(286th Session) Senate Secretariat - "Questions For Oral Answers and Their Replies"

Shoaib.M 0000(18) Senate.
on PC-09
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(286th Session)
SENATE SECRETARIAT
—————
“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”
to be asked at a sitting of the Senate to be held on
Wednesday, the 23rd January, 2019
DEFERRED QUESTIONS
(Questions Nos. 47, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 32, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 13, 16, 17,
18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 30, 35, 41, 44, 45, 46, and 50 deferred on
14th December, 2018,
(285th Session)
(Def.) *Question No. 47 Senator Prof. Dr. Mehar Taj Roghani:

(Notice Received on 3/08/2018 at 10:30 AM) QID: 34798
Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that amount is still being collected under

the head of Neelum-Jehlum surcharge in electricity bills
despite the fact that the Neelum-Jehlum project has been
completed; and
(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the

Government to change the head of the said surcharge from
Neelum-Jehlum to Bashah and Mohmand in order to finance
those projects, if so, the details thereof?
Mr. Muhammad Faisal Vawda: (a)Economic Coordination

Committee of the Cabinet (ECC) has approved the collection of Neelum
Jhelum Surcharge (NJS) till the Commercial Operation Date (COD),
therefore, NJS shall continue to be collected till the COD which is expected
before June, 2019.
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(b) No such proposal is under consideration to change the Head
of the said surcharge from Neelum Jhelum To Basha and Mohmand.
(Def.) *Question No. 18 Senator Liaqat Khan Tarakai:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state

whether it is a fact that voltage of electricity is very low in district
Swabi, if so, the reasons thereof and the time by which the same
will be improved?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: Yes, it is a fact that the voltage level at 132
KV grid station, Swabi drops down during summer season due to over
loading of the transmission network. But at present the voltage level of the
said grid station is ranging from 127 KV to 130 KV which is normal.
To improve the voltage level in District Swabi, the following PESCO

projects are under process.
1- Establishment of 132KV grid station at Nawa Kili, Tehsil Rajjar

has been approved with an estimated cost of Rs 317.35 million.
Site for the grid station has been selected and acquisition of
land is under progress. The expected completion of the project
is May, 2022 subject to No Right of Way problem during
execution and availability of funds with PESCO.
2- Establishment of 132KV Grid Station at Chota Lahore along

with transmission line has been approved with an estimated
cost of Rs 341.61 million. Civil works of the grid station are
partially completed and out of 84 towers, 56 tower foundations
have been completed. 17 towers have been erected so far.
The expected completion of the project is June, 2019 subject
to No Right of Way problem during execution and availability
of funds with PESCO.
3- Establishment of 132KV Barm Khel grid station along with

transmission line has been approved with an estimated cost of
Rs 309.5 million. Grid station site has been selected and
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acquisition of land is in process. The expected completion of
the project is June, 2022 subject to No Right of Way problem
during execution and availability of funds with PESCO.
By the construction of these projects, following benefits to the localities

of the area will be achieved:-
 Low voltage problem will be reduced.
 The technical losses of the network will be reduced.
 The un-planned power interruptions in the system will be

minimized.
 Stable voltage level will be available to all the consumers in

general and to the industrial consumers in particular.
 Damages to the costly equipment will be reduced.
 Overloading of the network in all dimensions will be minimized.


whether there is any proposal under consideration of the
Government for provision of electricity to Swabi grid station
from Tarbela Dam, if so, when?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: Swabi area is currently being fed from
132 kV Grid Station Swabi which is presently getting supply from 220 kV
Burhan Grid Station via IESCO’s 132 kV grid station new Wah.
The proposal for the provision of electricity to Swabi 220 kV Grid

Station from Tarbela Dam is under technical evaluation amongst NTDC and
PESCO. After completion of the study future course of action will be
determined / chalked out.
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whether there is any proposal under consideration of the
Government to establish a grid station in Tehsil Rajar, District
Sawabi, if so, the time by which work will be started on the
same?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan:
• Yes, establishment of 132 KV grid station with transmission

Line at Nawan Kili, Tehsil Rajjar, District Swabi with estimated
cost of Rs. 317.35 million under 7th STG projects has been
approved by ECNEC. Total amount of Rs. 3200 Million as
budget for the 7th STG Projects for the FY 2018-19 has been
approved by PESCO BOD.
• The project will be completed within 18-Months after approval

of utilization of the Budget.
(Def.) *Question No. 21 Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:
(a) the number of power distribution companies presently

working in the country indicating also the number of
consumers of each company with district wise break up;
and
(b) the details of line losses of each of the said companies at

present?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) There are 10 Nos. of Distribution

Companies (excluding K-Electric) in the country which are given below along
with the summary of number of consumers in each. However, District-wise
break-up of consumers in each DISCO is attached as Annexure-A.
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(b) DICSO-wise detail of Transmission & Distribution Losses for

the Year 2017-18 & 2018-19 (Upto October, 2018).
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(Def.) *Question No. 25 Senator Mohsin Aziz:
(Notice Received on 4/09/2018 at 2:15 PM) QID: 34618
(a) the names and locations of wind and solar power plants in
the country indicating also the expenditure incurred on the
establishment of the same in each case;
(b) the per unit and per kilowatt price of electricity being
produced by the said plants and its comparison with the
cost of electricity produced by the recently installed plants
in neighbouring countries; and
(c) the price at which the Government is purchasing electricity

from those plants?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) Alternative Energy Development Board

(AEDB) is pursuing development of Renewable Energy (RE) based power
projects through the private sector under the RE Policy 2006.
The details of wind and solar power projects installed and in operation
are at Annex-1
(b) The per unit tariff for wind and solar power projects along with
per MW cost of these, as determined by NEPRA, is also shown at Annex-1.
The solar and wind power tariff comparisons with different countries
is at Annex-2
(c) Government is purchasing electricity from these projects as per

the tariff’s determined by NEPRA, as at Annex-I.
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(Def.) *Question No. 32 Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi:
(a) the number of persons working in PESCO with grade wise

and province wise break up; and
(b) the number of posts lying vacant in the said company with
grade wise and province wise break up and the time by
which the same will be filled in?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) The number of persons working in’
PESCO with grade-wise and province-wise breakup is at Annex-A.
(b) The number of posts lying vacant in PESCO with grade-wise

and province-wise breakup is at Annex-B.
The recruitment process for filling up the vacant critical posts is in

progress.
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(Def.) *Question No. 38 Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh:
(a) the names of power generating projects functioning in the

country at present along with capacity thereof; and
(b) the steps being taken by the Government to invite foreign

investment in power generation sector?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) The requisite information regarding

power generation projects (in megawatts) functioning in the country at present
as on 11-01-2019 is attached as Annex-A).
(b) Following steps/efforts have been carried out by Government

through AEDB & PPIB,Islamabad, in respect of foreign investment in power
generation sector:
Alternative Energy Development Board(AEDB), Islamabad.
AEDB is pursuing the development of renewable energy based power

generation projects through private sector on IPP mode under the Renewable
Energy (RE) Policy 2006. The Government is providing several fiscal and
financial incentives under the Renewable Energy (RE)) policy to private
investors which has attracted a lot of foreign investors in the Renewable
Energy (RE) sector. Several other steps have also been taken by the
Government to attract foreign investors, which include:
1. Preparation and approval of bankable standard security

agreements (Energy Purchase Agreement and Implementation
Agreement) for wind, solar and bagasse cogeneration power
projects.
2. Conducting resource assessment of renewable energy resources

in Pakistan. Detailed ground data based resource assessment
of wind, solar and biomass being carried out through the support
of Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).
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3. Issues related to financing of projects have been resolved and
now leading financing agencies like IFC, ADB, OPIC, ECO
Trade Bank, CDB, ICBC etc. are offering financing to
renewable energy power projects in Pakistan.
4. Government has decided to develop more wind and solar power

projects through competitive bidding in order to avail benefits
of decreasing prices through market competition.
Private Power & Infrastructure Board (PPIB), Islamabad:
Currently, Power Generation Policy 2015 is the Policy in vogue for

attracting investments in the power generation sector. (Salient features of the
Policy are given at Annex-B).
PPIB is currently processing portfolio of twenty five (25) Power

