said posts during the said period;

(d) the time by which recruitments will be made on the remainingvacant posts in PESCO alongwith the criteria in this regard;

(e) how the candidates will be compensated who became overagedue to delay in recruitments by the PESCO; and

( f) whether any action has been taken against responsible thereof;if not, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):(a) PESCO has reserved 20% posts for Employee Children Quota which is734 posts.

(b) PESCO has conducted recruitment against the available vacanciesof various cadres from time to time with the approval of competent authority /Ministry of Energy (Power Division). As such during last eight years 5,436 vacantposts were available in PESCO.

(c) During the year 2015-16, 126,523 number of applications werereceived and recruitment against 719 critical vacancies was made.

(d) One phase of recruitment was completed in 2015-16 and new phaseof recruitment during 2017-18 is under process. The criteria defined in recruitmentpolicy of Cabinet Secretariat, Establishment Division will be adhered to.

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(e) The age limits as prescribed by the Federal Government for initialrecruitment are being strictly followed by PESCO.

(f) There is no delay on the part of PESCO. The recruitment of stafffrom open market has always proved to be a lengthy and time consuming processas there are number of codal formalities involved therein such as approval ofMinistry & Board of Directors, rationalization of vacancies in light of PrivatizationCommission’s instructions to carry out recruitment only against critical vacanciescovered in NEPRA Tariff, publication of advertisement, compilation of hundredsof thousands of applications, written test by external testing agency etc.

40. * Ms. Aasiya Nasir:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) whether new appointments in all the DISCOs of WAPDA arebeing made by implementing five percent quota allocated forMinorities; and

(b) the district-wise detail of persons belonging to Minorities, whohave been appointed in said DISCOs since June, 2013?

Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):(a) Yes, Five (5) percent minority quota is being observed as admissible underRules in all DISCOs for new appointments.

(b) DISCO-wise/District-wise detail of appointment made under minorityquota since June 2013 is at Annex-I.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

41. * Dr. Nafisa Shah:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) the current status of Iran- Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project; and

(b) whether it is a fact that Iran has threatened to take Pakistaninto arbitration court for unilaterally shelving said project byinvoking penalty clause of the Gas Sales Purchase Agreement?

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Minister Incharge of the Petroleum Division: (a) The work on theproject is stalled due to international sanctions on Iran. In view thereof, Pakistanissued Force Majeure notice to Iran in March 2014 and proposed to amend theGas Sales and Purchase Agreement enabling the parties to complete their respectivesections of the pipelines within the extended period. The Project came underdiscussion during the visit of President of Iran to Pakistan. Both sides agreed toresolve all outstanding issues. The approval to reinitiate the stalled negotiations aswas agreed during the high level meeting between Iran and Pakistan is in theprocess of consideration by higher authorities.

(b) Petroleum Division is not aware of any such information leading toIran’s intention to move to arbitration court.

42. * Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:   

(a) the total number of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) PowerPlants in the country at present;

    (b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the

Government to launch new LNG Power Plant Projects in thecountry; if so, the details including locations, capacity and datesof completion thereof?

Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):(a) Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) is processing following fourR-LNG based IPPs in the country:

i. 1180 MW Quaid-e-Azam Thermal Power Ltd. (QATPL) Projectat Bhikki,Punjab,

ii. 1230 MW National Power Parks Management Co. Ltd. (NPPMCL)Project at Haveli Bahadur Shah, Punjab

iii. 1223 MW NPPCML Project at Balloki, Punjab,and

iv. 1263 MW Punjab Thermal Power (Pvt.) Ltd.(PTPL) Project nearTrimmu Barrage, District Jhang, Punjab

(b) Currently,PPIB is not processing new R-LNG based IPP

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43. * Mrs. Shahida Rehmani:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken by the Government to promote alternative energysolutions since 2013; and

(b) the milestones achieved therefrom?

Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):(a) Significant progress has been made since 2013 with regards to utilization ofavailable renewable energy resources. A number of large scale wind, solar andbiomass cogeneration projects have been initiated and completed. The Governmenthas taken several steps for harnessing the renewable energy potential in the country,which include:

1. Development of Framework for Power Cogeneration (Bagasse/Biomass) 2013 for exploiting available potential for power generationusing bagasse through sugar mills.

