ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Parliamentary Secretary for Interior and Narcotics Control Afzal Khan Dhandla Friday informed the National Assembly that 1,554 terrorists have been arrested across the Country during the last year.
During the question hour in the House, Parliamentary Secretary said that comparison of crime rates of years 2015 and 2016 shows the declining crime trend in Federal Capital.
Afzal Dhandla said that out of 1554 terrorists, 799 were arrested from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 418 from Punjab, 178 from Sindh, 40 from Balochistan, 07 from Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), 88 from FATA, 10 from AJK and 14 from Gilgit-Baltistan.
He said preventive measures taken by ICT police have helped to decrease crime in Islamabad which included survey of Katchi Abadies to flush out criminals hiding there, combing and search operations, random checking of guest houses and hotels and joint patrolling by Rangers and ICT police.
To a question, he that official and gratis passports were issued to 2002 non-entitled persons prior to June, 2013. However, these passports were cancelled and made inactive under the present government on the instructions of Minister of Interior.
Afzal Dhandla said now the issuance of official and gratis passports is strictly according to the laid down policy.
He said that potable water was provided through various point at G-10, F-8, G-5, I-9 Markaz, and I-10 Markaz.
Afzal Dhnadla said that public drinking water filtration plants were installed at different sectors for provision of potable water.
Drinking water connections at bus stops and parks were not provided due to non-availability of network.
He said that Rs. 8.1 million was allocated for operation and maintenance of water filtration plants in current financial year.
To another question, he said that paper mulberry trees were introduced in Islamabad in early 70s to improve the green cover of Islamabad. At that time most of the area was totally barren and efforts were made to enhance the greenery of Islamabad.
Afzal Dhandla said that at that time it was also not known that it will cause pollen allergy in the city. However, in 1992, it was identified as the major cause of the pollen allergy in Islamabad. No inquiry has been conducted on this ground.
Metro Corporation Islamabad (MCI) is planting indigenous environment friendly trees in tree plantation drives. The most common indigenous and environmental friendly trees which were being planted are Amatlas, Kachnar, Celtis, Chir Pine, Arjan, Siris etc, he added.
Afzal Dhandla said that it will improve city aesthetic and landscape, conserve biodiversity, reduce the impact of urbanization and climate change.
Parliamentary Secretary said that water to Islamabad is supplied from Simly Dam and to Rawalpindi from Rawal Dam.
He said that there was a proposal to provide water from Tarbela Dam, not from Ghazi Barotha Dam to Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
To a question, he said that carpeting of streets and roads was a regular feature of the Capital Development Authority (CDA). Market Roads Maintenance Directorate conducts a survey of roads in a state of disrepair and streets carries out repairs as per availability of funds.
He said that MCI is responsible for maintenance of approximately 44,000 street and road light. Three complaint offices have been established in Sector G-6, G-10 and I-8.
