ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly was informed on Thursday that the government has acquired about 392 acres of land for Dasu Hydropower Project and Rs695 million 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 hope that the work on the project would begin in the next two to three months.
To a query, Abid Sher Ali said subsidy is being provided to mosques on electricity charges.
Answering a question, Abid Sher Ali clarified that no Independent Power Plant (IPP) has been closed during the tenure of this government due to non-payment.
Read More: Govt acquires 392 acres of land for Dasu hydropower project
He said at present, the circular debt is between Rs330 to Rs340 billion. However, the minister added that we have outstanding receivable arrears of Rs500 billion all over the country.
To a query, 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.
Once devised ToRs of Islamic Military Alliance to be presented before House: Asif
The National Assembly held discussion on an adjournment motion moved by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Dr Shireen Mazari and others relating to Pakistan’s entry into Islamic Military 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.
Another PTI leader 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.
