Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan on Friday informed the National Assembly that Pakistan is exporting 2700 metric tons of gypsum to India daily through Wagah border crossing from July last year to date. Gypsum is being exported to India in 'crushed loose form' with value up to $22 per metric ton. This low value may be ascribed to lack of value addition. It is pertinent to mention that India is importing gypsum from Oman at $18 per ton.
To a question, he said major reason of a decline in Pakistan's exports is a massive reduction in prices of commodities in the world. He said another reason for this is major recession in international market and a slowdown in China which resulted in a depressed in demand. However, he said there is a decrease in exports in terms of value and not in terms of quantity.
The Minister said the main focus of the trade policy is on value addition. Answering a question, Dastgir said the performance of foreign missions of the country is being vigorously monitored. He pointed out that except some diplomatic missions; Pakistan is keeping a minimum diplomatic presence in different countries to maintain diplomatic relations. He said zero tolerance is being observed against corruption in the Foreign Office.
The Minister informed the House that Pakistan has consistently supported all the regional and international efforts to combat militancy, extremism and terrorism. He said since the key objective of the 34-Muslim nation alliance with Saudi Arabia is to counter the threat posed by terrorist groups, Pakistan has joined the alliance. He pointed out that the Operation Zarb-e-Azb is helping to fight terrorist groups within the country. He said Pakistan is expected to share its counter-terrorism experience with other interested member countries.
Referring to problems being faced by farmers for low prices of their products, the Minister said there is a massive decline in prices of agriculture products in the world. However, he pointed out that agriculture products' prices are higher in Pakistan than other countries of the world.
Dastgir said the reason for a reduction in cotton production is untimely rains. He said the government is planning to give training to farmers to timely drain out the water from the cotton crops in case of intensive rains. It was further informed that some European countries, Australia, the US and India have imposed anti-dumping duty on Chinese steel; however Pakistan is one of the importers of steel from China. During 2014-15 Pakistan's import from China stood at $10.3 billion which include $1.29 billion steel import.
Commerce minister said that the total quantity of raw and refined sugar imported since March, 31 2014 is 19,349 MT. The import of sugar under import policy order is allowed. However, the import of sugar is subject to a 40 percent regulatory duty. According to available record of last three years, 41 Pakistanis were executed in Saudi Arabia. Out of the 41 executions, 38 were convicted on drug trafficking while 3 on murder charges.
The lifting of sanctions on Iran is bound to rapidly enhance the bilateral relations, especially trade between the two countries will boost in near future. Banking channels are being established. An agreement has been signed with Iran to open two additional border crossings at Gabd-Reemdan and Mand-Pishin to facilitate trade. A co-operative approach is being adopted to mutually benefit from Gwadar and Chabahar ports.
The House was further informed that there are 2,393 Pakistanis imprisoned in different jails of Saudi Arabia which include; drugs-868, theft-358, adultery- 071, murder-064, forgery-271, fighting/brawl-037, bribery-047 and miscellaneous crimes-677. There are 207 Pakistanis imprisoned in Afghan jails. A majority of Pakistani nationals are detained on charges of illegal entry into Afghanistan, Taliban suspects, spying, narcotics, forgery, and robberies.
During the Question Hour, it was revealed that there are three hundred and thirty six (336) Pakistanis currently detained in Malaysia. Broadly, the offences can be categorised as violation of immigration laws, drugs related offences (including drug trafficking and consumption of drugs), gang robbery, kidnapping, money laundering, protecting illegal immigrants, theft, murder, forgery of documents and money.
At present, there are 439 Pakistani detainees in Indian prisons except the Amritsar Jail. Twenty two Pakistanis are imprisoned in Amritsar Jail whose national status is confirmed. Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Pir Syed Sadaruddin Shah Rashidi said that a total of 2982 persons were sent abroad for employment by the Overseas Employment Corporation from 2011 to 2013.
Comments
Comments are closed.