50. *ms. khalida mansoorna.gov.pk/uploads/documents/questions/1495087952_943.pdf · 15,000-25,000...

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(42nd 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 18th May, 2017

50. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:(Deferred during 36th Session)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to refer to the StarredQuestion No. 189 replied on 05-09-2016 and to state whether barbedwires have been installed and gate has been constructed on Pak-Iranborders?

Reply not received.

52. *Ms. Aisha Syed:(Deferred during 36th Session)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state whether thereis any proposal under consideration of the Government to seal 2600kilometers Pak-Afghan Road; if so, the date of implementationthereof?

Reply not received.

147. *Sheikh Salahuddin:(Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the stepsbeing taken by the present Government to resolve border issues withthe neighboring countries?

Reply not received.

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272. *Mr. Abdul Qahar Khan Wadan:(Deferred during 40th Session)

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state:

(a) the head-wise support funds received during the last six yearswith reference to terrorism;

(b) whether it is a fact that the FATA/Frontier Regions have sufferedby terrorism;

(c) the detail of funds granted to compensate persons affected byterrorism; and

(d) the life and financial losses occurred by Terrorism in said Areas/Regions during the said period alongwith the steps taken in thisregard?

Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen. (Retd.) AbdulQadir Baloch]: (a) During the last six years, an amount of Rs. 3045.785 millionwas utilized on account of compensation (Shuhada Package) out of total releasedamount of Rs. 3566.124 million. Details are at Annex-I.

(b) Yes, it is an established fact that FATA/Frontier Regions have sufferedtremendously due to terrorism.

(c) An amount to the tune of Rs. 3480.55 million has been spent forcompensating the legal heirs of 12167 dead / injured persons including Levies,Khassadars and Civilians. Details are at Annex-II.

(d) A total of 5740 persons including Levies, Khasadars and Civilianslost their lives. Details are at Annex-II. For the financial losses, under the CitizenLosses Compensation Program (CLCP), the Government is providing Rs. 400000/-for fully damaged and Rs. 160000/- for partially damaged houses. FATASecretariat has released Rs. 6.379 Billion to Political Administrations of fiveagencies, where TDPs are returning, while Rs. 5.277 Billion has been disbursedamongst 15139 beneficiaries. After conducting surveys, there are an estimated80,000 damaged houses, out of which 22,471 have been validated forcompensation.

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@95. *Mr. Muhammad Jamal Ud Din: (Deferred during 41st Session)


(a) the head-wise detail of funds allocated, released and spent forthe rehabilitation of the Interally Displaced Persons (IDPs) duringthe fiscal year 2016-17;

(b) the head-wise detail of funds which have not been released outof allocated amount by the Ministry for the said IDPs so far;and

(c) the head-wise detail of unspent amount out of said allocatedamount at present?

Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen. (Retd.) AbdulQadir Baloch]: (a) During the current financial year (2016-17) Rs. 1800 Millionwere allocated and Rs. 1731.675 Million have been released to Armed Forcesfor rehabilitation of TDPs. List of projects is attached.

(b) Funds to the tune of Rs. 68.325 Million is available, against whichRs. 50.000 Million has been approved for the rehabilitation of mosques in SouthWaziristan Agency. The same amount will be released shortly. List of approvedprojects is attached.

(c) An unspent amount of Rs. 18.325 Million is currently lying withFinance Department, FATA Secretariat.

(Annexure has been placed in the National Assembly Library)

126. *Shaikh Rohale Asghar:(Deferred during 41st Session)

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the totalnumber of Indian migrants living in Pakistan at present alongwiththe reasons thereof?

Reply not received.

@ Transferred from Finance Division.

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133. *Ms. Shakila Luqman:(Deferred during 41st Session)

Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to state:

(a) the location-wise Sports Academies established in the countryduring the years 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16; and

(b) the role played by those academies for promotion of sports duringthe said period?

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz HussainPirzada): (a) Pakistan Sports Board has affiliated 38 National Sports Federationsout of which four Federations i.e. Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Association,Pakistan Hockey, Squash and Tennis Federations have established academies forpromotion / training of the budding from the grass root level as under:—

ACADEMIES

i. Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Association

Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Association has established SnookerAcademy at Faisalabad during 2013-14 in collaboration with the Universityof Agriculture-Faisalabad, equipped with International standard Billiard/Snooker Tables / Accessories jointly provided by the Pakistan Billiards &Snooker Association and the Pakistan Sports Board Islamabad SnookerAcademy has also been functioning in the premises of the Pakistan SportsComplex, since July 2007.

ii. Pakistan Hockey Federation

Before the financial year 2013-14 Pakistan Hockey Federation hadestablished academies at different potential centres of the country fortraining and grooming the young / school going players. The talented boyswere inducted in the junior teams. After the fiscal years 2013-14, 2014-15and 2015-16, PHF closed the project.

iii. Pakistan Squash Federation

Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) established Pakistan National SquashAcademy (PNSA) at Islamabad which was inaugurated on 09th July,2015. Salient features of which are elaborated below:

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a. Vision: To regain and retain the lost glory in the game of squash.

b. Mission: PNSA is to provide international level training to promisingsquash players to make them World leaders in the game of squashthrough personality development and confidence building.

c. Objectives: PNSA aims at the following ends:

i. Would be “Centre of Excellence” in the country and would actas a parent body of Provincial Squash Academies.

ii. Train talented young squash players and groom them into worldclass players.

iii. Educate, groom and update the trainers on internationalstandards.

iv. Provide the best international level squash facilities to the playersunder one roof.

d. Induction of Players: A mixed group of Junior and senior playershave been inducted in the academy.

e. Technology: Use of technology has emerged as a mandatoryrequirement in the field of sports. The academy has been equippedwith state of the art facilities including video cameras, video libraryof top players’ matches and other coaching techniques etc.

f. Hierarchy: The Secretary PSF and Game Development Officerwould head PNSA along with supporting staff which include a HeadCoach, 04 trainers and 02 physical fitness instructors from PAF.

g. Training Strategy: Over the period of times, it has been observedthat beside the game skills, our players severely lack in physical fitnessand mental strength. To help the players improve their physical fitnessand mental strength, a training strategy has been devised.

A proper syllabus has been delivered to the players based onthree main constituents according to their required percentage. The game/skill work have 50% whereas 30% of the syllabus covers physical fitness

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and the remaining 20% on character building. This program also includesspoken English improvement, etiquette, respect of other players andsupporting staff, eating habits, civic sense, physical fitness etc.

International Participation: PSF also help these players for playingmaximum international tournaments abroad throughout the year on the basis oftheir current standing and expected performance.

