ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly was informed today that the government has acquired about 392 acres of land for Dasu Hydropower Project and 695 million rupees have been paid to the land owners.
Minister of State for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali told the House during question hour that further land acquisition and payment to the owners will be made very soon.
He expressed the hope that the work on the project will begin in the next two to three months.
To a question, he said subsidy is being provided to mosques on electricity charges.
Replying to a question, Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services, Dr Darshan told the House that steps have been taken to ensure availability of high standard stents for cardiac patients in order to save them from spurious and sub-standard stents.
Answering a question, Abid Sher Ali clarified that no IPP has been closed during the tenure of this government due to non-payment.
He said at present, the circular debt is between 330 to 340 billion rupees. However, the Minister added that we have an outstanding receivable arrears of 500 billion rupees all over the country.
The National Assembly held discussion on an adjournment motion moved by Dr Shireen Mazari and others relating to Pakistan's entry into Muslim Alliance led by Saudi Arabia.
Initiating the debate, the mover expressed concerns over Pakistan's entry into the alliance. She said Terms of Reference of the alliance are not clear.
Asad Umar said the decision to enter into Saudi-led alliance should be taken by the Parliament after discussion.
Winding up discussion, Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif clarified that the proposed alliance has not yet been taken formal shape.
Khawaja Asif said Terms of Reference, Terms of Engagements and contours of the alliance, whenever defined, will be placed before the House.
Khawaja Asif emphatically stated that Pakistan will not become part of any conflict between two Muslim countries.
The chair adjourned the House to meet again tomorrow morning at 10:30 due to lack of quorum.—Radio Pakistan
