The Senate was informed that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is set to enter the second phase with special focus on industrial cooperation, especially in the Special Economic Zones.

Responding to a question during Question Hour today, Minister for Investment Chaudhry Salik Hussain said several local and Chinese companies have shown their interest to invest in SEZs across Pakistan.

He said most of the early harvest projects under the first phase of CPEC relating to power and infrastructure have been completed. He further said that despite the decrease in Chinese investment in the last two years due to Covid-19 pandemic, China has the largest share of foreign investment in Pakistan.

Replying to another question, Minister of State for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik said the government is charging zero percent General Sales Tax on petroleum products. He said at present, the government is collecting per litre levy of 12.56 rupees on diesel, 32.4 rupees on petrol, 15 rupees on kerosene oil and ten rupees on light diesel oil instead of 50 rupees, which were agreed with the IMF.

Answering a question, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Mufti Abdul Shakoor said Pakistan Sikh Gurdawara Parbandhak Committee arranges langer and accommodation for yatrees inside Gurdawaras through its donations and does not claim any public money.

Minister of State for Law and Justice Shahadat Awan has urged all the lawmakers to join hands in helping the flood affected people.

Winding up discussion on a motion moved by Dr Shahzad Waseem and others, he said the floodwater has inundated one-third of the country and it is not time to play politics. He said the flood affected people need support from all countrymen in this critical time.

Later, the House was adjourned due to lack of quorum and now it will resume on Friday at 10:30 a.m.