OTHER ACADEMIES

In addition to setting of PNSA in Islamabad, similar squash academies arebeing established in other major cities. Being hub of squash in KP, PAF has alsoestablished academy at Hashim Khan Squash Complex Peshawar. In addition,PSF-JK Squash Academy is being run at PSFJahangir Khan Squash Complex,Karachi through Sindh Squash Association Punjab Squash Association is operatingsimilar academy at Punjab Squash Complex, Lahore. Hundreds of upcomingplayers are being trained in these regional academies.

Pakistan Tennis Federation

Pakistan Tennis Federation has established the following Tennis Academiesduring 2013-2016 in the country:—

a. Sirajul Haq Tennis Academy Westrige, Race Cours Road,Rawalpindi.

b. Gujrat Gymkhana Tennis Academy, Gujrat.

c. Super Kid Tennis Academy at DA Creek Club Zulfiqar Street DHAPhase 8, Karachi.

d. Continental Tennis Academy Union Club, Karachi.

e. Zeeshan Sports Academy, Borewala Punjab.

f. Rashid Malik JTI Tennis Academy, Baghe Jinnah Mall Road, Lahore.

(b) Role of Academies

i. Billiards & Snooker

As the Snooker circuit of Pakistan is dominated by players of Punjab, theabove mentioned Snooker Academies play a vital role to groom and nurture

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the upcoming talented players, who regularly practice at the academies toimprove their game. The players also acquire proper Snooker Coaching/Training by International qualified snooker coaches, organized frequentlyby the Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Association to upgrade and enhancethe potential of our National snooker players to achieve the desired resultswhilst competing in International competitions, which the snooker playershave evidently proved by winning laurels for the country during the years,which are on record. Besides the above activities, national ranking snookertournaments are also held by the Pakistan Billiards & Snooker Associationat the Snooker Academies, which are participated by players from all theprovinces of Pakistan, whereby promoting the game of Billiards & Snookeron a National level.

ii. Hockey

Pakistan Hockey Federation has proposed the establishment of HighPerformance Hockey Academies to the esteemed Ministry of IPC througha Visionary Strategic Plan till the year 2020.

iii. Squash

Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) with an appropriate Govt. support,have taken major projects of the game’s Development. This also includesprovisioning of rigorous training at PNSA and regional academiesthroughout the year. During the last couple of years, PSF has verysuccessfully organized 4-6 international tournaments ranging from15,000-25,000 US dollars prize money. While playing at the home ground,our players have proved their worth and have also shown some outstandingperformances at major international events abroad. At present we holdGold Medal at Asian Senior Team Championship, Silver Medal at AsianJunior Team Championship and recently we have won Gold Medal duringWorld Junior Team Championship, 2016 at Poland. Mr. Israr Ahmadfrom Lahore has won Gold Medal in Asian Junior Individual Championship,2015. Earlier in May, 2014. we also brought Gold Medal in Asian IndividualChampionship after a gap of 14 years. We are sure that if the Govt. supportto Pakistan Squash Federation is increased, we have all the abilities tobring the past glories back to the country and we would be able to seePakistan’s flag fluttering high in the world of Squash again, in the nearfuture.

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iv. Tennis

Under Junior Tennis Program of International Tennis Federation, PakistanTennis Federation provided Tennis equipment to all of above mentionedacademies which resulted in 2000 new players exposed to tennis only in2016.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB):

PCB has established High Performance Centers at Karachi and Multan.These High Performance Centers are operational.

Meanwhile, PCB is conducting 4 Weeks extensive Academies Programsfor U19 Players at all the 16 regions on annual basis (Karachi, Hyderabad, Quetta,Larkana, Dera Murad Jamali, Bahawalpur, Multan, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot,Azad Jammu Kashmir, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Abbottabad & FATA)utilizing the available infrastructure and this program effectively helps the playersto prepare for upcoming Domestic Season.

In addition, PCB has future plans to establish High Performance CricketCenters in other regions also to facilitate the national/domestic and local playersalong with developing “Fitness Centers” at all the grounds/venues where FirstClass /Domestic matches are played to enhance the physical fitness of local players.

@142. *Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub:(Deferred during 41st Session)

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state:

(a) the steps taken by the Government alongwith details of schemeslaunched to address the problems of Overseas Pakistanis since1-1-2016; and

(b) the rate of success and failure of said schemes?

@ Transferred from Foreign Affairs Division.

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Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment (Pir Syed Saddaruddin Shah Rashidi): (a) OPF is committedto render better & improved services by providing relief to overseas Pakistanisand their dependents by initiating a number of schemes in health, financial assistanceand personalized services. These existing schemes are continuously being revisedto make them more efficient in service delivery for the benefit of the overseasPakistanis. During the period no new scheme has been launched, however, newinitiatives in the existing scheme are as below;

WELFARE SECTOR:

Schemes during the period since 01-01-2016 to address the problems ofoverseas Pakistanis are as below;

Financial Aid Scheme:

Provision of Financial Assistance on enhance amount@ Rs. 400,000/- and Rs. 300,000/- in death and disability,respectively. 1865 destitute families of overseas Pakistanis grantedfinancial assistance in death/disability of an OP amounting toRs. 690.850 million.

Establishment of One Window Facilitation Desks at internationalairports in Pakistan:

One Window Facilitation Desk represented by 12 governmentaldepartments established at Sialkot International Airport, Sialkot on09-02-2016.

Complaint Cell:

Complains received 1573 and settled 634 rest are being pursuedwith concerned authorities.

Repatriation of Pakistani Workers from Saudi Arabia 201617:

So far 3349 number of Pakistani workers from Saudi Arabia have arrivedat Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar and Lahore. Out of these workers 2965have been provided assistance by OPF for travel to their destinationsfrom Airport to their hometown and Rs. 10 (Million) approximately hasbeen paid so far.

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EDUCATION SECTOR:

50% concession in tuition fee to the children of overseas Pakistanis upto02 children.

The amount of Merit Award/ Needy Scholarship for the children of overseasPakistanis has been increased upto 50%.

(b) The rate of success of the aforementioned schemes/ initiatives aresatisfactory and in some cases the target have been achieved more than 100%.

181. *Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar:(Deferred during 41st Session)

Will the Minister for Textile Industry be pleased to state whether it isa fact that a large number of industries especially Textile Units havebeen closed in the country during the last year; if so, the reasonsthereof?

Minister for Textile Industry: It is not a fact that a large number ofindustries especially Textile Units have been closed in the country during the lastyear the detail of textile companies registered and closed/dissolved in the countryduring the last two years are as under;

——————————————————————————————Period No. of Textile No. of Textile

Companies CompaniesRegistered closed/dissolved

——————————————————————————————July-December 145 372015-16

July till Date 85 312016-17

——————————————————————————————Source: SECP

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59. *Ms. Aisha Syed:


(a) the steps being taken by the Government to make simplifieddegree verification process from the Inter Board Committee ofChairmen as the students are facing difficulties in this regard;and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to end the verification fee thereof; if so, the stepstaken in this regard?