2. Preparation and approval of bankable standard security agreements(Energy Purchase Agreement and Implementation Agreement) forwind, solar and bagasse cogeneration power projects.

3. Conducting resource assessment of renewable energy resources inPakistan. Detailed ground data based resource assessment of wind,solar and biomass being carried out through the support of EnergySector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).

4. AEDB has assisted NEPRA in preparation and announcement ofregulations for Distributed Generation and Net-Metering forrenewable energy applications. AEDB is assisting concernedstakeholders in implementation of the regulations and also carryingout capacity building of DISCOs.

5. As a result of AEDB’s effort for initiating indigenous manufacturingof RE equipment, M/s China Three Gorges has established a towermanufacturing facility which will be upgraded to wind turbineassembling facility in future. M/s DESCON is also manufacturingwind turbine towers.

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6. Issues related to financing of projects have been resolved and nowleading financing agencies like IFC, ADB, OPIC, ECO Trade Bank,CDB, ICBC etc. are offering financing to renewable energy powerprojects in Pakistan.

7. Use of solar based off-grid applications such as solar water heaters,solar-water pumps, solar street lights etc. is being promoted.

8. In order to restrict the import of sub-standard solar equipment, qualitystandards for solar equipment have been developed. These qualitystandards have been approved by the ECC and subsequently adoptedby Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority. AEDB iscurrently supporting Ministry of Science & Technology and FBR inthe implementation of solar quality standards.

9. Initiated IFC Lighting Pakistan Programme for promotion ofoff-grid RE applications to help provide safe, affordable, high-qualitylighting to more than a million Pakistanis.

10. Government has decided to develop more wind and solar powerprojects through competitive bidding in order to avail benefits ofdecreasing prices through market competition.

(b) The milestones achieved in the alternative and renewable energy sectoras follows:

1. Renewable energy projects with a cumulative capacity of1370.1 MW have been added in to the national grid with severalothers in the pipeline.

2. A consumer friendly regime for net-metering has been established.

3. Detailed resource assessment of wind, solar and biomass throughoutthe country has been carried out.

4. More than 700,000 people have benefitted from solar lightingsolutions under the IFC Lighting Pakistan program so far.

5. Pakistan ranks at 26 position amongst the top 40 globally mostattractive countries for renewable energy investment as per theErnst & Young’s Renewable Energy Attractiveness Index (RECAI).

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44. * Ms. Shamas Un Nisa:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) the province-wise total amount collected by electricity bills duringthe last three years; and

    (b) the province-wise utilization of said amount?

\Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):

(a) DISCO-wise/Province-wise total amount collected by electricity bills for lastthree years is attached as Annex-A.

(b) The said amount is being used for payments to different powerproducers (i.e. Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Generation Companies(GENCOs), Hydel Power Plant).

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45. * Ms. Aisha Syed:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:   

(a) the details of power projects being launched in Tharparkar underthe China-Pakistan Economic Corridor;

   (b) the details of work completed on said projects; and

  (c) the details of funds provided so far?

Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):(a) Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) is implementing five (5) Tharcoal based power generation projects of 4, 040 MW in Tharparkar under theChina-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework. Detail is at Annex-I.

(b) These projects are at different stages of development. Detail is atAnnex-I.

(c) No public money involved in development of power generationprojects at Tharparkar under CPEC.

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46. * Mr. Muhammad Jamal Ud Din:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to refer to the Starred QuestionNo.127 replied on 19-1-2018 and to state:

(a) whether appointments of non-locals have been made by thePakistan Petroleum Limited against the posts of un-skilledcategories; if so, the justification thereof; and

(b) the steps being taken by the Ministry to ensure the complianceof the Petroleum Exploration and Production Policy, 2012 interms of appointments of local people on the posts of un-skilledcategories?

Minister Incharge of the Petroleum Division: (a)

(b) Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), as a matter of policy, alwaysimpress upon the upstream oil and gas operators to strictly of comply with relevantprovisions of Article 17.1 of Petroleum Concession Agreements (PCAs) in letterand spirit. However, in specific case of PPL’s two fields in District Sanghar, i.e.Gambat South and Hala, provisions of Petroleum Exploration and ProductionPolicy 2012 does not apply.

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47. * Ms. Parveen Masood Bhatti:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) whether emergency response centres are being established bythe Government alongsides Motorways in the country; if so, thelocations thereof; and

(b) the time by which they will be established?