Generation Projects of more than 14,000 MW and one Transmission Line
Project having cumulative investment of US$ 25 billion. These power
generation projects are based on Hydro, Thar Coal, imported Coal & RLNG.
(List is attached at Annex-C).
The overall portfolio of projects being processed by PPIB includes

twelve (12) power generation projects of 10,934 MW and one HVDC
Transmission Line Project under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
having cumulative investment of more than US$ 19 billion out of which two
power generation projects of 2,640 MW cumulative power generation
capacity have been commissioned is at Annex-D).
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Annex-B
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Annex-C
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Annex-D
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(a) the original estimated cost of Nandipur Power Project and
the actual cost incurred on the same so far; and
(b) the quantum of electricity being produced from the said
project at present indicating also the per unit cost of
production of the same?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) The estimated cost of the project as per
Original PC-I (2007) was PKR 22,334.75 Million, whereas, the estimated
cost as per approved revised PC-I (2013) is PKR 58,416.20 Million. The
actual cost incurred so far is PKR 57, 655.00 million.
(b) Currently, the power plant is capable to generate around
460-480 MW of electricity on gas fuel. However, the Load (MW) varies
with ambient conditions.
NEPRA has determined levelized tariff of Nandipur Power plant on
gas fuel as Rs.10.3157/KWh
(a) the outstanding amount of circular debt at present in respect of
the IPPs, Government enterprises and other separately; and
(b) the time by which the debt in respect of each IPP will be
cleared separately?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) The outstanding amount of circular debt
at present is Rs. 807,887 Million (as on 31-12-2018) and details of payable
to power producers/fuel suppliers are placed as (Annex-A).
Breakup of circular debt amounts is given as under:
 Payable to Power Producers (as on 31-12-2018) = 683,484 Mln. Rs.
 Payable to Fuel Suppliers by GENCOs = 124,403 Mln. Rs.

Total Circular Debt = 807,887 Min. Rs.
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(b) The payment of circular debt depends on collection from
Electricity Distribution Companies based on their recoveries from consumers
which is a continuous process. Government of Pakistan is introducing efficiency
improvement to recover outstanding liabilities. An anti-theft compaign has
also been launched all across the country to control losses and improve
recovery position.
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(Def.) *Question No. 4 Senator Mir Kabeer Ahmed Muhammad Shahi:
Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter Faith Harmony
be pleased to state:
(a) the number of pilgrims who performed Hajj during the last
year with province wise break up;
(b) whether any quota for Hajj is reserved for Provinces, if so,
the details thereof;
(c) the criteria and procedure laid down for selection of persons
for Hajj in place of those who after selection cannot perform
Hajj due to some reasons; and
(d) the details of persons who after selection could not go for
Hajj during the last year indicating also the details of those
persons who replaced them with province wise break up?
Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri: (a) Province Wise breakup of Hujjaj who

travelled during hajj last year:
————————————————————————————
Hajj 2018
————————————————————————————
Province Total:
Punjab 39,090
Sindh 23,765
KPK 15,895
Balochistan 4,844
Federal Capital Territory (Islamabad) 23,595
————————————————————————————
Grand Total: 107,189
————————————————————————————
(b) NO There is no reserve Hajj quota for provinces.
(c) As per Hajj Policy & Plan-2018, if a person selected for Hajj
could not travel due to some medical reason or death, his blood relative
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(specified in prescribed Performa) was considered for performing hajj in
lieu as a substitution case.
(d) Province wise breakup of substitution cases is as under:

————————————————————————————
Hajj 2018
————————————————————————————
Province Total:
Punjab 273
Sindh 61
KPK 82
Balochistan 22
Gilgit Baltistan 02
Azad Jammu & Kashmir 06
Federal Capital Territory (Islamabad) 30
————————————————————————————
Grand Total: 476
————————————————————————————
The detail of persons who after selection could not go for hajj along-
with the detail of those persons who replaced them during Hajj 2018 is at
Annexure-I
Annex-I
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Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to

state the names of foreign petroleum companies to which licenses
were issued for exploration of oil and gas in the country during
the last five years indicating also the amount received from them
under the head of license fee?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: During the last five years three licenses
were issued to foreign petroleum companies for exploration of oil and gas in
the country. The application fee for grant of a Petroleum Exploration License
is Rs.100,000.00, thus the total amount received from them under the head
of license fee is Rs.300,000.00. The details of the aforesaid three licenses
are attached at Annexure-I.
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(Def.) *Question No. 6 Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood:

state:
(a) the details of items, machinery, material etc. purchased from

abroad by the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), its
attached departments, corporations, authorities and other
entities under its administrative control since July, 2013
indicating also the names of countries and companies from
which the same were purchased;
(b) whether it is a fact that the said items were being

manufactured or were available in Pakistan, if so, the
reasons for purchasing the same from abroad;
(c) whether it is also a fact that a number of officers visited

the said countries, in connection with those purchases, on
the expenses of companies / firms from which those items
were purchased, if so, what are the names and designations
of the such officers indicating also the duration of their
stay in those countries; and
(d) the authority which granted permission for the said visits?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan:
(a) 1. Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division): Nil
2. Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP): Annex-I
3. Inter State Gas Systems (Pvt.) Limited (ISGSL): Nil
4. Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL): Nil
5. Lakhra Coal Development Company Limited (LCDCL):Nil

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6. Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC):
Annex-II
7. Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSOCL): Annex-III
8. Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL): Annex-IV
9. Saindak Metals Limited (SML): Nil
10. Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP): Nil
11. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL): Annex-V
12. Pakistan LNG Terminals Limited (PLTL): Nil
13. Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL): Nil
14. Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL): Annex-VI
15. Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL):

Annex-VII
(b) 1. Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division): Nil
2. Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP): As per required

specification of Geological Survey of Pakistan Tender has been
published in Print Media as well as PPRA Website. The
Technical Evaluation Committee and Purchase order was issued
to the successful bidder/firm/supplier/company. All these
equipment has been purchased on FOR basis and all the
payments have been made in Pak Rupees. The tender published
locally for the supply of items from the firm/supplier/bidder in
all the tenders no local supplier was barred to participate in the
purpose.

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Machinery at Annex-II is not manufactured in Pakistan.
7. Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSOCL): PSO

follows open competitive bidding whereby all interested persons
firms, companies or organization may bid for contract and
includes both national and international competitive bidding.
The said items might be available in Pakistan but PSO’s
procurement of goods/works/services is in compliance to Public
Procurement Rules (PPRA) Clauses 2 and 20.
8. Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL): As per

SRO 827/2001, all the local manufactures enlisted in CGO 11
are entitled to participate in the International tender on the basis
of the above referred SRO. Most common items in which local
manufactures are enlisted in CGO 11 are Pipe Line of different
Dias. So as per the SRO, any manufacturer registered in CGO 11
and with EDB is entitled to participate in the foreign tenders.
10. Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP):

Nil
11. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL): All

procurements of imported material have been made in
accordance with PPRA rule. The local expertise is available to
the extent of Pipes, Domestic Gas Meters. These items were
also purchased as per PPRA Rule-20 i.e. open competitive
bidding as per PPRA Rule-2004 (Annex-VIII).

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14. Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL): The equipment purchased
from aboard (Annex-VI) is not manufactured in Pakistan.

A list of Purchase Orders placed on the foreign manufacturers
is prepared wherein the local manufacturers have also
participated but are on financially higher side even after giving
price preference or not technically responsive. Total Fifteen
purchase orders were placed on Foreign Manufacturer during
the period from July, 2013 till date. List of placed opposite
given detailed justification for placement of order on foreign
manufacturer in competition of local Manufacturer/bidder.
(Annex-IX)
(c) 1. Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division): Nil
2. Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP): Nil

Nil
7. Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSOCL): The names

and designations of the officers who visited various countries,
in connection with the purchases, on the expense of companies/
firms from which those items were purchased and the duration
of their stay is given in Annex-III.
8. Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC): Annex-X.

