Islamabad: July 17, 2020 (TNS): Pakistan says improving bilateral ties with South Asian countries remains a priority of its foreign policy.
Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Andleeb Abbas told the National Assembly during Question Hour today that despite hostile Indian attitude, Pakistan took a milestone step by deciding to open the Kartarpur Corridor and released captured Indian pilot after Indian misadventure of Balakot as a peace gesture. She said Pakistan wishes to resolve all outstanding issues with India including Kashmir dispute through peaceful means. She, however, said that India must create an enabling environment for a result-oriented dialogue to take place.
The Parliamentary Secretary said India wanted to isolate Pakistan at the International level. But Pakistan significantly improved its relations with neighboring countries including Iran and Afghanistan over the last two years. She said we have reopened borders with Afghanistan and trade has witnessed an increase of twenty-five percent with the neighboring countries. She said today the situation is that India is facing isolation due to various reasons. She said India is the biggest aggressor in the South Asian region.
Minister for Communication Murad Saeed informed the House that several new road infrastructure projects measuring 1700 kilometers have been approved for execution. He said five major road projects will be executed under public-private partnership. He said the government is giving special importance to the construction of western route of CPEC.
The Minister said that ninety-five percent work have been completed on metro bus project from Peshawar-Morr to New Islamabad International Airport. He said the revised cost of the project is thirteen billion rupees and it is expected to be completed by next month subject to the arrival of necessary equipment from China.
Parliamentary Secretary for Petroleum Khial Zaman said there is no shortage of petroleum products in the country. He said that the prices of petroleum products were enhanced as per the rising trends in the international market. He said we are also working oil market companies to enhance the storage capacity of petroleum products.
Minister for Power Omer Ayub laid before the House the Modaraba Companies and Modaraba (Floatation and Control) (Amendment) Bill 2020.
Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam has said there is a plan to provide quality seeds to the farmers in order to enhance per acre yield of major crops such as wheat and cotton.
Winding up discussion on the government’s agriculture policy in the National Assembly today, he said it will be ensured with the cooperation of the provincial governments that the farmers only use the approved seeds. He said enhancement of agriculture products will also enhance our exports.
The Minister said that it is also our effort to improve canal system and on farm water management. He said the construction of Diamer Basha dam will go a long way in overcoming water shortages in the country.
Syed Fakhar Imam said the government has approved a package for the agriculture sector under which the fertilizers will be given to the farmers on subsidized rates. He said it is also our plan to provide subsidy to the farmers in the power bills of tube wells.
Regarding the prices of wheat flour, the Minister said the prices of the commodity have stabilized in Punjab due to the releases made by the provincial government. He said the government has also allowed the private sector to import the wheat.
The house has been adjourned to meet again on Monday at four pm.
