The opposition on Friday strongly condemned the government for Ministers' absence and observed a platoon of ministers has become a burden on the national exchequer.
During question-hour session, the federal Minister for Tourism was not present in the house at which Raja Pervez Ashraf of PPPP condemned the government for paying heavy emoluments and fringe benefits to the Ministers who were even unable to show up in the house to answer the question pertaining to their Ministries. Speaker Amir Hussain observed that the Ministers must show up during question-hour or at least provide answers relating to their Ministries to Parliamentary Secretaries or to their colleagues.
Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali of MMA asked the Minister for Religious Affairs about the number of Pakistani Hajj tour operators found involved in fraud and forgery during Hajj 2006 and action taken against them.
As the Minister was absent, Parliamentary Secretary for Religious Affairs replied that according to the information received from FIA, 14 Hajj group organisers were found involved in sending Afghan Nationals for Hajj on Pakistani passports during Hajj 2006. He said that FIA authorities are conducting investigations in this case and as the report is received from FIA the Ministry will take.
Shahbaz Hussain replied that the concerned Minister is not present to which Chitrali said that its a national and religious obligation and pilgrims had become victims of government negligence. However, Shahbaz Hussain tried to sponge his statement saying that Hajj is not a national obligation it is religious obligation.
Qari Gul Rehman of MMA asked the Minister for Education the size of the plot allotted for Islamabad Public Library in Sector F-9, Islamabad. He also asked the Minister about the steps taken by the government for imparting religious education and if the budget was allocated for mosques.
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION REPLIED THAT A PLOT MEASURING: 4144.67 sq. yards in F-9 park was offered for allotment by CDA to the Ministry of Education for establishment of Islamabad Public Library/ construction of Aiwan-e-Quaid. Possession of the plot has now been handed over to the Nazriya Pakistan Council under the decision of Prime Minister and an alternative plot is yet to be allotted by the CDA, he said.
Qari Gul Rehman of MMA condemned the government for handing over public library in F-9 Park to private sector saying that the library contains 35,000 books with a large number of readers.
Nayyar Bukhari of PPPP said on what basis Prime Minister had given the plot to the private sector. At this, Parliamentary Secretary said that the plot was occupied, entitlement was not given to them by the government.
However, Speaker Amir Hussain observed that the government has offered the plot for sale then it was a fact that the government has given the plot to private sector. Opposition legislator asked the Minister for Culture that the archaeological sites of Mohinjodaro are in dilapidated condition and the steps taken for their repair.
Culture Minister Ghazi Gulab Jamal replied that after its excavation, the Mahinjodaro site was exposed to salinity due to high water table which has threatened the remains and the government has allocated a sum of Rs 5 million in the PSDP 2006-07 which is being utilised in replacing saline earth and laying sweet earth on all excavated remains.
The minister said that the Department of Archaeology and Museums has prepared a ten-year master plan for rehabilitation and cultural tourism at Mohinjodaro costing Rs 1056 million which is presently pending for approval.
Sabir Hussain Awan of MMA asked the Sports Minister to inform the house regarding total amount allocated for promotion of sports in the country during the years 2004-05 and 2005-06. Sports Minister Mian Shamim Haider replied that during 2004-05, development budget allocation was Rs 209.060 whereas expenditure was Rs 187.045 million while during 2005-06 development budget allocation was Rs 324.073 million and expenditure was Rs 276.695 million.
Mehnaz Rafi asked the Housing Minister that if the government has started any scheme in collaboration with the private sector to provide homes on instalments. The State Minister for Housing replied in the negative.
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