The National Assembly was informed today (Wednesday) that the federal government is sponsoring eighteen dam projects with a total cost of 1036.069 billion rupees to enhance water storage capacity.
Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Mueen Wattoo told the house during question hour that these projects, upon completion, will provide a cumulative storage capacity of approximately 8,231,984 acre feet, bringing 346,447 acres of new land under irrigation. He noted Diamer Basha Dam alone will store 6.4 million acre feet of water.
The Minister for Water Resources said provincial governments are also sponsoring the construction of seventy-seven dam projects at an estimated cost of 89.243 billion rupees.
Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi told the house that Pakistan Railways has taken several initiatives for the restoration of old rail routes and enhancement of rail connectivity.
He said feasibility study for rail connectivity with Afghanistan through Kohat-Thal-Kharlachi has been completed and land acquisition is under progress.
He said feasibility study and transaction advisory services for new rail link from Gwadar to Nokkundi is near completion. He said land acquisition for rail connectivity from Gwadar to Mastung and Besima to Jacobabad is under progress. He said railway stations are being upgraded for the facilitation of passengers.
Hanif Abbasi told the house that Pakistan Railways is currently in the final stages of outsourcing two hundred freight wagons to the private sector to address the growing demands of industrial and energy sectors.
Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar told the house that it is the first time that a license has been issued to a private company for ferry service. He stated the company will run ferry operations between KPT and Gwadar, as well as to Iran, Iraq, and Abu Dhabi. He said we are open for issuing more ferry licenses.
Taking the floor, PPP leader Aseefa Bhutto Zardari voiced concerns over the closure of the Utility Stores Corporation. She urged the government to reconsider the decision.
Responding to a calling attention notice, Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz said the bidding process for forty offshore oil and gas blocks in Pakistan is currently underway. He said this process will be completed by the end of October this year. He said different countries including Turkiye, China, Kuwait and the US have expressed interest in these offshore blocks.
Ali Pervaiz said that we awarded thirteen onshore blocks in the month of April this year while the process of awarding twenty three more onshore blocks has been rolled out. He also highlighted the efforts being made to harness the potential of tight and shale oil and gas.
The National Assembly today passed a resolution congratulating the nation on the Independence Day and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan.
The resolution moved by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhary in connection with the Independence Day and victory in Marka-e-Haq recalled with pride and gratitude the historic struggle and unparalleled sacrifices rendered by the forefathers under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam and founders of the nation, which culminated in the creation of an independent and sovereign state of Pakistan.
The resolution recognized the significance of Marka-e-Haq, a glorious victory of the valiant armed forces of Pakistan against unprovoked military provocation by India.
The house appreciated the unity, resilience, and patriotism of the people of Pakistan who stood shoulder to shoulder with their armed forces in that critical hour.
It acknowledged the unwavering resolve, courage, contribution and professionalism demonstrated by the armed forces, all branches of security apparatus and the civil heroes whose dedication and sacrifices have been instrumental in safeguarding and strengthening the nation.
The resolution paid rich tribute to the martyrs and ghazis whose sacrifices have preserved the freedom, dignity and honour of the nation.
The house affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, stability and friendly relations with all neighbours based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and non-interference while maintaining its unflinching resolve to defend its sovereignty against any aggression.
The resolution also urged the citizens to work collectively towards the prosperity, unity and progress of Pakistan, drawing inspiration from the spirit of sacrifice, discipline and national pride.
The house also passed a resolution expressing the resolve that the government in full cooperation with the provincial governments will take urgent and immediate measures to bring down population growth rate.
The resolution moved by PPP leader Naved Qamar emphasized this will be achieved by expanding and improving the reproductive health services particularly in underserved rural areas. It reiterated that reduction in population growth rate is essential to achieving the objectives of national development and investing in the human capital.
The National Assembly today passed the Anti-terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Minister of State for Interior and Narcotics Control Talal Chauhdry moved the bill.
This will provide Law Enforcement Agencies with the legal backing to conduct more effective operations against terrorism. It will facilitate the use of Joint Interrogation Teams (JTIs), composed of members from various law enforcement and intelligence agencies to conduct comprehensive inquiries and gather actionable intelligence.
The house also passed the National School of Public Policy (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Petroleum (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