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz HussainPirzada): (a) Verification prior to IBCCs attestation of certificates forwarded byEducational Boards has been simplified, as the Boards handover verification insealed envelope to applicants then and there. Such verification minimizes possibilityof attesting fake or tempered certificates by IBCC.

(b) There is no proposal under consideration of the Federal Governmentor IBCC to end the verification fee thereof IBCC charges attestation feeRs. 200/- per original and Rs. 100/- per photocopy of certificates to cover cost ofstamps (pasted thereon) printed by Security Printing Corporation and freeapplication forms etc. As far waiver of verification fee charges by Provincial/Federal Board the IBCC has no direct control over them for fee waiver.

60. *Dr. Shazia Sobia:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state:

(a) the year-wise trade deficit of the country since 01-01-2012 interm of percentage to the GDP;

(b) the reasons of increase in the said deficit; and

(c) whether the Government intends to deal with the said issue; ifso, the details thereof?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) Theyear-wise trade deficit of the country since FY 2012 in terms of percentage ofGDP is as under:

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——————————————————————————————Fiscal year Trade deficit in terms

% of GDP——————————————————————————————

2011-12 6.96%

2012-13 6.77%

2013-14 6.95%

2014-15 6.18%

2015-16 6.23%——————————————————————————————Source: State Bank of Pakistan

(b) The trade deficit has increased due to the following reasons:

Imports

Pakistan’s imports have grown by nearly 6% in FY 2016 that has addedto the trade deficit, mainly owing to the following reasons:

i. The demand of many imported items is inelastic e.g. petroleumproducts, food items and machinery.

ii. Due to the increase in development activity in the country, especially,CPEC related import of machinery and equipment has increased.

iii. Due to the shortfall in cotton production in the country, the raw cottonis to be imported from abroad to meet the demand of the textileindustry.

Exports

The trade balance has also been affected due to decline in Pakistan’sexports for the following reasons:

i. Economic slowdown in the global market.

ii. Global commodity crisis.

iii. Currency devaluation by competitors.

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iv. Pakistan’s low position in global competitiveness index.

(c) The following steps have been taken by the Government to reducethe trade deficit:

1. Prime Minister of Pakistan has announced the export package ofPKR 180 billion for exporting business community, which is applicablefor nearly 18 months for the period from 16th January, 2017 to 30thJune, 2018. The incentive for 2017-18 would be available to thosewho would achieve an increase of 10% in annual exports. Out of thetotal annual allocation, an amount of PKR 107.5 billion has beenallocated to textiles sector (PKR 87.5 billion for Draw Backs andPKR 20 billion for withdrawal of duties / taxes on import of cottonand machinery), whereas an amount of PKR 12.5 billion is annualallocation for Draw Backs on export of non-textiles (other valueadded sectors).

2. Under Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF), 2015-18, a totalof Rs. 6 billion is allocated for current year spent on the development.The initiatives inter-alia include:

Technology Up-gradation:- An incentive for technologyup-gradation in the shape of investment support of 20% andmark-up support of 50% upto a maximum of Rs. 1 (one) Millionper annum per company for import of new plant and machinery.

Product Development:-Matching grant upto a maximum ofRs. 5 (five) Million for specified plant and machinery or specifieditems to improve product design and encourage innovation inSMEs and export sectors of leather, pharmaceutical andfisheries.

Branding and Certification Development Support:-Matching grant to facilitate the branding and certification forfaster growth of the SME and export sector in Pakistan’seconomy through Intellectual Property Registration (includingtrade and service marks), Certification and Accreditation.

Draw-back for local taxes and levies (DLTL):- DLTL isbeing given to exporters on free on board (FOB) values of

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their enhanced exports if increased by 10% and beyond (overlast year’s exports) at the rate of 4% on the increased exports.

Short-term export enhancement measures:- Under short-term export enhancement measures, the four product categoriesi.e. Basmati rice, horticulture, meat and meat products, andjewellery, are being focused with the parallel focus on thefollowing markets: (i) Iran, (ii) Afghanistan, (iii) China, and (iv)European Union.

3. Under Textile Policy 2014-2019, Rs. 6 billion has been allocated inthe fiscal year to facilitate exporters.

4. The miscellaneous measures that the Government has under takento enhance exports are as under:

i. The sales tax zero-rating regime for five export oriented sectors,i.e., textile, leather, carpets, surgical and sports goods has beenintroduced with effect from July 1, 2016.

ii. In order to counter the import surge through unfair trade andstrengthen trade defence mechanisms, National TariffCommission Act has been revamped and approved by theParliament in 2015.

iii. In order to promote exports to new markets, TradeDevelopment Authority of Pakistan is undertaking various exportpromotional activities through trade exhibitions and delegations.

iv. The State Bank of Pakistan has further reduced the discountrate to 5.75%. Similarly, the Export Finance Rate is currentlyat 3%, which is the lowest in a decade.

v. Exim Bank is being established to facilitate export credit andfor reducing the cost of borrowing for exporting sectors on along term basis. This will also reduce their risks through exportcredit guarantees and insurance facilities. The Board of Directorsof the Bank has been appointed and it will be functional soonafter completing the technical formalities.

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vi. The Ministry is undertaking consistent efforts for getting additionalmarket access for Pakistani products in the potential markets. In thisregard, FTA negotiations with Turkey and Thailand are at an advancedstage, negotiations with Iran on FTA are being initiated, and jointresearch study to assess the potential for a preferential arrangementwith Korea is underway.

61. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to statewhether it is a fact that the Police Stations and Courts are beingestablished in the Tribal Areas under the administration of the FederalGovernment in accordance with the FATA reforms?

Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen. (Retd.) AbdulQadir Baloch]: Rule of Law component of FATA Reforms envisages the mergerof Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Certainother actions initiated by the Government include the promulgation of RewajRegulation, extension of the higher judiciary and strengthening of the LawEnforcement Agencies, including Levies for effective policing. The detail judicialdispensation would materialize once the Rewaj Regulation is adopted, which iscurrently being reviewed.

