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Work on Mohmand Dam to begin by April 2019, NA told
October 02, 2018

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The National Assembly was informed on Tuesday that construction work on Mohmand Dam will begin by April next year.

Responding to a Call Attention Notice during debate on "The Finance Supplementary (Amendment) Bill, 2018 in the House on Tuesday, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan said evaluation of bids tendered by two bidders for the project is underway, which will be finalized by the end of November this year.

Responding to another Call Attention, Minister of State for Communication Murad Saeed said work on Hazara Motorway has been expedited for its early completion.

He said work on two phases of Hazara Motorway has almost been finished, while third phase is now being completed at a fast pace.

He said feasibility of Chakdara-Kalam road has also been prepared and it will soon be constructed.

Speaking on a Point of Order in the House, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak said the government is not going to fire any employee of the Utility Stores Corporation.

He also rejected the reports that IT teachers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are being deprived of their jobs.

The Minister made it clear the previous PTI government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa never awarded any contract to Jahangir Tareen.

Taking part in the debate, Asad Mahmood said Islamic economic system should be enforced in the country, which is the only way forward to end sufferings of people.

He said common people should not be burdened with additional taxes.  

Hina Rabbani Khar said the government cannot serve the masses by increasing taxes and termed the mini budget as tinkering with figures instead of bringing any directional change.

Criticizing the government, she said PTI is not ready to see opposition leader heading the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly.

Murad Saeed said the government is taking steps to bring 3.5 million people to the tax net to enhance revenue collection.

He said stern action will also be taken against electricity theft. Mohsin Shahnawaz Ranjha said increase in gas tariff will multiply common man’s sufferings.

Aminul Haq said the government should uphold previous government decision of not permitting non-filers to purchase property.

He stressed the need for introducing pro-industry policies.

He said water and transport issues of Karachi should be addressed on priority basis.

Muhammad Hashim said there should be no cut in the mini budget on already approved development schemes for Balochistan.

Rao Muhammad Ajmal Khan said the government has not taken sufficient steps for welfare and facilitation of the agriculture sector.

Shunila Ruth said the government has levied tax on luxury items instead of commodities consumed by common man, which is a great relief to the poor people. She said the step will enhance revenue.

Raja Khurram Nawaz said past rulers destroyed institutions including PIA, Pakistan Steel Mills, and Railways due to their imprudent policies and nepotism.

Others who took part in the discussion were Khalid Magsi, Dr Ibadullah Khan, Zartaj Gul, Ramesh Lal, Shakoor Shad, Salahuddin, Agha Hassan Baloch, Ahmed Hussain Deharr, Nisar Cheema, Syed Hussain Tariq, Chaudhry Ashraf, Sadaqat Ali Abbasi, Shagufta Jumani, Sabir Hussain Qaimkhani, Shahida Rehmani, Nuzhat Pathan, Saad Waseem Sheikh, Attaullah Advocate, Mehmood Shah, Ghulam Ali Talpur, Rana Iradat Sharif, Asma Hidayat and Kesoo Mal Das.

The House will now meet tomorrow at 11:00 am.