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10. Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP):
Nil
11. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL): Nil
12. Pakistan LNG Terminals Limited (PLTL): NIL
14. Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL): Annex-XI

Nil
(d) 1. Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division): Nil
2. Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP): NIL

Nil
7. Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSOCL): Permission

for all visits abroad to the PSO’s employees is granted by the
Management after obtaining NOC from the Ministry.
8. Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL): Approved

by Managing Director.
10. Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP): Nil

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11. Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL): Nil
14. Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL): Authorized by the

Managing Director

Nil
(Annexures have been placed on the Table of the House as well as Library.)
(Def.) *Question No. 11 Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood:

(a) the details of items, machinery, material etc. purchased from

abroad by the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), its
attached departments, corporations, authorities and other
entities under its administrative control since July, 2013
indicating also the names of countries and companies from
which the same were purchased;
(b) whether it is a fact that the said items were being

manufactured or were available in Pakistan, if so, the
reasons for purchasing the same from abroad;
(c) whether it is also a fact that a number of officers visited

the said countries, in connection with the said purchases,
on the expenses of companies / firms from which those items
were purchased, if so, the names and designations of such
officers indicating also the duration of their stay in those
countries; and
(d) the authority which granted permission for the said visits?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) & (b) On the basis of information received
from DISCOs, GENCOs & NTDC, the consolidated reply is given below:
Generally, the items/machinery/materials which are not available or

manufactured locally are being procured from abroad by NIDC/DISCOs/
GENCOs on International Competitive Bidding basis (ICB) in line with PPRA
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Rules and guidelines of International Donor Agencies (where applicable).
Usually, NTDC/DISCOs procurement is of special nature involving High
Voltage & Extra High Voltage equipment of 132 kV, 220 kV & 500 kV, e.g.
power/auto transformers, Disconnectors, Circuit Breakers, Current
Transformers, Potential Transformer, control & protection equipment, Surge
Arrestors etc. Only limited manufacturing industry for few items exists in
Pakistan like steel towers, conductor/cables, insulators, switchgear panels.
Therefore, NTDC/DISCOs have to procure Transmission Line and Grid
Station equipment on International Competitive bidding basis from abroad.
Similarly, GENCO tools, plants & spares are usually of original manufacturers
mostly from foreign countries. Hence, these are procured through ICB under
tenders funded through their own resources.
(c) However, in order to promote local industry under NTDC/

DISCOs’ own resources tenders, domestic price preference upto 25% is
given to local manufacturers. Moreover, the local industry also get benefit of
landing cost calculations at bid evaluation stage. Therefore, in most of
procurements wherein there is participation from a local established
manufacturer, they get considerable price advantage over foreign
manufacturers.
(d) Foreign visits are usually for inspection and testing of material
as procurements are related to extra high voltage engineering and special
design of equipment. As per provision of relevant contract agreements,
inspection/testing is carried out at manufacturer’s works or independent labs
as per international practices and in accordance with international standards
for quality conformance.
• In most of the cases, expenses for such inspections are borne

by the contractors or supplier firms and not by NTDC/DISCO/
GENCOs. Such visits are for the Factory Acceptance Test
(FAT) and have been categorized as “obligatory visits” by the
Cabinet Division. Secretary of the Division grants permission
for such visits if the officers are in BS 17/18.For senior officers
Minister is the Competent Authority.
Companies-wise requisite details are place as Annexures.

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state:
(a) the names of countries from which petroleum products have

been imported during the last five years; and
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(b) the details of mechanism devised for fixation of prices of
the said products in the country?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: (a) The name of the countries from which
petroleum products have been imported during the last five years are as under:
Country
(1) Belgium
(2) Kuwait
(3) Malaysia
(4) Netherland
(5) Norway
(6) Poland
(7) Saudi Arabia
(8) Singapore
(9) UAE
(10) Vietnam
(b) The prices of petroleum products are determined in accordance

with the Petroleum Products (Petroleum Development Levy) Ordinance,
1961, Rules 1967 thereunder, OGRA’ s Ordinance 2002 and GoP/ECC’s
approved parameters as amended from time to time.
Whereby the oil prices are linked with international Arab Gulf market
prices of petroleum products, being imported by the PSO. Accordingly Oil
Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Refineries are allowed to fix and
announce the prices at their own on monthly basis in accordance with the
actual PSO landed import cost of the previous month. In case of no imports,
ex-refinery price fixed as per Import Parity Price (IPP) formula based on
Arab Gulf monthly average prices published in Platts Oilgram on daily basis.
The Complete mechanism approved by the Government from time
to time for fixation of prices of petroleum products in the country is attached
at annex-I.
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(Def) *Question No. 16 Senator Muhammad Ali Khan Saif:

Will the Minister fir Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to

state the details of mega projects for supply of natural gas
launched by SNGPL in the Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
and Punjab since January 2018?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: SNGPL has reported that no mega

project has been launched by the Company since 2018. However, some gas
development schemes were launched/ approved since 2018 in the Provinces
of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The details are given at Annex-A and
B respectively.
Annex-A
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Annex-B
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(Def.) *Question No. 17 Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan:
be pleased with refer to Senate Starred *Question No. 34, replied
on 5th October, 2018 and state:
(a) the date of approval of the existing Hajj Policy by the Cabinet;
(b) the names, designations, dates of birth and names of

departments of the persons who have been selected for
Hajj duty more than three times after approval of the said
policy by the Cabinet;
(c) the authority which relaxed that policy in respect of Hajj

duty by the said persons;
(d) whether the said authority has powers to relax that policy,
if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps being taken by the Government to implement the

said Hajj policy in letter and spirit?
Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri: (a) The Hajj Policy 2018 was approved
by the Cabinet on 26-12-2017.
(b) The requisite information glanced at annexure-A.
(c) The Secretary RA&IH, being the administrative head of the

Ministry, relaxed the eligibility criteria.
(d) Hajj Policy - 2018 is silent in this regard and as submitted

vide-c/ante.
(e) New Hajj Policy - 2019 is in its formulation stage and

Government is attentive and committed to avoid any relaxation in the approved
policy and implement in letter and spirit.
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Annex-A
(Def.) *Question No. 18 Senator Khushbakht Shujat:


state whether it is a fact that SNGPL has not installed gas meters
and other related accessories in the area of Prince Road,
Phalgran,. Bhara Kahu, Islamabad despite the fact that gas
supply scheme has been executed by it in that area, if so, the
reasons thereof?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: SNGPL has reported that 62 Meters

have been installed at subject locality i.e. Prince Road, Phalgran, Bhara Kahu
Islamabad remaining cases / applications upto January 31, 2018 (current
merit) are being entertained on turn/merit basis.
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(Def.) *Question No. 20 Senator Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Jamot:
Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to state:
(a) the criteria laid down for provision of gas to the areas
nearby gas fields in Taluka and District Mitiari, Sindh;
(b) the names of villages of the said Taluka and District nearby
gas fields which have been supplied gas; and
(c) the names of villages of that Taluka and District falling in

the prescribed radius to the gas producing fields which have
not been provided the facility of gas so far and the time by
which the same will be provided to them?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: (a) SSGCL has reported that the
Company undertakes the gas development schemes for provision of gas to
new towns / villages on the recommendations of the Federal / Provincial
Government, Parliamentarians, Notables etc. after receipt of over and above
cost criteria share from the Government whereas SSGCL also invests within
cost criteria share as per the prevailing approved policy. The said approved
per customer cost criteria is Rs 54,000 for Sindh Province and Rs 270,000
for Balochistan Province.
(b) The Company has reported that there is one gas producing
field in District Matiari i.e Kausar Gas Field. Following nearby villages of the
said gas field have been supplied gas:
(1) Hafiz Ali Muhammad Detha