62. *Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to refer to the StarredQuestion No.125 replied on 13-03-2017 and to state the name ofcountries to whom cement and iron being exported by Pakistan atpresent?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): The namesof the countries to whom Cement and Iron have been exported by Pakistan duringthe current financial year 2016-17 (July-November) are given below:

Export of Cement——————————————————————————————

1 Afghanistan 6 Somalia 11 Tanzania2 India 7 South Africa 12 Mayotte3 Sri Lanka 8 Comoros 13 Oman4 Madagascar 9 Kenya 14 Mauritius5 Yemen 10 Seychelles 15 Mozambique

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Export of Iron (Top 50 countries)——————————————————————————————

1 Afghanistan 18 Thailand 35 Puerto Rico

2 Australia 19 Iraq 36 Austria

3 Sri Lanka 20 Mexico 37 Korea

4 Canada 21 Oman 38 France

5 South Sudan 22 Kuwait 39 South Africa

6 U.S.America 23 Japan 40 Tanzania

7 U.K 24 Ireland 41 Comoros

8 UAE 25 Mauritius 42 Switzerland

9 Saudi Arabia 26 India 43 Sweden

10 Yemen 27 Slovenia 44 Spain

11 Germany 28 Ghana 45 Guinea

12 Trinidad 29 Bahrain 46 Jamaica

13 Singapore 30 Cyprus 47 Nigeria

14 Belgium 31 Senegal 48 Turkey

15 China 32 Malaysia 49 Netherlands

16 Qatar 33 Italy 50 Portugal

17 Chile 34 Philippines

——————————————————————————————63. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the steps beingtaken by the Government to promote trade relations with Bulgaria?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): TradeDevelopment Authority of Pakistan through Commercial Section, Czech Republicand Poland looks after the activities in the Bulgaria. Due to non-existence of theCommercial Section, TDAP did not arrange any delegation and exhibition inBulgaria but provided a platform to our stakeholders by arranging the followingexhibitions in Poland and Czech Republic with the aim to provide opportunity toPakistani exporters to explore the non-traditional markets like Czech Republic,Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, etc:

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(a) Poznan International Fair, Poland (September, 2016).

(b) Styl-Kabo Fair, Czech Republic (February, 2016 & 2017).

Moreover, TDAP is organizing fourteen (14) exhibitions this year inGermany, which is the economic hub of Europe and large number of Europeanbuyers including Bulgarian companies participate in these fairs. For convenience,the trade figures are also placed below for ready reference.

(Value in million US$)——————————————————————————————

2015-16 2014-15 2013-14——————————————————————————————Export Import Balance Export Import Balance Export Import Balance——————————————————————————————12.6 12.5 0.1 17.2 13.6 3.5 15.4 13.9 1.5

——————————————————————————————Pakistan enjoys duty-free access in all EU Member states, including

Bulgaria, as a result of the grant of GSP Plus facility since 1st January, 2014.Pakistan’s exports to Bulgaria have increased from 10.5 million Euros in 2013to 14.2 million Euros in 2016. This represents an increase of 36%.

Ministry of Commerce is striving hard to retain GSP Plus facility inconsultation with its Trade Officers posted abroad. EU Parliament is going to starta midterm review of its GSP Plus Scheme in January, 2018. Ministry of Commerce,in consultation with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Development Authorityof Pakistan, will be chalking out an effective lobbying and communication plan sothat Pakistan is not only able to retain GSP Plus facility beyond 2018 but is alsoable to maximize benefits that it can reap from this facility.

64. *Ms. Sajida Begum:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state the totalnumber of Pakistanis imprisoned in Austria at present alongwith thesteps being taken by the Government in this regard?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: The total number of Pakistanis imprisonedin Austria are 36. Whenever the imprisoned Pakistanis convey their willingness tomeet a representative of the Embassy, a consular visit is undertaken to meet them,listen to them and assist them as permissible under the international conventionsand local laws.

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65. *Ms. Shamas Un Nisa:


(a) the year-wise volume of trade with other countries since 01-01-2012;

(b) the import of luxury items decreased during the said period;and

(c) the performance of the Commercial Attachees deployed invarious countries in this regard?

Reply not received.

66. *Ms. Parveen Masood Bhatti:

Will the Minister for Foreign Affairs be pleased to state:

(a) the total number of Pakistanis detained in the jails of Tataristanat present; and

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

Minister for Foreign Affairs: As per record of our Embassy in Russia,no Pakistani national is detained in jails of Republic of Tataristan. However, theEmbassy has again approached the relevant authorities of Tataristan to provideinformation about any Pakistani national detained in Tataristan.

67. *Ms. Seema Mohiuddin Jameeli:


(a) the total number of Pakistanis imprisoned in the jails ofAzerbaijan at present alongwith reasons thereof; and

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

Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) There are only two Pakistani prisonersin the Jails of Azerbaijan on the charges of Murder and Sexual Assault.

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(b) The Mission remains constantly in contact with the prisoners. Onmany occasions, the items of daily use are also provided to them by the Embassy.Moreover, many times Office of President is also approached by the Mission for“Presidential decree of Pardon”.

68. *Mrs. Shahida Rehmani:

Will the Minister for States and Frontier Regions be pleased to state thecriteria adopted for present recruitments made for LeviesForce Balochistan and FATA?

Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen. (Retd.) AbdulQadir Baloch]: In order to ensure transparency and fair play, the Governor KhyberPakhtunkhwa has directed to carry out the process of recruitment of Levypersonnel in Federal Levy Force (FATA) through Testing Services, under thedirect supervision of duly notified Departmental Selection Committee by SAFRON.

Balochistan High Court, Quetta has cancelled 1954 instruction vide order15th October, 2014. Keeping in view the order of Balochistan High Court theunder detailed criteria has been adopted for recruitment in Federal Levy Force,Balochistan.

PROPOSED RECRUITMENT CRITERIA FOR FEDERAL LEVIESIN BALOCHISTAN

——————————————————————————————Age 18-30 Years No relaxation

————————————————————————————————Height 5.4 Inches (minimum) 5 marks

Chest 32X32.5 Inch (minimum) 5 marks

Running 2 K.M in 12 minutes 15 marks

First in running will beawarded 10 extra marks.

Second will get extra inrunning 9 nine marks

Third will get in runningextra 8 marks

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————————————————————————————————Interview 10 marks

Qualification Matric (minimum) 10 marks F.A/F.Sc 5 marksB.A/B.Sc 5 marksM.A/M.Sc 5 marks

Sports Professional Player 10 marks International distinction10 marks

Distinction at nationallevel 5 marks

Written Test Urdu/English/General 50 marksKnowledge

———————————————————————————————— Grand Total:- 100

————————————————————————————————69. *Ms. Naseema Hafeez Panezai:


(a) the prescribed procedure for monitoring the development worksin the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and how doesthat system work; and

(b) the total number of times physical monitoring have been madeby its teams during last four years?

Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen. (Retd.) AbdulQadir Baloch]: (a) FATA secretariat has a robust monitoring mechanism in placesince 2006 in the shape of Directorate of Monitoring & Evaluation FATA(DoM&E) with the following responsibilities duly approved by the CompetentAuthority:

1. External monitoring of both the development projects and the servicesbeing delivered by Service Delivery Units (SDUs) working underEducation, Health and Livestock departments.

