The National Assembly was informed today that forty eight additional border posts have been constructed on Pak-Afghan border to curb smuggling.

Parliamentary Secretary for Interior Dr. Muhammad Afzal Khan Dhandla while replying to a question said that after the start of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Raddul Fassad, the smuggling of illegal weapons has been curtailed in the country.

Replying to another question, he said the government has taken a number of steps to give maximum protection to journalists so that they could perform their duties without any fear or threat.

Dr. Muhammad Afzal Khan Dhandla said all the Station House Officers in Islamabad have been directed to register the case on receipt of any complaint by any journalists without delay.

Similarly, mobile patrolling has also been increased in areas where offices of journalists, press clubs and residences are situated.

Dr. Muhammad Afzal Khan said during the last four years, four cases have been registered regarding attack on journalists within federal capital.

To another question, Parliamentary Secretary for Interior told the House that total number of CNICs issued is more than 114.19 million in the country. Of these, 63.42 million are in Punjab, 23.75 million in Sindh, 15.18 million in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 4.33 million in Balochistan, FATA 2.55, Gilgit Baltistan 671,000, and Azad Kashmir 2.92 million.

He said government is facilitating people to get their particulars registered at NADRA after attaining the age of 18. He said there is no policy to issue identity cards to aliens.

Replying to another question, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Development Dr. Ibadullah said Public Sector Development Program is for the whole country and funds are allocated to all areas without any discrimination.

Speaking on a Call Attention Notice, Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet Secretariat Raja Javed Ikhlas said one million new gas connections are being given on merit during the tenure of current government after lifting moratorium on it.

He said a number of new gas reserves have been discovered in recent years at various locations, which will help increase the supply of this important commodity in the country. He assured that preference in new gas connections will be given to such areas where gas reserves are discovered.

Raja Javed Ikhlas said Iran has yet to complete work on its side of the border on Pak-Iran gas pipeline due to which it has not materialized so far.

The call attention notice was moved by Dr. Azra Afzal Pechuho and others.

Later, the House was prorogued after the conclusion of business.