The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that over five point two billion rupees have been disbursed as compensation amongst the terrorism affected people in tribal areas.

During the question hour, Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of States and Frontier Regions Shaheen Shafique told the House that the government is providing four hundred thousand rupees to fully damaged and one hundred and sixty thousand rupees for partially damaged houses.

She said a total of 1076 schemes have reportedly been completed out of FATA annual development plan during the last four years.

The parliamentary secretary said that the government has also undertaken several other projects for the welfare of tribal people.

Responding to a question, Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told the House that our missions abroad are continuously engaged in projecting soft image of Pakistan.

He said the comprehensive operation Zarb-e-Azb against terrorists has yielded very positive results.

He said extensive measures are being taken to develop a national narrative to counter violent extremism.

Responding to a question, the Adviser on Foreign Affairs said that there are presently 11764 Pakistani prisoners and detainees abroad.

Minister for Commerce Khurram Dastgir told the house that export is are witnessing growth and efforts are being made to find new markets for Pakistani rice.

He said the country's trade deficit stands at twenty three billion dollars and the State Bank of Pakistan has taken steps to discourage import of luxury items to reduce deficit.

The House today passed the Compulsory Teaching of the Holy Quran Bill 2017.

The bill moved by Minister of State for Education Baligh-ur-Rehman provides for making compulsory teaching of the Holy Quran to Muslim students in all educational institutions.

Speaking on the bill, Minister of State for Education Baligh-ur-Rehman said it is not only our religious but also constitutional duty to make teaching of holy Quran and Islamiyat compulsory.

He said it is a consensus document and expressed the confidence that other provinces will also follow the suit. He said this bill will be applicable to all the educational institutions including those of the federal government and private institutions in Islamabad capital territory.

Under the bill, students from grade one to grade five will be taught Nazra Quran while simple translation of Quran will be taught to the students from grade 6 to intermediate. He clarified that this piece of legislation is only meant for the Muslim students.

Other members on the occasion appreciated the government's initiative and expressed the confidence that the step will help the young generation better understand holy Quran and Islamic teachings.

The House will now meet tomorrow morning at 10.30.-Radio Pakistan