Minister for Communications (Hafiz Abdul Kareem): (a) Emergencyresponse centres are presently operational on following locations on Motorway inthe country:—

The NHA executive Board in its 291st meeting has approved, in principle,establishment of following three (03) Emergency response Center on Motorways

 Incident Management & Rescue Service under the ambit of Emergency

services includes;

First Aid Medical facility

Mobile work shop

Rescue services

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Ambulances

Vehicle Recovery

Fire Extinguishing services

Above mentioned 07 Nos. Emergency response centres are presentlyoperational on Motorway in the country.

48. * Shaikh Rohale Asghar:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state the totalnumber of Government Trauma and First Aid Centres establishedon M-3 so far?

Minister for Communications (Hafiz Abdul Kareem): There is no“Government Trauma and First Aid Centres” established at Motorway M-3 (PindiBhattian-Faisalabad). However, ambulance facility is provided by the NHA throughNH&MP available 24 hours on Motorway M-3. As per Operation & Management(O&M) Contract Agreement between NHA and M/s FWO, two ambulances onMotorway M-3 are also available as first aid service. Moreover, total length ofMotorway M-3 is only 53 Km and there are 03 interchanges where local healthcentres are available for emergency medical treatment and in case of severeaccidents our ambulances rush towards Faisalabad and Pindi Bhattian where anumber of Government and private hospitals are available.

49. * Mrs. Shahida Rehmani:

Will the Minister Energy be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise average gas price in the country since 2008; and

(b) the steps taken by the Government to provide relief tovarious sectors in terms of gas tariffs during the last four yearstill date?

 Minister incharge of the Petroleum Division: (a) Section 8 of Oil

and Gas Regulatory Authority Ordinance 2002 deals with pricing for each categoryof retail consumer of natural gas. Details of category wise gas sale prices sinceJanuary 01, 2008 is attached as Annexure ‘A’.

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(b) The Gas Sale price of natural gas is determined keeping in viewsocio economic aspects of the country. The gas is supplied to domestic & Fertilizersector at subsidized rates and the differential in gas purchase price & sale pricearising out of above subsidy is managed through cross subsidization. The gas saleprice for domestic as well as Fertilizer sector was nominally/slightly increased.The gas price for power was reduced to Rs. 400 per MMBTU.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

50. * Ms. Parveen Masood Bhatti:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

 (a) whether the Government is establishing the emergency responsecentres on the National Highways in the country; if so, thelocations thereof; and

(b) the time by which they will be established?

Minister for Communications (Hafiz Abdul Kareem): (a)

National Highways:

Following services are being provided at Toll plazas on National Highwaysat present:

• Drinking water on Toll plaza

• Ablution place

• Prayer place

• First Aid Medical Facility

The NHA executive Board in its 284th meeting has approved, in principle,establishment of following fourteen (14) Emergency response Center building atfollowing locations in Balochistan and Khyber PakhtunKhwa;

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(b) Construction of these 14x Emergency response centers will becompleted in six months and by the end of this year 2018 it will be operational.

51. * Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken to improve the power distribution Networksince, 2013; and

 (b) whether it is a fact that the Government has rejected the

five billions dollar programme of Asian Development Bank forinstallation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure; if so,the reasons thereof?

Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):(a) In fact up gradation/ augmentation, rehabilitation & extension of Grid Station,besides transmission lines/feeders of DISCOs is a continuous process as pergrowing need / load & due to aging of equipments with the passage of time. Thisimprovement process of electricity infrastructure helps in smooth dispersal of powerto consumers & reduction of line losses.

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Due to outstanding efforts, continuous perusal of Ministry or Energy (PD)& PEPCO Management, Distribution & Transmissions Losses have also beendecreased appreciably. A visible improvement has also been observed whilecomparing the performance of DISCOs during the period from Fy, 2012-13 to2016-17 detail is as under:

DISCO- wise detail of improvements in Distribution Network since 2013is attached as Annex-I.

(b) Yes, it is fact that Ministry of Energy (Power Division), decided notto proceed with the AMI project funded by ADB in its current form structure andrequested EAD to assess impact of cancellation to save public exchequer fromincurred expected high cost of financing.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library) 52. * Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) whether any oil pipeline project has been made for the supply ofoil in the country;

(b) if so, the time by which the work on it will be started andcompleted?