(2) Wadero Ali Muhammad Detha
(3) Haji Qasim Detha
(4) Bachal Detha
(5) Lal Khan Baati
(6) Palejani Station
(c) The names of nearby villages of the said gas field which have
not been provided the facility of gas so far are as under:
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Total project cost of the above villages has been worked out to Rs 178.767
million. The schemes for provision of gas to above villages exceed
per customer cost criteria of Rs 54000 approved by the Government of
Pakistan for Sindh province and the schemes are unfeasible. However, SSGCL
would undertake the schemes of the above villages after receipt of over and
above cost criteria share of Rs 135.027 million from the Government forum
and SSGCL would also invest within cost criteria share of Rs 43.740 million.
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After receipt of required funds from the Government forum, the timeline for
supply of gas to the above villages can be provided accordingly.
(Def.) *Question No. 22 Senator Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Jamot:

(a) the quantum of electricity being provided to the nearby

areas and to Punjab, separately from the new Matiari Grid
Station; and
(b) the number of locals employed at the said Grid Station?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) New Matiari Grid Station (Switching
Station) is not operational and as such supplying no power to any part of
country. ± 600 kV Matiari-Lahore Transmission Line is a CPEC project for
evacuation of 4000 MW power from various IPPs (Coal Fired Power Plants)
in the southern region. Power will be collected at Matiari Convertor Station
for transmission to upcountry convertor station located at head Balloki, District
Nankana Sahib. The power transmitted through HVDC system will be
dispatched by NPCC throughout the country. Presently, only land has been
acquired for the construction of 500 kV Switching Station in Matiari and
COD of the project is expected in March, 2021.
(b) The works on the 500 KV Switching Station in Matiari are yet
to be started, which is the responsibility of the Chinese contractor for the
project, i.e. M/s Pak Matiari Lahore Transmission Line Co. Ltd. therefore,
recruitment will be made accordingly by them once work on ground is started.
(Def.) *Question No. 24 Senator Khushbakht Shujat:


state the details of vehicles given by OGDCL to its officers on
book value basis during the last five years, also indicating also
the names and designation of the officers to whom the same
were given?
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Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: The detail of vehicles given by OGDCL
to its officers on book value basis during last 05 years is at Annex-I.
(Annexures has been placed on the Table of the House as well as Library.)


state whether it is a fact that 30-40 oil and gas exploration
blocks are lying idle in the country due to non-issuance of NOCs
by the Government, if so, the reasons thereof, indicating also
the steps being taken by the Government to issue NOCs to the
same expendiously?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: Ministry of Defence has cleared

thirty-eight (38) exploration Blocks. Bids over ten (10) Blocks out of 38
were opened on 26-11-2018 and evaluation is under process for provisional
award over these Blocks. The bidding process over remaining Blocks will
be initiated shortly. However, clearance of 03 Blocks is awaited from Ministry
of Defence. The details is attached as Annex-I.
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(Def.) *Question No. 27 Senator Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar:

state:
(a) the date of launching and expected date of completion of

the TAPI gas projects; and
(b) the estimated cost of the said projects indicating also the
share of each member country in the same?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: (a) The ground breaking for the
Turkmenistan and Afghanistan portions of the gas pipeline was held in February
2018. The ground breaking for Pakistan portion is expected to be held in
December 2018. The expected completion of the first phase of the Project
is expected by December 2020.
(b) The estimated cost of TAPI Gas Pipeline Project is US$10

billion. Turkmenistan has been appointed as the Consortium Leader for the
TAPI Project with an equity contribution of 85% in the Project. The rest of
the TAPI members namely Afghanistan, Pakistan and India have 5% shares
each estimated at US$ 200 million
(Def.) *Question No. 30 Senator Muhammad Akram:


state the present status of work on the Pak-Iran gas pipeline project?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: The work on the Iran-Pakistan Gas

Pipeline Project is stalled due to international sanctions on Iran. In view
thereof, Pakistan issued Force Majeure notice to Iran in March 2014 and
proposed to amend the Gas Sales and Purchase Agreement enabling the
parties to complete their respective sections of the pipelines within the
extended period. While seeking update on Pakistan’s claim of Force Majeure,
Iran has given its inclination to restart the negotiations on the Project. A
meeting in this regard is expected to be held during November 2018.
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(Def.) *Question No. 35 Senator Kalsoom Perveen:
(a) whether it is a fact that three students and a young teacher

lost their lives due to electrocution by a loose electric wire
over the play ground of a private school in Kawai,
Tehsil Balakot, District Mansehra two-three mounts back,
if so, the action taken against the concerned WAPD officials
for such gross negligence; and
(b) whether the Government has formulated any policy to

remove the electricity wires passing over the lawns, roofs
of houses and buildings in the said Tehsil with particular
reference in Mohallah Banphora, Union Council Balokot,
if not, the reasons thereof?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) Yes, it is a fact that three (03) students
and one (01) School teacher met with fatal accident on18-09-2018 inside
Al-Khidmat Foundation Public School, Kiwai, Tehsil Balakot due to touching
of 23 foot long metallic flag rod during flag ceremony in the said school, at
about 07:40 AM. The reasons of this accident are:-
(i) School management installed a flag rod at a horizontal distance

of 8 foot from 11 kV Balakot Feeder in spite of the fact that the
flag rod could easily have been installed very far from the
electricity line and the accident could have been easily avoided.
(ii) The management of school constructed school building in the

year 2009 beneath the 11kV Balakot feeder whereas the
electricity line was constructed in 1988.
(iii) Since this is a hilly and slopy area, therefore the management of
school made horizontal surface for school building by earthen
filling. In this way the school management itself decreased the
distance / clearance between ground and line up to 25 foot
(Approx.).
53
(iv) The above point No. (i), (ii) and (iii) were admitted by the
principal of said school in his written statement recorded in the
Court of law (Annexed).
(v) The school remained functional since 2007 up to 18/09/2018,

but was un-registered which was confirmed through Secretary
Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Abbottabad
letter No. ACAD/46/GN.L/BISE-A/542 dated 16/10/2018
(Copy enclosed as a reference).
(vi) The Education department and the regulating authority of private

schools also failed to take legal action against the above school
for the last 11 years.
(vii) The management of school, management of Al-Khidmat

Foundation, Education department and the regulating authority
did not fulfill their responsibility to check and remove the
dangerous items / hazards and failed to provide safe conditions
to the children.
(viii) Usually Works and Services department is responsible for

issuing of building safety certificate which is also a prerequisite/
condition of registration of a private school but the management
of this school did not fulfill the criteria of registration, nor the
regulating authority / education department gave attention to
this important issue.
(ix) The rod used for the flag was 22 feet long and its weight was
16 kg. So the management was required not to engage the
school children in such a manner which is the responsibility of
administration, the little children including school teacher could
not control the heavy weight of the lengthy rod.
(x) Lastly, the Principal of the School very clearly accepted the
responsibility of above accident.
The Principal also stated that the responsibles of Al-Khidmat

Foundation are Ihsan-ul-Haq and Kamran Riaz.
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(xi) As regards the part of the question mentions loose wire, it is
clarified that HT Line passing over the school was intact as per
SOP, so the question of loose wires does not arise.
(xii) No action was initiated by PESCO, as from the above

clarifications as reported by PESCO, they concluded that the
officials of PESCO were not responsible for that accident which
occurred due to the negligence of the following:
i. Management of Al-Khidmat Foundation Public School.

