ISLAMABAD: The Senate was informed on Wednesday that China will construct additional multipurpose berths at Gwadar port to make the deep sea port fully operational.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed told the House during question hour that currently three berths are operational at the port. He said under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor project, the port’s terminal will also be upgraded and expanded.
The Minister said that an LNG terminal is also being constructed at Gwadar port. Minister of State for Health Saira Afzal Tarar told the House that feasibility study is being carried out to establish a cancer hospital in the federal capital.
She said the deserving people are being provided free of cost healthcare which also cover the treatment of cancer under the recently launched Prime Minister’s National Health Programme.
Saira Afzal Tarar said Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar are the reservoirs for polio but the federal and provincial governments are working on priority basis to completely eradicate this crippling disease.
She said polio cases have registered a marked decrease due to successful anti-polio campaigns held with regular intervals in the country.
Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz told the House that Pakistan has sent a draft memorandum of understanding to India for early release of fishermen as was agreed at Ufa meeting between the Prime Ministers of two countries.
He said currently 460 Pakistanis including 113 fishermen are detained in the Indian jails. He said under an agreement with India, counselor access is being provided to Pakistani prisoners.
Responding to a call attention notice, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed said the government has taken the challenge of terrorism head-on.
He said personnel of armed forces have rendered sacrifices to restore peace and secure the future of the country. He said the intentions of the government and the armed forces to eradicate this menace cannot be doubted in any manner. The House was adjourned to meet again on Thursday at 3 p.m.