Minister Incharge of the Petroleum Division: (a) Yes. Governmenthas initiated a project for laying a pipeline from Machike (Sheikhupura) to Tarujabba(Peshawar) via Sihala (Rawalpindi). This will complete the pipeline backbone inthe country from Karachi to Peshawar.

(b) Inter State Gas Systems (ISGS), the owner of the project, has issuedtender in early February, 2018 and the project is expected to be completed byJune, 2020.

53. * Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) the capacity of load bearing of 50 KV and 100 KV transformersat present separately;

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(b) whether it is a fact that domestic connections are being given more than the capacity of those transformers in the country dueto which the capacity of these transformers is being badlyaffected; and

(c) whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to give under ground electricity connections todomestic consumers?

Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):(a) The load bearing capacity of 50 KVA and 100 KVA transformers is as under:—

i. 1.50 KVA Transformer = 72Amps Per Phase (40KW perPhase) on 80% Power Factor

ii. 100KVA Transformer = 144Amps Per Phase (80KW perPhase) on 80% Power Factor

(b) No connection is denied on the basis of loading of transformer.However, the proposal for additional transformer / augmentation of existingtransformer with higher capacities prepared/ approved/executed by keeping inview the load factor as 60%. The connection to any applicant cannot be deniedbeing a continuous process of load growth. In fact consumers illegally extend theload beyond their sanctioned load without any intimation/approval of the concernedSub-Division which causes overloading of transformers.

(c) Presently. there is no such proposal under consideration to giveunderground electricity connection to domestic consumers, being too expensiveexcept for a few sectors of Islamabad, where the underground system alreadyexists.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN,The 11th April, 2018 Secretary.

PCPPI—724 (18) NA—11-04-2016—650.

1

(55th Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Thursday, the 12th April, 2018

6. Mr. Siraj Muhammad Khan:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that wires and electricity poles installed by thePeshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO) on Station Road,Jahangira, District Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are notonly substandard but can easily fall, causing danger to publicsafety;

(b) if so, the steps taken by PESCO to replace/rectify the same onurgent basis?

Reply not received.

7. Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state theprescribed procedure for induction of Senior Engineer (BPS-18) (Non-Generation) to the rank of Superintending Engineer (BPS-19) on thebasis of higher qualification of M.Sc and Ph.D at present?

Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):

i. Engineers who have relevant M.Sc/Ph.D qualification with minimumexperience of 08 years and 05 years respectively and serving asSr. Engineers (BPS-18) are eligible for consideration for inductionas Superintending Engineer against 10% quota prescribed forinduction (Annex-A).

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ii. The officers already inducted in BPS-18 on the basis of higherqualification of M.Sc / Ph.D against prescribed quota are not eligiblefor induction in BPS-19.

iii. The inducted officers are posted against specialized assignments likePlanning, Research, Design, Training etc. and they remain posted assuch till their colleagues/class fellows/graduate of the same year arepromoted to that position.

iv. Induction does not accrue benefit of seniority to the Inductee Engineersfrom the date of induction. Their seniority is maintained inter-se inthe light of Office Memorandum No.GM (HR)/HRD/A-693/3246-84dated 02-05-2011 (Annex-B).

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

8. Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) the DISCO-wise Senior Engineers (Non-generation) approvedand not approved (in order to seniority) for promotion asSuperintending Engineers on 04-02-2018 alongwith the detailsincluding name of Senior Engineers, Seniority Numbers, KPI,inquiry/disciplinary case position, NAB/FIA case position, audit/draft para position, penalties imposed during entire service andgrading of PERs of last five years thereof;

(b) whether reasons of deferment/supersession have beencommunicated to said Engineers; if so, the dates thereofseparately; if not, the reasons thereof; and

(c) the name of last Senior Engineer whose case was considered forpromotion?

 Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):

(a) Disco-wise detailed summary of Selection Board meeting held on04-02-2018 for promotion of Sr. Engineers (Non Gen) to the rank of SE(BPS-19) is as per Annex-A.

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(b) The list of recommended officers was publicized on www.pitc.com.pksoon after winding up of Selection Board meeting on 4-02-2018. As such, reasonsfor deferment / supersession need not to be communicated to those who were notrecommended except those who filed representations for promotion and wereresponded accordingly.