ii. Education department
iii. Regulating authority of private schools.
(b) The policy already exists to remove the electricity wires passing
over the lawns, roofs of houses and buildings as below.
“Shifting of line passing over the premises is categorized in the twc

followings categories”
1- Premises constructed under already existing lines.(on cost

deposit basis)
2- Premises existed prior to construction of lines. (on PESCO

own funds)
The above situation falls under category-1, hence notices have been
issued to all such premises to apply for shifting of line. After application by
the consumer, demand notice will be issued. After payment by the owner of
the premises, the line/wires will be shifted accordingly.
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(Def.) *Question No. 37 Senator Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar:
(a) the time by which supply of electricity will be started from

the grid station Passenzai, District Qilla Saifullah; and
(b) whether it is a fact that work has not been started on the
Kan Metarzai grid station and Muslim Bagh city Feeder-III
so far, if so, the reasons thereof and the time by which work
will be started on the same?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) Electricity supply from Passenzai grid
station has since been made on 5-01-2019.
(b)  The PC-I cost of Kan Metarzai grid station is Rs. 263 Million
under Federal PSDP. Project cost has been proposed as 50:50
ratio by the Government of Pakistan and Government of
Balochistan Revised PC-I has been submitted on 15, January 2019
to the Ministry of Planning Development Reform for its
consideration to CDWP. Once project is approved work will
be started accordingly.
 The works on Muslim Bagh city–III feeder is expected to be

completed by March 2019.
(Def) *Ouestion No. 38 Senator Fida Muhammad:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter faith Harmony
(a) the number of Hajj tour operators who are enrolled with
the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Inter Faith Harmony
at present indicating also the number of the same who are
awarded Hajj quota;
58
(b) the procedure laid down for awarding Hajj quota to the
said operators; and
(c) the names and merit position of the new Hajj tour operators
who were awarded Hajj quota during the last five years
indicating also the number of quota awarded to each one
of them?
Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri: (a) At present total of 2755 companies

have been enrolled with Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony
out of which 801 companies were awarded Hajj Quota.
(b) The procedure laid down for awarding Hajj Quota to the said
companies is at Annex-A.
(c) The list of 60 companies who were awarded Hajj Quota in last
five years i.e. 2017 & 2018 is at Annex-B & C. No Hajj quota has been
allocated to the companies in the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 onwards.
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60
Annex-B
61
62
63
Shoaib.M 0000(18) Senate. on PC-09
64
(Def.) *Question No. 40 Senator Molvi Faiz Muhammad:

state:
(a) the amount earned by the Government from Sui-Gas and

oil Reserves in Balochistan during the last five years with
year wise break up; and
(b) the amount given to Balochistan as royalty on account of

the said oil and gas reserves during the said period?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: (a) The detail of tax paid by SNGPL
and SSGCL during the last five years is tabulated as under:
(b) Last five years Royalty Paid to Balochistan Province is tabulated

below:
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(Def.) *Question No. 41 Senator Molvi Faiz Muhammad:


state:
(a) the number of oil and gas wells in Balochistan with location
wise break up; and
(b) the locations, percentage of work done, expenditure incurred

so far and expected date of becoming operational of the
newly discovered oil and gas wells in Balochistan indicating
also the names of companies working on the same in each
case?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: (a) The requisite information is at

Annexure-I.
(b) Six (06) E&P companies namely Oil & Gas Development
Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Mari
Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL), OMV (Pakistan) Exploration
Gesellschaft m.b.H, Orient Petroleum Pty Limited and China Zhenhua Oil
Co. Ltd have Exploration Blocks in Balochistan. Recently, PPL announced
a gas discovery over Hub X-1 well, which is located in district Lasbela,
Balochistan. Another, heavy oil discovery over Bolan East-1(which is located
in district Kachhi, Balochistan)has been announced by MPCL on 13th
September, 2018. The details of aforesaid discoveries are attached at
Annexure-II.
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(Def.) *Question No. 44 Senator Atta Ur Rehman:


whether it is a fact that MEPCO has started levying fixed charges
@ Rs. 3000 on agricultural tube wells, if so, the steps being
taken by the Government to abolish the same?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: MEPCO is charging fixed charges to

Tubewell consumer on the basis of sanctioned load as per NEPRA approved
tariff @ 200 per KW vide Notification No.PF-5(09)/2012, dated 02-07-2018.
The same has been presented before the ECC of Cabinet and same has
been built into subsidy after approval.
72
(Def.) *Question No. 45 Senator Atta Ur Rehman:
(a) whether it is a fact that MEPCO install III phase electricity

meter for agriculture tube wells and other purposes being
manufacture by M/s Micro Tech which has no warranty, if
so, the reasons thereof; and
(b) whether it is also a fact that the price of the said meter is
Rs. 4000/- but the farmers are charged Rs. 18000/- for repair /
replacement of the same in case of any fault, if so, the steps
being taken by the Government to stop that overcharging?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) The electricity meters under question
are Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) meters that were installed at MEPCO
under a project funded by USAID in September-2015 and are under
warranty. The warranty of meters is valid till February-2019.
A total of 40,826 smart meters (AMR meters) were installed under

the USAID funded project. These meters were installed for connections
with sanctioned load above 20 kW and tube-well connections of Multan,
Vehari & Khanewal Circles, during 2015.
(b) Cost of a simple III Phase electricity meter is Rs.4,000/-.

however, cost of AMR meters is Rs.17,300/- including all charges. The AMR
meters are different from simple III phase electricity meters and have
communication capability through cellular SIM installed in the meter, which
transmits reading on half hourly basis to the control room at MEPCO H/Q
Multan. These meters are continuously monitored from control room, and
these can be disconnected remotely from control room on nonpayment of
electricity bills.
When any AMR meter, becomes defective due to technical fault, it is

replaced by M/s Micro Tech Industries under warranty without recovering
cost of meter. Hence, MEPCO charges no extra amount from the consumers.
73
However, in case of meters which are burnt/ damaged intentionally
by the consumers, as declared by M&T formation, cost of the meter i.e.
Rs.17,300/- is charged from tubewell consumers in nine equal installments.
(Def.) *Question No. 46 Senator Rubina Khalid:


state:
(a) the details of new Gas Connections provided in Islamabad,

during the last five years;
(b) the details of private housing societies in Islamabad which

applied for provision of gas but the same has not been
provided gas so far; and
(c) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the

Government to provide gas to the said private housing
societies, if so, when?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: (a) SNGPL has reported that 128,909
new domestic gas connections were provided during the last five years w.e.f.
July-2013 to June-2018.
(b) The Company reported that 24 private housing societies have

applied for provision of new gas connections. Approval has been granted to
10 housing societies and provision of gas is also under process in these
societies.
(c) RLNG is being offered by SNGPL to housing societies after

completion of requisite formalities.
(Def.) *Question No. 48 Senator Mushtaq Ahmed:


state:
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(a) the production and demand (domestic and industrial of
natural gas in the country at present; and
(b) the estimated volume of gas reservoirs in the country as

per latest surveys indicating also the plan / policy and time
frame devised by the Government to utilize the same?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: (a) The daily average production of

natural gas during fiscal year 2017-18 is 3,997 million cubic feet per day
(MMCFD)
At present, domestic and industrial demand of natural gas in the

country is 1090 MMCFD and 820 MMCFD respectively.
(b) The remaining recoverable reserves of natural gas in the country

are 19.54 TCF.
(Def.) *Question No. 49 Senator Hafiz Abdul Karim:

Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-Fath Harmony

(a) whether it is a fact that the Ministry of Religious Affairs

and Inter Faith Harmony has constituted a National Group
of Ulema and Mashiakh, if so, the purpose thereof; and
(b) the steps taken by the Government so far to give legal

cover to the said group?
Mr. Noor-ul- Haq Qadri: (a) Yes, National Ulema and Mashaikh
Council was constituted on April 21, 2016 in the Ministry of Religious Affairs
and Interfaith Harmony
The main objective of the Council is to control sectarianism and to

promote religious harmony in the country. Terms of reference (TORs) of the
Council are as under:
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i. To review existing recommendations to contain fanatical
attitudes and prejudices, to suggest ways and means for its
effective implementation.
ii. To suggest a code of ethics for ulema, scholars, and leaders of

politico-religious parties, as well as the press and to avert
possible threats to intercommunal / inter-sectarian harmony
and national solidarity.
iii. To suitably amend its TORs so as to ensure achieving the overall

goal of interfaith/sectarian harmony.
(b) To give legal cover to the said Council a draft Bill has been
prepared. The Bill after due consultation with all the stakeholders including
the Law Division will be placed before the Parliament for consideration/
approval.
(Def.) *Question No. 50 Senator Mushtaq Ahmed:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state whether

it is a fact that Pakistan is facing the issue of water scarcity, if
so, the steps taken by the Government to resolve the issue, to
store water and for desalination the sea water so far?
Reply not received.
*Question No. 27 Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood:

