ISLAMABAD - The government on Monday once again refused to reveal the details of LNG import from Qatar and apprised the National Assembly that the prices will be made open only after the deal is finalised.
Parliamentary Secretary for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shehzadi Umerzadi during the question hour in Lower House of the Parliament said that the issue of LNG prices can be raised when the agreement will be signed that has not been done yet.
She also said that the government had not forced any organization to enter into a forced agreement with Engro. While trying to dispel the impression that the government had barred private companies from importing LNG, she said that there was no such ban. Pak-Arab Fertilizer, a private company, has already started importing LNG, she added.
During the question hour, Minister for State for Parliamentary Affairs Aftab Sheikh apprised the house that Syed Wala Bridge on River Ravi has been delayed due to paucity of funds. It was originally a project of Provincial Highway Authority (PHA) but in Oct 2012, then prime minister handed over the project to National Highway Authority but no funds were allocated for its construction.
Answering the questions of Shazra Mansab Ali Khan, Tahira Aurengzeb and Khalida Mansoor, the minister said feasibility study and cost estimates of this bridge had already been completed and it would cost Rs 892 million.
Even the contract had been awarded to Saadullah Khan Brothers (SKB). The awarded contract is still intact and no new contract will be awarded for the purpose. But the minister said that the cost might be revised as per new rates.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq turned down hard on Ministry for Kashmir Affairs for its continuous failure to provide answers of the questions asked by the parliamentarians. The speaker summoned the secretary for the ministry of Kashmir Affairs in his chamber for explanation.
The second issue was about questions related to textile and industry and Ayaz Sadiq also called the secretary of aforementioned ministry to clarify why no one was present to answer the questions. The speaker was so furious on the issue that he adjourned the proceedings and invited Sheikh Aftab, Lt Gen Abdul Qadar Baloch, Mian Riaz Hussain, Rana Tanveer and Khursheed Shah for consultation.
Later the speaker informed the house that it was the last opportunity given to the government and if the government fails to provide answers in future, due action will be taken.