(c) Mr. Nasir Ayaz Gurmani, standing at Sr. No.155 of the seniority listwas the last candidate, who was considered for promotion.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

9. Dr. Muhammad Azhar Khan Jadoon:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to refer to the UnstarredQuestion No.8 replied on 03-11-2017 and to state:

(a) whether a Meter No.SP 6408 under Reference No.1726421 wasinstalled in the name of Abdul Hamid S/O Ali Bahadar at a longdistance at Village Dheri Mera, Union Council Salhad,Abbottabad;

(b) whether electricity is being supplied to the said resident throughService Line; if so, the length of said Service Line;

(c) whether information provided in the National Assembly inresponse of the said question is incorrect; if so, the action taken/being taken against responsibles thereof; and

(d) the time by which required electric poles will be installed in thesaid area through ELR Head/Chain Augmentation?

Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):(a) No, meter bearing Reference No. 17-26421-0985402 in the name ofMr. Abdul Hameed s/o Ali Bahadar village Dhari Mera, Union Council Salhad,Abbottabad was installed at an appropriate distance from LT pole.

(b) Yes, electricity is being supplied through service line and the lengthof the service line is 58 meters from LT pole.

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(c) The information given earlier in this regard was correct.

(d) Presently, no such proposal for installation of LT structure is underconsideration by local PESCO office.

10. Dr. Muhammad Azhar Khan Jadoon:

Will the Minister for Communications be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that a number of local link roads are beingaffected due to the construction of Havelian to MansehraMotorway under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor andare in a dilapidated condition at present;

(b) if the answer to part (a) above is in the affirmative, whetherany survey has been conducted in this regard; if so, the detailsthereof;

(c) whether it is also a fact that the road leading to Dheri Mera,Shah Di Galli from Forest Check Post Salhad, Abbottabad isbeing affected therefrom;

(d) if the answer to part (c) above is in the affirmative, whetherthere is any proposal under consideration of the Government torehabilitate the said road; if so, the time by which it will berehabilitated/reconstructed and the procedure formulatedthereof?

 Minister for Communications (Hafiz Abdul Kareem): (a) Number of

local link roads are being affected due to construction of CPEC Havelian-ThakotProject, majority of these roads are earthen tracks and are being maintained bythe Chinese Contractor on routine basis, for the convenience of locals.

(b) Survey of all the local link roads which are being affected by CPEC-HTProject or being used by the Chinese Contractor has been conducted by theChinese Contractor and will be re-constructed by the Chinese Contractor, in duecourse.

(c) It is a fact that some part of the said road is being affected due to theconstruction of CPEC Havelian-Thakot Section.

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(d) The Chinese Contractor is using about 800 meters in length of thisroad and the same is being maintained by the Chinese Contractor on routine basis,further, the affected portion of the same road will be re-constructed upon thecompletion of the project.

11. Mr. Siraj Muhammad Khan:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that many oil companies in Pakistan areutilizing “manganese” in their gasoline products which aredamaging vehicle engines;

(b) if the answer to part (a) above is in the affirmative,the steps taken by the Ministry to penalize the culprits and rectifythe matter in best public interest since June, 2013?

 Minister In-charge of the Petroleum Division: (a) Yes it is a fact that

oil companies in Pakistan are utilizing “manganese” in motor gasoline. Manganese(Mn) can cause damage to vehicle engines if it exceeds certain levels.

(b) The issue was highlighted by one of the car manufacturers whoapproached OGRA in October, 2017 so that oil refineries and OMCs can bedirected to provide internationally approved quality standards of fuel to Pakistanmarket. OGRA informed Petroleum Division in November, 2017 requesting for athorough study by an independent consultant for identifying safe operating limits ofmetal contents to be incorporated in the current Mogas specifications.

- In order to address the above issue, a Committee was constituted inthe Petroleum Division, with the approval of Minister for Energy(Petroleum Division), which includes Additional Secretary (PetroleumDivision), Director General (Oil), Member Oil (OGRA), DirectorGeneral (HDIP) & Chief Executive Officer (OCAC). The Committeehas been mandated to investigate/examine the matter in detail andpropose a way forward.