(a) the details of cases of electricity theft detected during the

last three years with year wise and regions wise break up
indicating also the estimated losses incurred due to the
same; and
(b) the steps being taken by the Government to control the

cases of electricity theft in the country?
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Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a)Detection units and amount charged
during last three years is given below:-
The detail is attached as Annex-A. The impact of these units, detection

in losses is attached as Annex-B.
(b) Following steps are being taken to control electricity theft in

the country:-
i. Implementation of Anti-Theft Campaign.
 On the direction of Prime Minister, special campaign to curb

electricity theft has been launched since 13th October, 2018 in
all distribution companies of Pakistan.
 Chief Ministers of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhawa have

constituted task forces for control of electricity theft.
 The respective task force is headed by the Secretary, Energy

of the province and includes the CEO’s of concerned power
distribution companies and relevant Deputy Commissioner and
District Police Officer.
 Full support of administration and police has restored morale

and enthusiasm of DISCOs employees translating in saving /
earning of sizeable financial gain since the launch of the campaign.
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 With these efforts, line losses of DISCOs are showing a
decreasing trend and recovery from the consumers has also
improved.
 Task force, district management committees and enforcement

committees are in continuous communication with each other
through a portal that has been developed by PITC/PEPCO.
 Disciplinary actions are being initiated against the defaulting

consumers and DISCO employees involved in theft.
 Lodging of FIRs against electricity stealers.
ii. Special Monitoring Teams.
 In addition to Anti-Theft task force, independent monitoring

teams have been constituted, with the mandate to visit DISCOs
and highlight any irregularities/corrupt practices. Strict actions
are being taken based on evidence collected by the team.
Annex-A
78
Annex-B
79
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*Question No. 28 Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood:
(a) the amount of circular debt at present; and
(b) the names of companies and power producers to whom the

said amount is to be paid indicating also the amount to be
paid to each of the same?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) The outstanding amount of circular debt
at present is Rs. 807,887 Million (as on 31-12-2018) and details of payable
to power producers/fuel suppliers are placed as (Annex-A).
(b) Breakup of circular debt amounts is given as under:
• Payable to Power Producers (as on 31-12-2018) = 683,484 Mln. Rs.
• Payable to Fuel Suppliers by GENCOs = 124,403 Mln. Rs.
Total Circular Debt = 807,887 Mln. Rs.

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*Question No. 30 Senator Syed Muhammad Ali Shah Jamot:
Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state:
(a) the number of allotments of Government accommodations

cancelled by the Ministry of Housing and Works during the
last one year;
(b) the number of Government accommodations got vacated

from illegal occupation during the said period indicating
also the details of illegal occupants in each case; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to overcome shortage

of Government accommodation for Government
employees in Islamabad so far?
Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema: (a) 485 alotments of

Government accommodation have been cancelled by Estate Office during
the last one year.
(b) 1017 Government accommodation at Islamabad have been

got vacated from illegal occupantion during last one year. The detail of illegal
occupants is placed at Annex-I.
(c) The federal Cabinet in its meeting held on 14/03/1995 imposed

a ban on new construction of Government owned residential accommodation
and decided that the rental ceiling will be paid to the Federal Government
Servants alongwith their salaries to encourage them to build houses through
bank financing. The Government is not carrying out construction of new
Government owned residential accommodation since 1995 due to ban on
new construction.
M/O Housing & Works moved a summary to the Prime Minister for
lifting of ban on new construction of residential accommodation for Federal
Government Servants as would be the only visable solution to cater the housing
needs of Federal Government employees in Islamabad as well as elsewhere.
(Annexure has been placed on the Table of the House as well as Library.)
83

state:
(a) the number of oil and gas fields explored in the country so
far with district wise break up;
(b) the criteria laid down for provision of jobs to local people
and carry out development schemes works in surrounding
areas by the Oil and Gas Exploration and Production
companies operating in the said fields; and
(c) whether it is a fact that a number of the said companies do

not provide jobs to the local people in those fields, if so,
the reasons thereof?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: (a) There are total 183 oil / gas fields
in the country. District-wise break-up is placed at Annexure-A.
(b) Criteria for provision of jobs to local people and guidelines for
utilization of social welfare obligations at present are placed at Annexure-B
& C respectively.
(c) Exploration and Production companies are providing jobs to

the local people in accordance with the provisions of applicable Policies
Petroleum Concession Agreements.
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Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to

state:
(a) the names of the Federal Government offices and public

organizations against which dues of electricity bills are
outstanding indicating also the outstanding amount and
the date since which the same is outstanding in each case;
and
(b) the steps being taken by the Government for recovery of

the said outstanding amount?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) Detail of outstanding dues of electricity

against Federal Government & Provincial Government is as under:-
The department wise detail of outstanding dues is attached at Annex-A.

The above listed outstanding dues, against public ‘ organizations, are as of
31-12-2018, are rolling over amounts which are periodically billed on
additional usage time to time payments are debited against their accounts.
(b) In order to boost effective recovery against said consumers,

following steps are being taken:-
91
 Timely delivery of electricity bills to consumers
 Circle review and Regional review committees have been

activated for reviewing the disputed cases.
 Provincial Finance Secretaries are being pursued for recovery

of outstanding dues against the major defaulting departments
of provincial Government.
 Reconciliation with Government departments to recover the

legitimate dues.
 Demands are being created from the District Collector and

recovery is being effected through Tehsildar under Land
Revenue Act.
*Question No. 33 Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh:


state:
(a) the number of new commercial gas connections provided

in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) during the last
five years;
(b) whether it is a fact that the provision of the said commercial

gas connections has resulted in low gas pressure for the
domestic gas consumers in ICT;
(c) whether their is any proposal under consideration of the

Government to separate those commercial gas connections
from the domestic consumers gas connections, if so, when;
and
(d) the steps taken by the Government so far to resolve the

problem of low gas pressure in the ICT?
92
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: (a) SNGPL has reported that 337
new commercial gas connections were provided in Islamabad Capital Territory
(ICT) during last five years w.e.f July-2013 to June-2018.
(b) No.
(c) SNGPL has an integrated distribution network, supplying gas

to domestic and commercial consumers. A separate network for commercial
consumers is not operationally and financially feasible. The Company further
apprised that service lines of all new commercial connections are separately
installed from domestic connections.
(d) SNGPL has reported that a new gas pipeline of 16" dia. has
been laid along Kashmir Highway and a new SMS is near completion at
Nilore, Islamabad. Further, various strategies are being adopted by the
Company, including diversion of system gas presently being supplied as blend
to industrial sector and RLNG to the high priority domestic sector. Resultantly
gas availability improving compared to previous years.
*Question No. 34 Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan:


state:
(a) whether it is a fact that the supply of Natural gas has not
been provided to the residents of Chak No. 82 JB,
Norangabad district Faisalabad despite the fact that the
pipelines for the provision of natural gas were laid there
one year ago, if so, the reasons thereof; and
(b) the steps being taken by the Government to provide natural

gas to said Chak?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: (a) SNGPL has reported that it is a

fact that natural gas has not been provided to the residents of Chak No. 82
JB, Norangabad, District Faisalabad.
93
However, gas network has been laid whereas installation of TBS is
under process.
(b) The Company further reported that work for laying of a gas
distribution network has been completed. However, the network would be
commissioned after installation of TBS for which work is in progress and will
be completed on or before 31-12-2018 subject to unforeseen circumstances.


