Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly (NA) has been told in writing that following the implementation of the 18th constitutional amendment, the responsibility for maintaining law and order situation rests with provincial governments. The NA was further told that special security arrangements have been made in Balochistan and the government was taking measures for ensuring peace in the country. Operation Zarb-e-Azb is part of these measures while the noose has been tightened around the neck of terrorists.

Parliamentary secretary Saqlain Bokhari told the house that all the provinces and backward areas are included in CPEC project. Energy projects constitute a major chunk of CPEC. These projects will bail out the country from energy crisis. 1000 megawatt electricity will be added to power system in the country till 2018.

He said there was no harm in giving briefings on CPEC but if some members want to see CPEC related projects, they can see these projects in the ministry. The CPEC Western route is 2,500 kilometres which links China to Gwadar.

Naeema Kishwar said that KP’s share in UN funds had been transferred to Punjab. “What was the reason behind it? Does the federal government have any strategy under which these funds can be returned to KP?”

The parliamentary secretary Finance said that the funds meant for any province are wasted if not spent by the respective province. These funds are not transferred to any other province. The government is working on long term investment in the country and for encouragement of foreign investors, the House was told.

The Interior ministry told the House in writing no armoured personal carriers were imported from Serbia for Sindh police nor has any loss been caused to national exchequer. An online system is being launched to facilitate overseas Pakistanis obtain visas expeditiously. Machine-readable passport visa project MPR system has been set up in 84 Pakistani missions in other countries. 90 percent Pakistan are issued visas under this system.

State minister Baligh ur Rehman said work was underway to improve the performance of NADRA and in certain areas where some doubt arises, the residents were asked to verify the documents from their blood relations. Online national identity card system is being introduced for overseas Pakistanis. Cases were registered against 29 persons involved in aerial firing during the current year in Islamabad. “No one will be allowed to take the law into one’s hands,” he added.