Moalims

The Senate was assured that privatization of electricity companies LESCO, FESCO and IESCO will be done in a transparent manner and rights of workers will be fully protected.
Winding up debate on a public petition, Minister of State Baligh-ur Rehman said the government is already in consultation with WAPDA CBA Union.
 Earlier, taking part in the discussion most of the senators opposed privatization of profitable organizations. They said their management should be improved if needed.
The Chairman referred the public petition, moved by leader of All Pakistan WAPDA Hydro Electric Union, to the House Standing Committee on Finance and Privatization for further investigation.
The chair held in order an adjournment motion moved by Saeed Ghani regarding disconnection of gas of Pakistan Steel Mills by Sui Southern Gas Company.
During question hour, the Senate was informed that Higher Education Commission has received thirteen new proposals for establishment of universities and degree awarding institutions across the country.
 Minister of State for Education Baligur Rehman said that seven proposals are in private and six in public sector.
 He said thirty-five universities have been established during the last five years.
 He said the federal government is upgrading national Institute of Science and Technical Education Islamabad to National Skills University of Science and Technology to offer career-oriented programmes.
The House was informed that 2.23 million persons have been sent abroad for employment since 2012.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Aftab Sheikh told the House that two development projects are underway for promotion of tea. These are Participatory Development of Tea Value Chain around Mansehra area and Mechanization of Tea Production and Promotion of Green Tea to improve profitability.
He said Pakistan Agriculture Research Council has established a tea nursery at Swat to provide tea plants to the farmers.
The House held special discussion today to commemorate first sitting of the House held on this day 1973 when bi-cameral legislator emerged following promulgation of 1973 Constitution.         
Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani said the upper House represents the federating units and it ensures checks and balance in legislation and other matters.

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