2. Impact Evaluation of the development projects.

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3. Any other task assigned by the Governor KPK and FATA Secretariat.

The prescribed procedure adopted for monitoring the development worksand to check performance of SDUs include:–

1. Desk reviews of the projects are carried out of the monthly progressreport prepared by Works & Services department of FATA.

2. On the basis of the desk reviews it is decided which projects need tobe visited or their progress needs to be inquired in detail. The projectselection criteria for field monitoring is limited to the following:

Unbiased / Random Selection

High cost

Works having Substantial Physical & Financial Progress

Reported bottlenecks

Delays due to thin allocations

Delays due to other reasons

Disputes

Schemes referred by FDWP (ongoing under revision).

Similarly selection of SDUs is based on simple random sampling and theSDUs are selected on the basis of numbers, accessibility and category wise e.g.primary, secondary or otherwise.

On the basis of findings of the field visits, a report is prepared and submittedto the concerned stakeholders and higher authorities of FATA Secretariat (FS).

As use of any report is paramount in terms of actions ensured or thereport serves the very intended purpose of course correction, FS has a very effectiveand efficient course correction mechanism in place for ensuring timely actions onM&E field visit reports. It has a two tier mechanism, at the lower tier a P&Ddepartment review committee headed by Secretary P&D which take actions onM&E reports and at the higher tier a steering committee headed by the AdditionalChief Secretary which quarterly reviews M&E reports and ensures actions onM&E reports. The decisions at both level are properly communicated to the quarterconcerned for ensuring timely course corrections.

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(b) Progress of M&E Directorate:—

There are 07 Agencies and 06 FR’s in FATA making a total of 13 units.One unit is visited in a month from July to April and 03 units in the monthsof May and June of each fiscal year.

Fiscal Year Schemes Visited

2012-13 908

2013-14 966

2014-15 1128

2015-16 1359

2016-17 In progress

Total (04 Years) 4361

70. *Ms. Belum Hasnain:


(a) the details of curriculum reforms envisaged by the Inter BoardCommittee of Chairmen during the last four years; and

(b) the status of implementation upon the same by ProvincialGovernments as well?

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz HussainPirzada): (a) This matter does not pertain to IBCC and should be taken up withthe M/o Federal Education & Professional Training (FE&PT). Consequent uponpromulgation of 18th Constitutional amendment and devolution of the erstwhileMinistry of Education in 2011 the responsibility of curriculum development and itsexecution rest with respective provincial Government. The IBCC being coordinatingbody of Education Boards, through consensus of the IBCC Forum(comprising allCEOs of Boards & allied organizations of Pakistan) ensured uniformity of curricularstandards. Therefore, the Forum had resolved to continue implementation of thecurriculum and scheme of studies duly approved by the Federal Government andnotified by the erstwhile M/o Education in 2006.

24

(b) The National Curriculum Council has been transferred from CapitalAdministration and Development Division to the Federal Education and ProfessionalTraining Division (Annex-I). Therefore, it will be more appropriate, if the Questionbe referred to MoFE&PT.

Annex-IGOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN

CABINET SECRETARIAT(Cabinet Division)

***

25

71. *Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja:

Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to statethe role of Pakistan Sports Board after the Constitution (EighteenthAmendment) Act, 2010?

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz HussainPirzada): Pakistan Sports Board was established as a body corporate under theprovisions of Sports (Development & Control) Ordinance-1962 for promotingand developing uniform standards of competitions in Sports in Pakistan, comparableto the standards prevailing internationally and regulating and controlling sports inPakistan on a national basis. Pakistan Sports Board was not devolved as a resultof the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the functions of the (defunct) Ministryof Sports were assigned to it on the recommendation of ImplementationCommission vide Cabinet Division’s Notification No. 4-9/2011-Min.1: dated29-06-2011.

2. While dealing with matters relating to sports at National level PakistanSports Board is responsible for:—

i. Training and Coaching of national teams in different sports disciplinesfor participation in mega International events like Olympic Games,Commonwealth Games, Asian Games & South Asian Games etc.

ii. Regulating the sports system at national level.

iii. Exchange of sportspersons, Coaches & Experts etc. with foreigncountries.

iv. Agreements and MOUs with foreign Countries for collaboration inthe field of sports.

v. Civil awards in the field of sports.

vi. Coordination with the federating units in the field of sports.

72. *Ms. Khalida Mansoor:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to refer to the StarredQuestion No.264 replied on 22-3-2017 and to state:

26

(a) whether Pakistan is becoming a member of the Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations;

(b) if so, the time by which Pakistan will become its member?

Reply not received.

73. *Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir:

Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination’s be pleased tostate:

(a) the total number of Hockey, Cricket and Football Stadiums existin the country at present alongwith locations thereof; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to construct more Stadiums in the country therefor;if so, the names of the cities in which it will be constructed?

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz HussainPirzada): (a) The details of total number of football, Hockey and Cricketstadiums located in the country are attached at Annex-I, II and III respectively.

(b) Yes, during current financial year 2016-17 following proposals areincluded for constructions of stadiums:

i. Laying of Synthetic Hockey Turf at Sports Complex Narowal.

ii. Laying of Synthetic Hockey Turf at Gilgit.

iii. Laying of Synthetic Hockey Turf at Swat.

iv. Football Stadium at Sports Complex, Narowal.

PCB is planning to develop Cricket Stadium of international standard atIslamabad from its own resources.

(Annexures have been placed in the National Assembly Library)

27

74. *Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:


(a) the names of persons/individuals alongwith their posts, perksand privileges who have been appointed in the Pakistan CricketBoard (PCB) since 01-06-2013;

(b) whether said posts were advertised; if so, the details; if not, thereasons thereof;

(c) the prescribed criteria for the said appointments;

(d) the experience of persons appointed during the said period;

(e) whether the PCB appointed several ex-cricketers against variousposts without inviting applications; if so, the justification thereof;and

(f) the steps being taken to appoint professionals in the PCB?

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz HussainPirzada): (a) The Pakistan Cricket Board (the “PCB”) is a body corporate,established as a Board under the Sports (Development and Control) Ordinance1962 by the Federal Government. The objects and Functions of the Board arelisted in detail in Paragraph 4 of the PCB Constitution issued vide SRO 43(KE)/2014. In accordance with the said Constitution, PCB operates and functions throughits Board of Governors, who are fully empowered to formulate rules and regulations.PCB being an autonomous entity, through its Board of Governors, generates itsown revenues and neither takes nor receives any grants or funds from theGovernment or the Public Exchequer.

The list of persons/individuals alongwith their posts, perks and privilegeswho have been appointed in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) since 01-06-2013is attached.

(b) PCB is authorized through its Constitution to engage and hireprofessional coaches, physiotherapists, trainers, groundsmen, doctors, expertsand such other persons deemed appropriate for the development of game of cricketin Pakistan.

