ISLAMABAD: The Senate was informed on Tuesday that 190 passenger coaches and seven hundred and fifty high capacity wagons will be locally assembled in Pakistan under transfer of technology agreement with China.
Minister of State for Law Shahadat Awan told the House during Question Hour that efforts are afoot to reduce the deficit of Pakistan Railways by improving its service. He said a land business plan has also been prepared to minimize its revenue and expenditure gap. He said up-gradation of infrastructure under ML-1 will go a long way in uplifting Pakistan Railways. He said there is also a plan to shift the trains to electricity after the completion of ML-1.
Responding to a supplementary question, Minister of State for Law Shahadat Awan said Radio Pakistan is a national broadcaster and it will always be our endeavor to further improve its performance. He said both Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television will see development in the days to come.
The Senate was also informed that a center has been established in Tarlai area of Islamabad to keep the stray dogs. Shahadat Awan told the House that at present, seven hundred and three dogs are housed in the center. He said a complaint cell has also been established where the people can report the presence or free roaming of stray dogs. He said the animals also have the rights and these will be taken care of.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice, the Minister of State for Law said the government has recently reduced the prices of twenty essential medicines and a notification to this effect was also issued on January 11.
He also referred to the increase made in the medicines by the previous government of PTI. Responding to another Calling Attention Notice moved by Danesh Kumar, the Minister of State for Law said work is in progress for the dualization of 790 kilometers N-25 from Karachi to Quetta and Chaman. He assured that this important highway will be completed to ensure smooth and safe flow of traffic on it. Later, the House was adjourned to meet again on Friday at 10:30 am.