The Senate was informed on Wednesday that about 27 billion rupees are being spent on 18 projects for revival of the industrial sector.
Replying to questions on the behalf of ministry of industries, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmad said that three industrial estates were also being established in Balochistan for socio-economic uplift in the province.
Responding to a question on behalf of the finance minister, Federal Minister Zahid Hamid told the house that a proposal was under consideration for upgradation of the posts of LDC, UDC and assistant. He, however, said there was no proposal under consideration for upgradation of the post of superintendent. To another question, he said total foreign public debt outstanding as of 31st of January this year was 53.122 billion dollars.
He said the government received 20.810 billion dollars foreign loans during the last three years. However, foreign loans amount to 12.884 billion dollar were repaid during the same period. To yet another question, Zahid Hamid said over two hundred and nine thousand personnel were required for census besides security personnel.
Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar presented three bills before the House – The Offences in Respect of Banks (Special Courts) (Amendment) Bill, 2016, The Equity Participation Fund (repeal) Bill, 2016 and The Banks (Nationalisation) (Amendment) Bill, 2016. These were referred to the standing committee concerned. The have already been passed by the National Assembly.