National Assembly : Mobile companies directed to end night packages

The National Assembly was informed today that the mobile companies had been directed to discontinue such night packages which were considered against the norms of social structure and moral values of the society.Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad told the House during question hour that a number of complaints had been received against these packages from various quarters.

On a supplementary question‚ he said the issue of foreign SIMs has been referred to the provincial governments and the Ministry of Interior is also considering taking measures against them.

To a question‚ Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique on behalf of Minister for Information and Broadcasting told the House that Pakistan Television follows the policy of truth with responsibility and only gives authenticated and verified news and views to audiences. He said moreover PTV’s editorial policy ensures diversity of opinions to enrich viewers’ experience.

The Minister said the Media Commission constituted by the Supreme Court in its report has recommended reconstitution of their Board of Directors. He said Information Ministry is currently reviewing the composition of existing Board of Directors and is contemplating the expansion to bring in diversity of views by incorporating representatives from various sectors.

Replying to a question‚ Minister of State for National Health Regulations and Coordination Saira Afzal Tarar said that 2.61 billion rupees were allocated by the Higher Education Commission to public sector universities for research purposes during the last five years.

She said in order to check the mushroom growth of private medical colleges in the country and their deteriorating standards a new system will be introduced in Pakistan Medical and Dental Council soon.

To a question‚ Minister of State for Education Muhammad Baleegh ur Rehman said formation of a national curriculum commission is under consideration to teach uniform curriculum in the country.

Replying to a call attention notice moved by Tahir Iqbal regarding appearance of government servants in Radio and TV programmes‚ Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad said government rules clearly stipulate that no public servant can appear in media unless given clear permission by the competent authority.

He‚ however‚ said they can appear in non-political programmes such as those dealing with science and religion with prior permission.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan while paying rich tributes to former Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and former Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said they played a key role in enhancing the image of their respective institutions.

He said when General Kayani assumed his duty as Chief of Army Staff the country was facing a number of problems. He said General Kayani restored the respect of the army and fully supported the democratic process.

Similarly‚ the Minister said‚ Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry raised the prestige of the judiciary. He held powerful segments involved in criminal activities accountable‚ which was unprecedented in the history of Pakistan.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Shaikh Aftab Ahmad laid before the House report of the Federal Public Service Commission for the year‚ 2012 as required by section 9(1) of the Federal Public Service Commission Ordinance‚ 1977.