28

Similarly, the Board is also authorized to make its own regulations andservice rules for its employees and affiliated associations etc. Therefore, PCBoperates through its own rules and regulations formulated and approved by thePCB Governing Board and all hiring etc. is done in accordance with the rules andin grades formed by the Board.

(c), (d) & (e) Human Resources Department prepares an externaladvertisement for the vacant position(s) in consultation with the requisitioningdepartment to hire the candidate on gross salary above Rs.100,000/-.

The vacant position for gross salary below than Rs. 100,000/- can beoutsourced to an employment agency or shortlisted from PCB HR data bank.

The ex-cricketers are mentioned in the attached list.

(f) All appointments made on merit.


75. *Sahibzada Tariq Ullah:


(a) the grade-wise total number of employees working in AfghanCommissionerate, Peshawar at present;

(b) the total number of posts in BPS 16 and 17 lying vacant insaid Commissionerate at present; and

(c) whether it is a fact that the recruitments have been made duringthe current year without test, interview and advertisements; ifso, the details thereof?

Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen. (Retd.) AbdulQadir Baloch]: (a) A copy of Sanction strength of ARO KPK enclosed, showingthe grade wise total number of posts (Annex-A).

(b) Presently no post of BS-16 & BS-17 is lying vacant.

29

(c) The ARO KPK was established on emergent basis in 1979 andhaving no prescribed recruitment rules till date. Therefore, appointments are madeas per policy in vogue since the inception of ARO KPK.

Annex-A

30

76. *Ms. Shamas Un Nisa:


(a) the name of countries with whom Pakistan is making negotiationsfor trade agreements; and

(b) the present status of those negotiations?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) Pakistanis currently negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with Thailand Turkey andIran.

(b) Six Rounds of negotiations have been held so far with Thailand andTurkey respectively. The Seventh Round of negotiations with Thailand is scheduledfor 15-19 May, 2017 in Bangkok while that with Turkey is under consideration.The main text of the Agreement on Trade in Goods has been finalized with boththese countries and negotiations on the items to be given concessionary marketaccess to each other are underway.

With Iran, negotiations are underway on trade in goods, services andinvestment. The first round of negotiations was held on 4-5 December. 2016 inTehran while second meeting of the TNC is likely to be held in July, 2017.

77. *Sahibzada Tariq Ullah:


(a) the date on which the Afghan Commissionerate, Peshawar wasestablished;

(b) whether it is a fact that the appointments are being made oncontract basis therefor;

(c) whether it is also a fact that employees of said Commissionerateare entitled to draw pension; and

(d) whether there is any service structure for said employees?

31

Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen. (Retd.) AbdulQadir Baloch]: (a) The Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees, Peshawar wasestablished in 1979 after influx of Afghan Refugees as a result of Soviet invasionof Afghanistan.

(b) Appointments are made on contract and temporary basis.

(c) Yes. GoP funded (temporary) employees are entitled to draw pensionon completion of 10 years service as allowed by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

(d) No service structure or rules have been prepared However, theprocess has been initiated.

78. *Ms. Shakila Luqman:

Will the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination be pleased to statethe steps being taken by the Government to improve the performanceof players of Squash?

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz HussainPirzada): Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) has affiliated Pakistan Squash Federation(PSF) which is responsible for promotion of Squash in the country. PSB sponsorsthe federation administratively and financially. The detail of funds released to PSFduring the five years is given below:———————————————————————————————Year Annual Grant Special Grant Total

(Rs.) (Rs.) (Rs.)——————————————————————————————

2011-12 2,376,000 400,000 2,776,000

2012-13 2,571,040 2,150,000 4,721,040

2013-14 3,429,400 500,000 3,929,400

2014-15 3,500,000 1,400,000 4,900,000

2015-16 3,500,000 1,000,000 4,500,000——————————————————————————————Total: 15,376,440 5,450,000 20,826,440——————————————————————————————

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STEPS TAKEN FOR PROMOTION OF SQUASH

Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) is the sole organization working forthe promotion of Squash in the country. The main areas of concentration includesholding of in-country tournaments, sending of Pakistani players for participation inoverseas events, participation of Pakistan teams in major events of Asian andWorld level, holding of regular training camps and development of squash at grassroot level.

PERFORMANCE AT INTERNATIONAL EVENTS

PSF with an appropriate Govt. support has taken major projects of thegame’s development which are focused on revival of international squash in Pakistanby organizing high prized international tournaments with foreign players participation.During the last couple of years, PSF has very successfully organized 4-6international tournaments every year ranging from 15,000-25,000 US dollars prizemoney. While playing at the home ground, our players have got opportunities totest their skill and prove their worth. Similarly, Pakistani players have also shownsome outstanding performances in major international events at abroad. At presentPSF holds Gold Medal of Asian Senior Team Championship, Silver Medal inAsian Junior Team Championship and recently has won Gold Medal in WorldJunior Team Championship, 2016 at Poland.

REVIVAL OF INTERNATIONAL SQUASH

In the recent past, the international players were reluctant to come Pakistanbecause of the regional security situation. This was one of the main hindrance forour players to excel in the game at home grounds. However, to address the issue,efforts were accelerated through World Squash Federation and the ProfessionalSquash Association (PSA) for bringing international squash back to the country.As a result, the PSA allocated 04 International tournaments for the year 2015 (02each of US$ 15,000 and 25,000 prize money) along better performance in theworld squash circuit. On the directive of President PSF Air Chief Marshal SohailAman, PSF has established Pakistan National Squash Academy (PNSA) at MushafSquash Complex, Islamabad. A group of junior and senior players are being regularlytrained through qualified coaches and trainers. Excellent accommodation, food,diet, sports gear and playing kits are provided by the PSF. Similar squash academieshave also been established at Karachi, Peshawar and Lahore. This would greatlyhelp in expanding the base and pool of players throughout the country in the daysto come.

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FUTURE EVENTS

In addition to sponsoring players for overseas individual tournaments, PSFwould also be sending its teams for major events like British Junior Championship,2017 and the Asian Junior Team Championship, 2017. The Federation has beenputting its best efforts to retain the Medals in major squash events of the world.The Federation has to continue with comprehensive training for preparation ofteams for major squash events.

79. *Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan:


(a) whether it is a fact that there is short fall of employees havingSindh domicile in Ministry and its all attached departments,autonomous bodies and semi autonomous bodies; if so, thereasons thereof; and

(b) the steps being taken/proposed to be taken by the Government tofill the said deficiency?

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz HussainPirzada): (a) The detail of M/o IPC and its attached functions / organizations is asunder:—

(i) M/o IPC (Main)

Presently, this Ministry has 238 working employees from BS-01 to BS-22out of which 18 employees are from Sindh region. Detail of these 238working employees may be seen at Annexure-I.

