The National Assembly was informed today that the government is endeavouring to compensate farmers through introduction of innovative technologies, seeds and other measures to boost up production of food crops.

Responding to a question during Question Hour, Parliamentary Secretary for National Food Security and Research Ahmed Raza Maneka said the country has been facing a shortfall between production and consumption of wheat since the last three years and its availability is being ensured through imports.

He said around two billion dollars have been spent on the import of 2.6 million metric tons of wheat to cater the national requirement.

The Parliamentary Secretary further stated that the country had sufficient stock of rice to meet the demand.

Responding to a question, Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Mufti Abdul Shakoor informed the House that selection of welfare staff would be carried out in light of the policy, criteria and procedure approved by the Federal government for Hajj 2023.

He said the welfare staff-moavineen shall not be deputed for more than three consecutive years except the Director Welfare Staff Moavineen.

Replying to a question, Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services Dr. Shazia Sobia said infection with Covid-19 still prevails in the country, but it is under control as over 90 percent of Pakistani population has been vaccinated against the pandemic.

Answering a question, Parliamentary Secretary for Industrial Production Shahida Rehmani said 66 Utility Stores including franchises are currently operating in Chitral to provide necessary items to the people at affordable rates. 

She said new Utility Stores will be opened in 15 to 20 days after completion of the feasibility report and other codal formalities.

Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services Dr Shazia Sobia said all medicines, material, tests in the emergency at Polyclinic Hospital in Islamabad are being provided free of cost except those which are not available in the hospital.

Responding to a question during Question Hour in the National Assembly today, she said even first inoculation of rabies, adaptive support ventilation for snake bites, Trop-T for heart attack suspicious cases, fast scan, digital radiology and nebulization services are included amongst many other free interventions. 

 Dr Shazia Sobia further stated that the government had taken many actions to improve services of the emergency department to provide quality health facilities to the people.

About the huge rush of patients in the Hospitals, Parliamentary Secretary said an evening OPD has also been started to decrease the load of patients in the emergency.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar laid before the National Assembly the Fiscal Policy Statement, 2023, Debt Policy Statement, 2023 and Performance Monitoring Report FY 2021-22.

The House will now meet on Monday at 2 p.m.