Minister for Defence, Chaudhary Ahmed Mukhtar on Monday informed National Assembly that new air-planes are being inducted in Pakistan International Airlines to improve its performance.
Responding to a call attention notice of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) members regarding the increase in PIA fares, the minister admitted that there are issues facing the national flag carrier. He, however, said that as far as increase is concerned, it is primarily due to increase in oil prices in the international market. He furthered that it not something new, as the airline has to increase fares whenever the price goes up in the international market.
Another reason he quoted in this regard was that PIA planes have been consuming relatively high fuel due to their age, which is affecting their performance. The government is taking steps to improve its performance, he added.
About the proposal by Abdul Qadir Khanzad of MQM that a committee of National Assembly should be constituted to look into the affairs of the airline and suggest recommendations for improvement, the minister said that a committee of the House is already working in this regard.
Responding to another call attention notice, Minister for Water and Power, Syed Naveed Qamar dismissed a report about the closure of gate no. 2 of Ghazi Brotha Project due to cracks. The notice was moved by the parliamentarians of Pakistan Muslim League (N). The minister termed the report baseless, stating neither there is any crack in the project, nor any of its gates are closed. Instead, it is presently operating at its full capacity.
Minister for Textile Industry, Makhdoom Shahabuddin, in the absence of Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, Dr Abdul Hafeez Shiekh and Minister of State for Finance, Khawaj Sheraz, laid before the House the fiscal and debt statements for the year 2011-12 as required by section six and seven of Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act, 2005.
Responding to a point of order, Minister for Railways, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour said that in pursuance of Supreme Court order, the ministry is taking steps to evacuate railway lands occupied by the people since 1985. The minister said that he has also requested the army in this regard and would request others and take necessary steps to comply with the orders of the court.