NA passes resolution to expedite construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution moved by PML-N lawmaker Khalida Mansoor urging the government to take steps for early construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam.

The Diamer-Bhasha dam is still in the preliminary stage of construction despite the passage of ten years. It was announced in 2006 but the foundation stone was laid down in 2011 by then Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gillani.

The construction is hampered by financial constraints and political apathy. Once constructed it would be the highest earth-filled dam in the world, and will have the capacity to generate 4500MW. The financial cost is expected to be $14 billion and is scheduled for completion by 2020.

RENAME SWAT AIRPORT

In a separate resolution, the House asked the government to rename Swat Airport as Major General Sanaullah Khan Niazi Shaheed airport in view of his efforts and sacrifices for the peace of Swat.

In another resolution moved by Lal Chand Malhi, the house asked the government to take immediate steps to stop forced conversions and marriages of women belonging to minorities.

The National Assembly was informed today that the federal government is working in cooperation with the provincial governments to check the menace of spurious and substandard medicines.

This was stated by Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services Dr Darshan while responding to a call attention notice in the house. He said during 2015-16, fine of 70 million rupees was imposed on the companies involved in sale of substandard drugs.

STATUS OF WOMEN BILL

The National Commission on the Status of Women (Amendment) bill 2016 was presented before the house. The chair referred the bill to the standing committee concerned for further discussion.

Responding to a point of order of Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Barjees Tahir said that China-Pakistan Economic-Corridor is not any province specific but is for the whole country.

He rejected the impression that the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been ignored in the mega project. He once again made it clear that CPEC will benefit all the provinces including Gilgit Baltistan.