Pakistan becomes locust free country due to effective govt measures, a parliamentary secretary told the National Assembly.
The lower house of the bicameral parliament resumed its session at the parliament house in Islamabad today (Monday).
Speaker Asad Qaiser presided the session.
Pakistan becomes locust free country
Parliamentary Secretary for National Food Security and Research Ameer Sultan said that Pakistan has become locust free country.
He said due to effective measures which the government had taken, Pakistan got rid of locust.
While answering a question during Question Hour, he said that government has eliminate locust from all 62 affected districts of the country.
He further said that the government has, so far, spent three billion rupees to eliminate locust.
He said the Federal Government provided Rs 1 billion out of that amount, while provinces made rest of the contribution.
Moreover, Ameer Sultan said the Federal Government is considering allocating 26.4 billion rupees for undertaking miscellaneous activities for the management of locust.
Crop munching pest
It include procurement of pesticides and equipment.
He further said proper mechanism is in place to respond to any complaint the crop munching pest.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary on National Health Services Dr. Nousheen Hamid also answered questions.
She said that the government is enforcing zigzag technology in brick kilns to prevent air pollution.
Similarly, electrical vehicle policy is being introduced for four wheelers to overcome air pollution.
Moreover, Parliamentary Secretary Textile, Commerce, Industries and Production and Board of Investment Aliya Hamza Malik also answered queries.
She said that five essential items are being provided at subsidized rates through 400 outlets of Utility Stores across Pakistan.
She further said the government has allocated 71 billion rupees to provide wheat flour, sugar, ghee, rice, and pulses at subsidized prices.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Secretary for Railways Farrukh Habib announced revival of operation of Waris Shah and Ravi express trains shortly.
It had remained suspended due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Speaker NA adjourned the house to meet again tomorrow at 4:00 pm.