Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad told the National Assembly on Thursday that Integrated Security System has been installed at Lahore Airport which would be extended to other airports.
He said the government has increased security at airports and enhanced the capability of Airport Security Force (ASF) personnel to prevent any terrorist attack.
He told the house during question hour that ASF has acquired modern aviation security gadgets and screening equipment with the cooperation of government of Japan and Bahrain for increasing security of airports. The minister said modern arms and vehicles have been procured to enhance security cover to the airports.
Minister for Climate Change Zahid Hamid while answering a question said that no international appeal for donation was made by the government after last year’s earthquake.
He said all out efforts were being made for relief and rehabilitation of the affected people. He said over Rs 11 billion have been distributed among the quake affectees as financial assistance and compensation for damaged houses.
Speaking on a point of order, Minister for Information Pervaiz Rashid terming terrorism as a challenge vowed to rid the country of this menace.
He said the government has made security arrangements for all the media houses. He said a meeting has been convened to review the security arrangements of the media houses.
The minister said investigation into the ARY incident is underway and the culprits will be brought to justice. Earlier, different members on points of order condemned the grenade attack on ARY office and terrorism incidents in Quetta and near Pakistan consulate in Jalalabad. They demanded that capital’s security should be enhanced.
Responding to a calling attention notice moved by Dr Shireen Mazari and others, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told the house that a long-term contract for import of LNG from Qatar has been approved by economic coordination committee.
The minister said the price for import of LNG has been finalized. He assured that Pakistan will have the cheapest LNG in Asia.
He pointed out that only short-term solution to overcome energy shortage is to import LNG. He said unfortunately this important issue is being politicized.
The national assembly members offered Fateha for martyred of Wednesday’s Quetta blast. The house will now meet on Friday.
