INP
ISLAMABAD
The NA was informed Wednesday that 91 discoveries of oil and gas have been made during the tenure of present govt which is a record.
Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Khaqan told the House during question hour that despite depletion, overall indigenous oil and gas production has increased.
He said the work done on oil and gas exploration during this govt was more than any previous government.
He said that the total circular debt stands at Rs 272.3b. The Power sector companies owe Rs 231.2b and PIA Rs 15 billion.
To a question, Khaqan said ban on new gas supply schemes was imposed in 2011. He said after addition of additional gas in the system, steps are being taken to launch new gas supply schemes. He pointed out that a summary in this regard has been sent to the PM and hoped that the Federal Cabinet will approve the summary in its next meeting. After approval the schemes will be implemented.
Answering a question, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources said Pak-Iran Gas Pipeline Project is still not implemented due to international sanctions. He said LNG agreement with Qatar has been operative for the last one year. He said enough gas was provided to the domestic consumers this winter and there was no complaint with SNGPL. However, some problems do occur on local level and the company takes steps to resolve these problems.
Replying to a question, Law Minister Zahid Hamid told the House that election reforms are at final stage and hoped that these will be in place before the next general elections.
He said report of the Parliamentary Election Reforms Committee and a draft bill has already been presented in the Parliament and the election bill is expected to be finalized and passed during this year. He pointed out that about eight hundred comments and proposals have been received and on the draft bill and sub-committee has been assigned to consider these proposals.
The Minister hoped that promulgation of the Election Act, 2017 would simplify the laws and strengthen the electoral process.
Answering a question, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs ShaikhAftab Ahmad told the House that the government is committed to ensure human rights of all citizens as envisaged under the Constitution as well as international commitments.
He said in this regard, the government is adopting all possible measures to ensure protection and promotion of rights of women, children, persons with disabilities and minorities. He said that action plan for human rights approved by the Prime Minister last year is being implemented.
To a question, the Minister said one portion of Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway has already been completed and the other will be completed during this year.