Attached Functions / Organizations

(i) Pakistan Boy Scouts Association (PBSA)

04 employees out of 40 are working against the Domicile of SindhProvince.

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(ii) Inter Board Committee of Chairman (IBCC)

07 employees out of 61 are working against the Domicile of SindhProvince.

(iii) National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA)

NAPA is a Public Company Limited by Guarantee formed underSection 42 of the Companies Ordinance 1984 and has the policy tohire the employees based on merit. However, as of April 30, 2017around 20% of the NAPA’S strength belonging to Sindh Province.

(iv) Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC)

As per NIS, the total strength of sanctioned posts of PVMC is 34which includes 5 officers (17 & above). Presently 2 posts of officersand 3 posts of non-gazetted are vacant (total vacant posts 5). At thepresent strength, the PVMC has one employee from the SindhProvince.

(v) Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)

PCB, in accordance with its Constitution, is operated through itsown rules and regulations formulated and approved by the PCBGoverning Board and all hiring etc. is done in accordance with therules and in grades formed by the Board. Currently there are77 employees from Sindh Province in PCB.

(vi) Pakistan Girl Guides Association (PGGA)

It is submitted that PGGA observed Sindh quota through its SindhChapter and 11 employees are working in PGGA belonging fromSindh Province.

(vii) National Internship Program (NIP)

i. Yes, the details of the shortfall of posts meant for employeeshaving Sindh domicile are as under:

35

——————————————————————————————S. No. Nomenclature of post No. of vacant post

having Sindh Domicile——————————————————————————————

1. Telephone Operator (BS-5) Sindh (R) - 12. Driver (BS-4) Sindh (R) - 1

——————————————————————————————ii. Recruitment could not be done in view of the fact that National

Internship Program (NIP) remained under various Ministries/Divisions during the last couple of years. Moreover, the ban onfresh recruitment also resulted into the delay.

(viii) Pakistan Sports Board (PSB)

Yes. There is a deficiency of 09-employees having Sindh domicile indifferent Cadres in the PSB. The shortfall has occurred due toretirement/promotion of some employees.

(b) The steps being taken / proposed to fill the said deficiency inrespect of M/o IPC and its attached functions/organizations is as under:—

(i) M/o IPC (Main)

The Ministry will fully observe the region-wise quota and will notdeviate as and when requirements are made.

Attached Functions/Organizations

(i) Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC)

The service and financial rules of PVMC are still under process andsoon after the approval in future employment allocation as per quotawill be completed in line with the Federal Government recruitmentpolicy.

(ii) National Internship Program (NIP)

NIP office is presently in the process of filling in the said posts onmerit after completing all codal formalities.

(iii) Pakistan Sports Board (PSB)

NOC from Establishment Division has been obtained and thevacant posts reserved for Sindh quota shall be advertised in the pressshortly.


36

80. *Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the steps beingtaken by the Government to promote trade relations with Egypt?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): Traderelations between Pakistan and Egypt have been growing at a steady pace for thelast five years. However, the bilateral trade profile is not commensurate with thepotential between the two countries.

Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) has taken initiatives toinvite, reverse trade delegations to Pakistan by assessing the needs of the Egyptianmarket. This is done by inviting trade delegations from Egypt to EXPOPakistan-2015 and 2016. TDAP again plan to invite them again for EXPOPakistan-2017.

TDAP participated in the following, two international exhibitions held inEgypt:

(a) MEDICONEX-Cairo, Egypt (8-10 April, 2017) focusing onHealth Care Products, Pharmaceutical, Surgical and MedicalInstruments.

(b) Food Africa, Cairo. Egypt (21-24 April, 2017) related to the foodrelated sectors.

A delegation of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI)consisting of 17 members, paid a visit to Egypt from 26 March to 01 April 2017to discuss areas of mutual interests with the Cairo Chamber of Commerce in thefield of trade and commerce.

The Cairo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) and IslamabadChamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) signed an MoU titled “Protocol ofCooperation between Cairo Chamber of Commerce and lslamabad Chamber ofCommerce” on 27 March 2017 during the visit.

81. *Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar:


(a) the total quantity of wheat exported during the last four yearstill date alongwith the foreign exchange earned therefrom; and

(b) the names of the countries to whom the said wheat was exportedduring the said period?

37

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) Thetotal quantity of wheat exported during the last four years along with the figures ofcurrent year are tabulated as under:

(b) List of countries to whom the said wheat was exported during the lastfour years is tabulated as under:

82. *Mr. Muhammad Muzammil Qureshi:


(a) whether audit of first two editions of the Pakistan Super Leaguewas conducted; if so, the details thereof;

(b) the name of audit firm which conducted the said auditalongwith the criteria adopted to select said audit firm;

(c) whether any irregularity was reported in the said audit; if so,the details thereof; and

38

(d) the measures being taken in order to rectify the same?

Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (Mr. Riaz HussainPirzada): (a) The audit for PSL 2016 along with PCB audit has been completedand the auditor submitted their report on 30th December 2016. It showed anincome of PKR 974.21 Million and expenditure of PKR 909.43 Million,showing a surplus of PKR 64.78 Million from PSL 2016.

The audit for PSL 2017 is likely to be commenced during May 2017since Board of Governors of PCB has desired an early audit of this tournament.This year, this audit shall be conducted by M/S Deloitte Yousuf Adil, CharteredAccountants.

(b) The audit was conducted by M/S EY Ford Rhodes CharteredAccountants. They were appointed by the Board of Governors of PCB on thecriteria that they are one of the big four firms of Chartered Accountants.

(c) No irregularity was reported by the auditors for PSL 2016. Theyhave submitted a draft of their Management Letter (ML) on 29th March 2017that shall be put before the PCB Audit Committee next week to finalize PCBreplies after which; the auditors shall issue their final ML.

(d) Not applicable as yet.

83. *Ms. Musarat Rafique Mahesar:


(a) the name of the country from where maximum imports are beingmade at present; and

(b) the volume of export to said country at present?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): (a) Themaximum imports are currently being sourced from the People’s Republic of China.During the year 2015-16, the total imports were US$ 12 billion.

(b) The volume of exports to the People’s Republic of China was US$1.67 billion during the financial year 2015-16.

84. *Ms. Mussarrat Ahmadzeb:


(a) the plan for educational reforms in the Federally AdministeredTribal Areas (FATA);

39

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to restore closed andghost schools; and

(c) the total number of schools in FATA at present?

Minister for States and Frontier Regions [Lt. Gen. (Retd.) AbdulQadir Baloch]: (a) (1) Scholarships/ Stipends are regularly awarded to thetalented and deserving students of FATA. 49173 students are benefitted annuallycosting Rs. 248 Million per Year.

