Construction work of Diamer-Bhasha Dam to begin next year, NA informed

ISLAMABAD, March 14: The National Assembly was informed on Monday that land acquisition for Diamer-Bhasha Dam will be completed this year and construction work expected to begin next year.Minister of State for Water and Power Chaudhry Abid Sher Ali told the House during question hour that negotiations were underway with different banks for financing of the project but the government is resolved to fund it from its own resources if no financing was available.He said work on Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project is in full swing and the project is expected to start generation by August next year.To another question, he said nine to ten thousand megawatt of electricity would be added to the national grid by March, 2018.Parliamentary Secretary for Health Dr Darshan told the House that Branded Sovaldi tablets for oral treatment of Hepatitis C, and its generics are registered in the country. The Hepatitis programmes will start procuring oral drugs very soon for the treatment of the disease.To another question, he said original brand of Sovaldi tablet is available from Ferozsons at 38000 rupee per 28 tablets while Generics are available for 5868 rupees per 28 tablets from 11 companies.Replying to a question, Parliamentary Secretary for National Food Security Rajab Ali that under Prime Minister’s Kisan Package, around 28 subsidy claims for October and November last year amounting to over eight billion rupees have been paid to phosphatic fertilizer manufacturers and commercial importers.The House was informed that a proposal is under consideration to increase allocation of minorities welfare fund. A motion was moved by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad that The Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (Conversion) Bill, 2016 be referred to the Joint Sitting of Parliament.After debate and comments of the opposition members, the Speaker decided to defer voting on motion for two days to give time to the government and the opposition to sit together and sort out the issue.-SABAH