whether the government has conducted any study to identify
the potential of electricity production through wind in coastal
areas of the country, if so, the details thereof and the steps being
taken by the Government for implementation of the findings/
recommendations of the same?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: Power Division through AEDB, with the
support of National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of USA had
conducted a study in 2007 as a result of which the first mesoscale wind map
of Pakistan was developed showing potential of wind energy in different
parts of the country. Subsequently, several wind measuring masts were installed
by donor agencies and private sector investors in the potential area identified
through the wind map in Sindh province. The data gathered from these masts
formed the basis of development of wind power projects in the Gharo wind
corridor. As of now, 23 wind power projects of 1185 MW cumulative capacity
have been developed through private sector on IPP mode in the Gharo wind
corridor of Sindh.
In order to further support the development of wind power projects,

AEDB initiated detailed resource assessment of wind power in the country
under Energy Sectoral Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) of the
World Bank. Under this program, ground based wind data is being gathered
from wind measuring masts installed in different parts of the country since
2016. The data gathered therefrom has been used to update the wind map
of Pakistan. Moreover, a web based toolkit has also been developed by
ESMAP which can be used for identifying high-wind areas for wind power
generation and performing preliminary calculations.
94
In order to harness the available potential of wind energy in the potential
areas, a robust policy framework is being developed by Power Division with
aim to increase the share of wind energy in the energy mix.
*Question No. 36 Senator Mushtaq Ahmed:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state:
(a) the net profit of the electricity of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa

under A.G.N Qazi formula;
(b) the payments made by the Federal Government so far in

this regard; and
(c) the amount payable to the Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa and its

payment schedule for the last ten years?
Reply not received.
*Question No. 37 Senator Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar:


state whether any agreement has been made for the Reko Dike
project after the cancellation of its earlier agreement with
Tehthyan Copper Company (TCC), if so, the details thereof?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: Constitutionally, minerals other than

nuclear substances are Provincial subject. Executive/regulatory authority for
mineral exploration & development/production and grant of mineral title for
this purpose rests with the Provincial Government.
As reported by the Government of Balochistan [Mines & Mineral

Development Department], since the rejection of TCC’s mining lease
application in 2011 and the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision dated
2013 rendering the underlying Chagai Hills Joint Venture Exploration
Agreement 1993 as void, illegal and non-est, it has not made any other
agreement for the Reko-Diq Project.
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*Question No. 41 Senator Dilawar Khan:

it is a fact that amount is still being collected under the head of
Neelam Jehlum surcharge in electricity bills inspite of the fact
that the Neelum-Jehlum project has been completed, if so, the
reasons thereof, indicating also the amount collected under the
said head after the completion of the project?
Reply not received.


it is a fact that the payment of royalty on account of electricity
generation to the Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under the
AGN Kazi formula is delayed, if so, the reasons thereof and the
time by which the same will be made?
Reply not received.

(a) the details of Thar coal Power Project indicating also the
estimated cost, capacity and expected date of completion
of the same;
(b) the expenditure incurred on the said project so far with

head wise break up; and
(c) whether any embezzlement has been found in the

expenditure of the said project, if so, the details of persons
responsible for the same and action taken against them?
96
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) Private Power and Infrastructure Board
(PPIB) is processing Six (6) Thar coal based power projects, with a cumulative
capacity of 3,630 MW and 100% Private Sector Investment amounting to
5.34 Billion USD. Details thereof are at Annex-I.
(b) All Power projects processed by PPIB are developed in IPP

mode with 100% Private Sector Investment.
(c) PPIB, being facilitator of private sector power projects (IPPs)

is neither aware of any case of embezzlement in expenditure for Thar coal
power projects, nor of any action taken in that regard.
97
98
*Question No. 44 Senator Shammim Afridi:

state whether it is a fact that the area of Mughalabad, Dhudial,
Tehsil and District Chakdwal has not been provided with the
facility of gas supply, despite the fact that the residents of the
area applied for the gas connections almost 5 years ago, if so,
the reasons thereof, indication also the time by which the same
will be provided to them?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: SNGPL has reported that No gas

network exists in the said area and 2.4 KM linepipe network is required to
provide gas connections to the locality. It is complete phase which is publically
developed and shall be considered for laying subject to provision of funds by
the Government.

Will the Minister for Housing and Works be pleased to state:
(a) the details Government accommodations illegally occupied

by unauthorized persons in Islamabad at present with
category-wise and sector wise breakup;
(b) the details of the said accommodations the occupants of

which have obtained stay orders from the courts indicating
also the details and date of issuance of stay order in each
case; and
(c) whether it is a fact that a number of officials of the Estate

Office are involved in illegal occupation of Government
accommodations, if so, the steps being taken by the
Government to conduct a forensic audit of the cases and
officials of Estate Office and get those accommodations
vacated from the illegal occupants?
99
Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema: (a) 139 Government
accommodations are under un-authorized occupation at Islamabad. Detail is
placed at Annex-I.
(b) The details of occupants who got stay orders from the court
are placed at Annex-II.
(c) It is not a fact that a number of officials of the Estate office

Islamabad are involved in illegal occupation of Government accommodations.
Further no complaints have been received for any involvement of employees
of Estate office about illegal occupation of Government accommodations.
Annex-I
100
Annex-II
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
*Question No. 46 Senator Kalsoom Perveen:
(a) the names of areas in Balochistan which will be electrified

during the current fiscal year indicating also the amount
allocated for the same; and
(b) the amount spent on electrification of various areas in the

said province during the last fiscal year (2017-18)?
Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) The requisite detail of areas in Balochistan
to be electrified during current fiscal year (FY 2018-19) alongwith the amount
allocated is attached as Annex-A.
(b) Requisite detail of amount already spent on electrification of various

areas in Balochistan during last year (FY 2017-18) is attached as Annex-B
109
*Question No. 47 Senator Sirajul Haq:


state whether it is a fact that the residents of National Police
Foundation (O-9) Islamabad are not being provided gas
connection due to denial on part of CDA, if so, the reasons
thereof, indicating also the time by which gas connections will
be provided to the same?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: SNGPL has reported that National

Police Foundation Cooperative Housing Society Rawat has not been
approved by CDA vide their letter No. CDA/PLW/HS(238)/2013/271 dated
11.03.2014 (Annex-I) and RDA vide their letter No. RDA / MP&TE/F-
PHSI.79/172 dated 08.03.2018 (Annex-I I) CDA/RDA has barred provision
of utility services to such unapproved housing societies. As such connections
shall be provided upon provision of NOC/approval of CDA/RDA.
110
*Question No. 50 Senator Bahramand Khan Tangi:
Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum) Division be pleased to

state:
(a) whether it is a fact that a large number of unskilled workers

have been appointed in the oil and gas fields in Kohat and
Karak from outside the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,
if so, the reasons thereof; and
(b) whether there is any proposal under consideration of the

Government to appoint unskilled workers in the said fields
from the respective districts and province, if not, the reasons
thereof?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: (a) No. OGDCL and MOL Pakistan
are operators engaged in exploration and production activities in Districts
Kohat and Karak, Status of unskilled labor employed by M/s. OGDCL and
MOL Pakistan is as under:
OGDCL Status: OGDCL is operating 03 fields namely, Chanda,

Melo and Nashpa located in District Kohat and Karak.
As per PCA obligations, the un-skilled workers are hired preferably

from local community of the field area in line with operational requirement of
the Company. The company has engaged total 238 workers, out of which,
208 are from KPK, which is 87% of total unskilled workers.
MOL Pakistan Status: MNL is operator of TaI Block under which,

