ISLAMABAD: The Senate was informed on Tuesday that ML-1 will be upgradedfrom Peshawar to Karachi under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)Project.
Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid told the house during question hourthat this project will see replacement of existing track with new one andthe installation of new signaling system.
He said feasibility study is being carried out to revive Peshawar-Torkhamrail track.
He said the feasibility study will be completed in a period of three months.
He said we have increased freight trains from eight to twelve.
He said Pakistan Railways is playing a vital role in the transportation ofgoods across the country.
Recently, it has transported imported fertilizer to different parts of thecountry for the Ministry of Industry and Production.
He said other private companies are also approaching Pakistan Railways forthe transportation of fertilizer from ports to the upcountry.
He said that there is also a plan to lay track at Thar on built operate andtransfer basis.
Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi rejected reports that thepersonnel of Khasadar force and Frontier Constabulary in Khyber Pakhtunkhwaare not being provided with salaries.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan said thegovernment is considering further enhancing the budget of FrontierConstabulary, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the upcoming fiscal budget.
He said Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television Network are assets of thecountry.
He said a proposal is under consideration to upgrade Radio stations ofPakistan Broadcasting Corporation with new digital equipment. He said anamount of three billion rupees is estimated for upgradation of radiostations.
When asked about those working on contract basis in Radio Pakistan, AliMuhammad Khan said that it is the policy of PTI government to employ peopleon permanent basis as per the rules and regulations.
He strongly criticized the policy of hiring people on contract basis.
He said the national broadcaster is allocating sufficient time to highlightthe issues of women and children in Urdu and as well as the regionallanguages.
To another question, Ali Muhammad Khan told the House that fifteen specialpolice stations have been established across the country to deal withcyber-crimes.
He said we also made cyber-crime wing fully functional by paying theoutstanding salaries of its staff.
He said about 15350 complaints regarding cyber bullying and harassment werereceived by the cyber-crime wing during 2018-19. He said that over 8124complaints have been addressed and 176 persons arrested.
Responding to a calling attention notice moved by Siraj-ul-Haq, Leader ofHouse in the Senate Shibli Faraz said international increase in the pricesof petroleum products and devaluation of currency has led to increase inthe prices of petrol, diesel and LNG in the country.
He, however, said that our petrol and diesel prices are still lower thanthose in India and Bangladesh.