- The Committee has convened various meetings on the issue and alsodecided to test samples of local/imported 90/92 RON motor gasoline

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to determine concentrations of Manganese (Mn) and Ferrocene (Fe).The test results presented high concentration of Mn and Fe in locallyproduced motor gasoline as well as imported motor gasoline. Thematter was also taken up with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs),Oil refineries, Automotive Manufacturing Industry (Honda) &Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA). Allstakeholders have submitted their input and recommendations in thisregard.

- Final report of the Committee will be presented in April, 2018 andwill recommend the limits of heavy metal contents in the prevalentspecifications of 90/92/95/97 RON local/imported motor gasolinein order to control and monitor their levels.

12. Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Defence be pleased to state:  

(a) the total number of Cantonments in the country at present; and  

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to establish new Cantonments in the country; ifso, the details thereof?

 Minister for Defence (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) There are

44 Cantonments throughout the country, the details of cantonments is enclosed as“Annex-A”.

(b) The proposal for the Establishment of following Cantonments is underprocess.

i. Gwadar Cantt

ii. Samungli Cantt

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13. Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Science and Technology be pleased to state thenames of manufacturers of various items in the country who werepenalized by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authorityfor preparing substandard and harmful products during the last oneyear alongwith the details of penalty imposed thereon separately?

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Minister for Science and Technology (Rana Tanveer Hussain):Presently, Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) is notauthorized to penalize the manufacturers / units for non­compliance. However,PSQCA as per Conformity Assessment Rules-2011 rules can seize the units whichdo not conform to the standards. PSQCA also refers cases of manufacturers /units to first class magistrate for penalization. PSQCA Act, 1996 prescribes theapplicable penalty / fine in its various sections. Details are given at Annex–A.

During the period January, 2017 to December, 2017, PSQCA carriedout inspection of various units as well as open market surveillance, resultantly 313units of different items were seized (Annex–B).

Cases against units showing non-compliance were filed in the relevantCourts of Law. Detail of cases and the penalties imposed by the Courts in differentcases is attached at Annex–C.

PSQCA has also proposed amendments in its Act for enhancement ofpenalties which are under process for approval from the cabinet and parliament(Annex–D).

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

14. Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) the new wells drilled in the country for exploration of petroland gas since June, 2008; and

(b) the year-wise quantity of gas and petrol explored separatelytherefrom during the said period?

Reply not received. 

15. Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to refer to the UnstarredQuestion No.7 replied on 12-03-2018 and to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that an inquiry committee was constitutedby IESCO regarding electrocution of the person from generalpublic (named Mr. Muhammad Rizwan S/O Mr. MuhammadShafique) from 11 KV wires installed at Village Deed Wali, TehsilChakwal; if so, the time when it was constituted alongwith thename of persons who were included therein;

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(b) whether time was fixed for the committee to submit its report;if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether it is a fact that committee could not submit its reportwithin stipulated time; if so, the reasons thereof; and

(d) the steps being taken to compensate the aggrieved familyexpeditiously?

 Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):

(a) Yes, IESCO has already constituted a Standing Inquiry Committee to probeinto the facts regarding any Fatal / Non-Fatal accidents occurred to its employeesor General Public. The copy of office order is enclosed as ready reference.

The Convener / Members of the inquiry committee in this particular caseare as under:—

a). Manager (O&M) (Convener)IESCO Islamabad

b) Dy. Manager (Safety) (Member)IESCO Islamabad

c). Dy. Manager (Technical) (Member)IESCO Chakwal Circle

(b) All efforts are made by the inquiry committee to complete inquiryinvestigation in minimum possible time, so as to proceed further in the matter.However, there is no fixed time frame for finalization of the inquiry.

(c) The committee has furnished its report.

(d) Superintending Engineer (E) IESCO Circle Chakwal has beendirected for payment to the Aggrieved Family as per Compensation Policy at theearliest.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

16. Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir:

Will the Minister for Defence be pleased to refer to Unstarred QuestionNo.39 replied on 19-01-2018 and to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Mr. Manzoor Hussain, USM (TicketNo.1187) employee of the Central Ordnance Depot (COD),Rawalpindi died on 17-12-2005 during his service;

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(b) whether it is also a fact that COD, Rawalpindi has forwardedthe case of the above mentioned employee late to the FederalGovernment Employees Housing Foundation (FGEHF),Islamabad; if so, the reasons and present status thereof;

(c) whether the employees of the COD are not being treated withthe Defence Employees for allotment of plots in DHA; if so, thereasons thereof; and

(d) the number of such cases where the employees are not allottedplots in DHA and FEGHF?