Mamikhel, Tolanj, Maramzai, Tolang West, Manzalai, Makori&Makori Deep
and Makon East, a located. The company has engaged 1347unskilled
workers out of which 1249 are from KPK which is 92% of total unskilled
workers.
(b) Directorate General (Petroleum Concessions) always impress

upon the exploration companies concerned to provide jobs in unskilled
category to locals concerned districts strictly as per relevant provisions of
Petroleum Concession Agreements (PCAs).
111
Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum) Division be pleased to

state:
(a) the decrease registered in the prices of Petroleum products

in International Market during the month of December,
2018;
(b) the decrease made in the prices of the said products in the
country on the basis of that decrease in International
Market; and
(c) whether it is a fact that the decrease made in the prices of

those products in the country is not commensurate with
the decrease registered in International Market, if so, the
reasons thereof?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: (a) the decrease registered in the prices
of petroleum products in international Market during the month of December
2018 is as under:-
MS (Petrol) HSD (Diesel) SKO (Kerosene)

($/BBL) ($/BBL) WHO
Decrease 10.98 14.584 13.675
It is worth to mention that Pak Rupee was also depreciated by

Rs.5.03 during the month of December 2018. Due to which the reduction
registered in international oil prices was impacted to that extent.
(b) Decrease made in the country prices are as under:-
MS (Petrol) HSD (Diesel) SKO (Kerosene)

(Rs./liter) (Rs./liter) (Rs./liter)
Decrease 4.86 4.26 0.52
112
(c) The prices of Petroleum products in the international market
sharply decreased during the month of December 2018 as compared to last
few months. Hence, GOP absorbed the impact of price hike of previous
months through reduction in taxes on petroleum products for providing relief
to the consumers. Resultantly, GOP had to bear a loss of about Rs 40 billion
during last few months. Therefore, a few cushion of reduction registered in
the international market prices of December 2018 was passed on to the
consumers by decreasing the domestic prices as stated above and also
recouped some part of taxes on petroleum products, which were earlier
reduced for providing relief to the consumers.


state whether it is a fact that 20-22 hours loadshedding of gas is
being carried out in various areas of Swat, if so, the reasons
thereof and the steps being taken by the Government to resolve
the issue?
Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan: SNGPL has reported that it is not a

fact that 20-22 hours load shedding of gas is being carried out in various
areas of Swat, however, some localities on tail end of District Swat are
having low pressure problems.
The Company further reported that laying of 12 inch dia transmission

pipeline having length of 104 KM at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.3 Billion from
Mardan to Swat is near completion which will overcome the low pressure
issues of District Swat to a great extent.
*Question No. 54 Senator Najma Hameed:

(a) the amount to be charged from each pilgrim under the

Government Hajj scheme for Hajj 2019; and
113
(b) whether the subsidy on Hajj is being withdrawn, if so, the
reasons thereof?
Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri: (a) The amount to be charged from each
pilgrim under the Government Hajj Scheme for Hajj-2019 has not yet been
determined as framing of Hajj Policy-2019 is under process. The said policy
will be finalized very shortly.
(b) The element of subsidy is also an integral part of Hajj Policy, so
not yet finalized as mentioned at (a) above.
*Question No. 55 Senator Najma Hameed:
Will the Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony
be pleased to state the names of Airlines which will be carrying
Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Haj 2019?
Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri: Three airlines i.e Pakistan International
Airline (PIA), Saudi Airline (SV) and Airblue (PA) have been designated by
the Ministry, RA & IH for Hajj-2019 to carry Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi
Arabia.
*Question No. 56 Senator Kalsoom Perveen:
Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state the
amount allocated and released for the construction of small dams
in the Province of Balochistan during the current fiscal year?
Mr. Muhammad Faisal Vawda: An allocation of Rs. 7,316.035
million has been made during current fiscal year for the construction of small/
medium dams in the Province of Balochistan.
On the recommendation of Government of Balochistan, so far an
amount of Rs. 848.230 million have been released up to 1st quarter, 2018-19
to the various small/medium dams in Balochistan while demand for 2nd quarter
amounting to Rs. 1008.110 million has been recommended by the Ministry
of Water Resources, which is under process in Planning, Development &
Reform Division for authorization of funds.
Project wise detail of allocation & releases are attached at Annex-I.

114
ISLAMABAD: AMJED PERVEZ,

The 22nd January, 2019. Secretary.
PCPPI— 3159(19) Senate—22-01-2019 —275.
Shoaib.M 0000(18) Senate. on PC-09
1
(286th Session)
SENATE SECRETARIAT
—————
“UN-STARRED QUESTION AND ITS REPLY”
For Wednesday, the 23rd January, 2019
DEFERRED QUESTION
(Question No. 2 deferred on 14th December, 2018, (285th Session)

(a) whether the authorities concerned have taken notice of

provision of low voltage of electricity to Nisar Colony,
Kallar Syedan, District Rawalpindi, if so, the details thereof;
and
(b) the steps being taken by the Government to upgrade the

transmission system of the said locality?
Reply not received.
ISLAMABAD: AMJED PERVEZ,

The 22nd January, 2019. Secretary.
PCPPI— 3159(19) Senate—22-01-2019.—275.

(286th Session) Senate Secretariat - "Questions For Oral Answers and Their Replies"

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Shoaib.M 0000(18) Senate.

“QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWERS AND THEIR REPLIES”

to be asked at a sitting of the Senate to be held on

Wednesday, the 23rd January, 2019

(Def.) *Question No. 47 Senator Prof. Dr. Mehar Taj Roghani:

Will the Minister for Water Resources be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that amount is still being collected under

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

Mr. Muhammad Faisal Vawda: (a)Economic Coordination

(Def.) *Question No. 18 Senator Liaqat Khan Tarakai:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state

To improve the voltage level in District Swabi, the following PESCO

1- Establishment of 132KV grid station at Nawa Kili, Tehsil Rajjar

2- Establishment of 132KV Grid Station at Chota Lahore along

3- Establishment of 132KV Barm Khel grid station along with

By the construction of these projects, following benefits to the localities

 Low voltage problem will be reduced.

 The technical losses of the network will be reduced.

 The un-planned power interruptions in the system will be

 Stable voltage level will be available to all the consumers in

 Damages to the costly equipment will be reduced.

 Overloading of the network in all dimensions will be minimized.

(Def.) *Question No. 19 Senator Liaqat Khan Tarakai:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state

The proposal for the provision of electricity to Swabi 220 kV Grid

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state

Mr. Omar Ayub Khan:

• Yes, establishment of 132 KV grid station with transmission

• The project will be completed within 18-Months after approval

(Def.) *Question No. 21 Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani:

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the number of power distribution companies presently

(b) the details of line losses of each of the said companies at

Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) There are 10 Nos. of Distribution

(b) DICSO-wise detail of Transmission & Distribution Losses for

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(c) the price at which the Government is purchasing electricity

Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) Alternative Energy Development Board

(c) Government is purchasing electricity from these projects as per

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the number of persons working in PESCO with grade wise

(b) The number of posts lying vacant in PESCO with grade-wise

The recruitment process for filling up the vacant critical posts is in

Will the Minister for Energy (Power Division) be pleased to state:

(a) the names of power generating projects functioning in the

(b) the steps being taken by the Government to invite foreign

Mr. Omar Ayub Khan: (a) The requisite information regarding

(b) Following steps/efforts have been carried out by Government

Alternative Energy Development Board(AEDB), Islamabad.

AEDB is pursuing the development of renewable energy based power

1. Preparation and approval of bankable standard security

2. Conducting resource assessment of renewable energy resources

4. Government has decided to develop more wind and solar power

Private Power & Infrastructure Board (PPIB), Islamabad:

Currently, Power Generation Policy 2015 is the Policy in vogue for

PPIB is currently processing portfolio of twenty five (25) Power

The overall portfolio of projects being processed by PPIB includes

 Payable to Fuel Suppliers by GENCOs = 124,403 Mln. Rs.

Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri: (a) Province Wise breakup of Hujjaj who

(d) Province wise breakup of substitution cases is as under:

(Def.) *Question No. 5 Senator Mian Muhammad Ateeq Shaikh:

Will the Minister for Energy (Petroleum Division) be pleased to