(2) In order to promote female education special stipends are also beingprovided to female students of class 6th to 10th in FATA.

(3) Free Text Books are being provided to FATA students of KG toclass-10th costing Rs. 211 Million, annually.

(4) With a view to provide quality education to FATA children at thedoorstep 03 x Cadet Colleges have been established in FATA so far.

(5) FATA University has been established.

(6) Under Public Private Partnership Army Public Schools, PeshawarModel Schools and Beacon House Schools will be opened in FATA shortly.

(b) There is no ghost school in FATA. However there are 1036 Non-Functional Schools in FATA due to law and order and wrong placement.

(c) The total number of Schools in FATA are 5994.

85. *Mr. Sher Akbar Khan:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state whether there is any proposal underconsideration of the Government to establish OPF School and Collegein Buner; if so, when it will be implemented; if not, the reasons thereof?

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment (Pir Syed Saddaruddin Shah Rashidi): There is no proposalunder consideration for the establishment of OPF School and College in Buner.

Due to financial constraints OPF has no plan to establish new school.Overall OPF has subsidized Rs. 23.77 million for the year 2015-16.

86. *Ms. Sajida Begum:

Will the Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment be pleased to state:

40

(a) the steps being taken by the present Government to solve theissues/problems of the Pakistani labourers working in thecompanies in Qatar; and

(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of theGovernment to sign an agreement with the said companies/Government of the said country for protection of rights of thesaid labourers?

Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human ResourceDevelopment (Pir Syed Saddaruddin Shah Rashidi): (a) The following stepshave been taken by the Government through Pakistan Mission Doha, Qatar, toresolve the issues/problems of Pakistani labourers working in the a State of Qatar:

(i) The “Kafala System” has been abolished and replaced by “ContractBased Employment System” Where the workers can no more beexploited by their Kafeeles / Sponsors. The employment turns of theworkers are now regulated by terms & conditions of the contract inits true letter and sprite

(ii) The workers were earlier facing the problems of “Exit PermitSystem”. It was, up to the Kafeels/sponsors to grant permition forExit but now the employers just needs to be informed, If there isnothing, subjudice in the court, the employer is duty bond to allowthe worker the right of exit from the State of Qatar.

(iii) The workers were earlier facing the problems of confiscation of traveldocuments by the employer, Now the workers have been moreprotected as they retain their travel document with themselves and canmake the penalties against those employers who are more stringent.

(iv) Moreover, the State of Qatar is now in the process of launchingE-contract System in mutual collaboration of respective governmentfor ensuring fool proof implementation of the contract clausesbetween the employees and the employers.

(b) Regarding protection of rights of the labourers, there already existsan agreement between the State of Qatar and Islamic Republic of Pakistan titled“Organization of Pakistan Manpower in the State of Qatar”. First meetingof the joint committee formed on the instant agreement has already taken place inthe State of Qatar and now, the second meeting is soon to take place in Pakistan.The preparation of the said meeting is almost at final stages.

ISLAMABAD: JAWAD RAFIQUE MALIK,The 17th May, 2017 Secretary.

PCPPI—3685(2017) NA—17-5-2017—650.

1

(42nd Session)

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

————

“UNSTARRED QUESTIONS AND THEIR REPLIES”

For Thursday, the 18th May, 2017

12. Mr. Siraj Muhammad Khan:

Will the Minister for Commerce be pleased to state the progress madeby Government regarding implementation of WTO’s Trade FacilitationAgreement alongwith the details thereof?

Minister for Commerce (Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan): The progressmade by the Government regarding implementation of WTO Trade FacilitationAgreement is as follows:—

The negotiations on Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) wereconcluded during the 9

th World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial

Conference held in December, 2013. TFA is the first MultilateralTrade Agreement to be concluded since the WTO was established20 years ago.

Provisions of TFA aim at reforming bureaucratic processes andprocedures, particularly of Customs, coupled with institutional reformsof the public sector dealing with trade. The Agreement is in line withthe present Government’s vision on domestic reforms and facilitatingbusinesses and international trade.

Pakistan ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in October2015. The TFA has now entered into force since 22nd February2017, after two-third members (110) of the WTO ratified theAgreement. Commitments under TFA are categorized in threesteps:—

Category-A: already in place/immediately enforceable.

Shoaib. M 3rd Rota Day (2017) NA (US) PC-9

2

Category-B to be notified immediately and implemented aftera transition period, and;

Category-C: commitments requiring technical assistance bydonors.

Pakistan has already notified its Category “A” Commitments inOctober 2015.

Extensive stakeholder meetings have been held in Ministry ofCommerce to discuss and finalize Category B & C Commitments.Representatives from Federal Board of Revenue, Ministry of Science& Technology, Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority

;Department of Plant Protection. Animal Quarantine Department,Ministry of Communications, National Logistic Cell and NationalTrade & Transport Facilitation Committee have attended thesemeetings. Views have also been sought from our Permanent Missionto the WTO in Geneva and the finalized Category B & CCommitments will be notified to the WTO soon.

The initial Commitments are indicative dates which will be revisedafter one year. During this transition year. tasks will be assigned toconcerned organizations for implementation and donors will beapproached for Technical Assistance.

Ministry of Commerce, in line with the TFA Commitments is alreadyworking with FBR to put in place a National Single Window tofacilitate trade.

Ministry of Commerce will also create a monitoring task force tooversee the implementation of TFA in letter and spirit.

13. Mr. Siraj Muhammad Khan:


(a) whether it is a fact that visitors from South Africa eager to visitPakistan for tourism;

(b) whether it is also a fact that said visitors have to wait for anunusually long duration in the High Commission in Pretoriafor visas and asked to come again therefor; and

3

(c) whether it is further a fact that the visa process is difficult forsaid visitors and higher fee is being charged than neighboringcountries?

Minister for Foreign Affairs: (a) South Africa has a population of56 million out of which the following number visited Pakistan for tourism purposesduring the last three years:

——————————————————————————————Sr. No. year Number of Tourism Visits

——————————————————————————————1. 2014 860

——————————————————————————————2. 2015 844

——————————————————————————————3. 2016 806

——————————————————————————————(b) The normal visa processing time at the High Commission is 5-7

working days and the applicant are required to appear in person at least once.

(c) The visa policy for tourism visa to Pakistan falls within the domain ofMinistry of Interior and the Pakistan Missions abroad implement the approvedvisa policy in letter and spirit. The visa fee for different countries of the worldincluding South Africa and its neighboring countries has been fixed by the Ministryof Interior, and is charged accordingly.

ISLAMABAD: JAWAD RAFIQUE MALIK,The 17th May, 2017. Secretary.

PCPPI—3685 (2017)NA—17-5-2017—650.

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