Senate unanimously adopts resolution condemning terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka
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The Senate today unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka on the occasion of Easter festival in which over three hundred fifty precious human lives were lost.
The resolution, moved by Leader of Opposition Raja Zafar-ul-Haq, also prayed for the wellbeing of the injured.
It extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka and assured them that in such testing times the people of Pakistan stand in solidarity with them.
The resolution said being a victim of terrorism, Pakistan strongly condemns these heinous acts of terrorism and reiterates that we must stand together to fight this menace.
The House also observed one-minute silence over killing of innocent people in Sri Lanka.
The Senate also offered Fateha for the departed souls of those who martyred in various acts of terrorism in Balochistan and other parts of the country.
The Senate was informed today (Thursday) that Pakistan Railways suffered no losses during the current fiscal year.
This was told by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, while responding to a question during Question Hour.
The Minister of State said Pakistan Railways earned over 39 billion rupees during the current fiscal year, which is three billion more than the previous financial year.
He said Pakistan Railways has started fifteen new trains, including eleven passengers and four freight trains in last eight months with same rolling stock and human resource.
To another question, Ali Muhammad Khan said Pakistan Railways owns 460 locomotives out of which 325 are functional.
Answering a query, he said Pakistan Railways is endeavoring to provide suitable passenger amenities to commuters.
Answering a question, Interior Minister Ijaz Ahmed Shah told the House that a proposal is under consideration to impose ban on car washing and watering of plants through pipe in houses to conserve water.
He said a public awareness campaign is being launched to sensitize people to avoid wastage of water and use bucket for this purposes.
The Minister said a volume of clean water is being wasted on car washing and watering of plants through pipes in private houses of Islamabad.
Replying to a question, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Azam Khan Swati said only 246,425 rupees have been incurred on account of print media advertisements for fund raising of Diameer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams.
He said no expenditure has been incurred in connection with electronic media advertisements of the dams as TV channels are running commercials regarding these projects as public service massages free of cost.
Minister for Housing and Works Chaudhry Tariq Bashir Cheema introduced “The Federal Government Employees Housing Authority Bill, 2019” in the Senate.
The Chairman referred the bill to the concerned standing committee.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan says the government will provide Ramazan Package worth two billion rupees to facilitate the masses.
He was responding to a calling attention notice moved by Sassui Palijo regarding closure of 175 outlets of the Utility Stores Corporation across Pakistan.
Ali Muhammad Khan said the government is providing another five billion rupees to the corporation as letter of comfort to assist it to function.
The Minister of state said Utility Stores Corporation is facing a deficit of 7.5 billion rupees annually and its outlets are being closed due to financial constraints.
He, however, said the government is trying its best to revive this organization so that people can get ghee, oil, wheat flour, rice, sugar and pulses on concessional rates.
Responding to another calling attention, Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar said government reduced indirect taxes on petroleum products. He said Supreme Court's stay, which has now been vacated, to collect tax on mobile cards and compression of imports caused decline in tax collection.
He said the government is taking steps to broaden the tax net and the next year will be focused on fiscal consolidation and stabilization.