 Reply not received.

17. Dr. Arif Alvi:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the survey has already been conductedfor installation of new poles and shifting of dangerous wiresfrom village Chakri Wakeelan, Tehsil Gujar Khan on theapplications of Mr. Noor Muhammad and Mr. Asim Zia;

(b) whether it is also a fact that Rs.300,000 have been issued underthe Prime Minister’s Sustainable Development GoalsProgramme against the above mentioned applications;

(c) whether it is further a fact that the project thereof is still pending;if so, the reasons thereof; and

(d) the action taken against responsibles thereof? 

Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):(a) Yes, it is fact that the survey has already been conducted by the SDO (E)IESCO Construction Sub Division Gujar Khan for installation of news poles andshifting of dangerous wires from Village Chakri Wakeelan, Tehsil Gujar Khan onthe application of Mr. Noor Muhammad & others through Raja Javed IkhlasMNA of NA-51.

(b) The Demand Notice amounting to Rs. 300,000/- has been issuedunder Prime Minister’s SDGs Programme against the said scheme to CommissionerRawalpindi for payment.

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(c) Yes the scheme is pending as the credit advice of aforesaid amounthas been received on 27-03-2018 in IESCO’s account.

(d) The credit advice No. RAI-107/PDI 61 dated 27-03-2018 has beensent XEN (E) Construction Division IESCO Jhelum to take the work in hand andits completion thereof. The work is likely to be completed by 10-05-2018 subjectto no right of way problem.

18. Sheikh Salahuddin:

Will the Minister for Science and Technology be pleased tostate whether it is a fact that the apprehension of contamination inunder ground drinking water throughout the country has reached atdangerous level; if so, the steps being taken to decontaminate thesaid source of water?

 Minister for Science and Technology (Rana Tanveer Hussain): (a)

More than 90% of drinking water requirements are being met from groundwatersources in Pakistan. However these sources/are being contaminated over the time.

PCRWR has launched a number of drinking water quality monitoringprojects in the country since 2002 and highlighted the drinking water quality issuesall over the country. The overall analytical findings revealed that 69-85% sourceswere found contaminated or unfit for human consumption. (Annexure-I)

(b) After the 18th amendment the provision of safe drinking water fallswithin the purview of provinces. However, PCRWR has been disseminating itsresearch findings regarding the water quality status in the country andrecommendations for improvement to provincial and local governments.(Annexure-II)

The main cause of the groundwater contamination is the discharge ofuntreated industrial, municipal and agricultural waste water in to the rivers andgroundwater through different drains and landfills.

The provincial environmental protection agencies are the regulatingauthorities and are responsible to control discharge of untreated wastewater intothe water bodies.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

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19. Mr. Muhammad Jamal Ud Din:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that the electricity connections of regularbill payers/consumers of Village Bago Wadadani, Tehsil Tando Adam,District Sanghar, Sindh have been disconnected; if so, thejustification thereof; and

(b) the time by which electricity will be supplied in said area? 

Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):(a) & (b) Due to non-payment of arrears by the consumers/ inhabitants of thevillage Bago Wadadani, the supply was disconnected. The supply of thoseconsumers who pay their bills is being restored accordingly.

20. Ms. Asiya Naz Tanoli:

Will the Minister for Energy be pleased to state:

(a) whether LT poles have been installed at a long distance by theMultan Electric Power Company for provision of electricity tothe consumers including Balqees Bibi W/O Mian Abdul Rasool,Shalimar Colony, Multan under reference No.20151758453600-R;

(b) whether low voltage of electricity is being supplied in saidColony;

(c) if the answers to part (a) and (b) above are in the affirmative,the time by which such problems will be resolved?

Minister for Power Division (Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari):(a) No, the premises of the said consumer is at 3rd span of existing 200-KVAdistribution transformers (2 No. Spans are of WASP Conductor and 01 No.ANT Conductor).

(b) No, the voltage of said premises have been checked and found216,217 volts.

(c) The existing 200KVA Transformer is running under load.

Hence, no problem exists for the said consumer.

ISLAMABAD: TAHIR HUSSAIN,The 11th April, 2018. Secretary.

PCPPI—724(2018) NA—11-04-2018—650.