Circular debt decreased by Rs9bn, NA told

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Energy (Power Division) informed the National Assembly Wednesday that during the first six months of the current financial year, the circular debt decreased by Rs9 billion, from Rs2,393 billion at the end of June 2024 to Rs2,384 billion by the end of December 2024.

In a written reply to a question from Rai Hasan Nawaz Khan, the Power Division stated that the circular debt had not increased during this financial year. Due to the continuous efforts of the government, there has been a decrease in the circular debt.

In response to another question, the House was told that 27 brands of bottled drinking water have been declared unsafe for consumption, while 194 brands have been deemed safe.

The House was informed that Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) canceled licenses of two bottled drinking water brands, issued notices to six manufacturing units for illegal production, and seized their stocks. It was also noted that some illegal manufacturing units remain untraceable.

In a reply to another question, the National Assembly was informed that toll tax on motorways and national highways has been increased after six years, with the process being implemented gradually. Responding to a question from Shagufta Jumani and other members, Gul Asghar Khan stated that the National Highway Authority (NHA) was responsible for maintaining 14,000 kilometers of roads without receiving government funding. Instead, funds are generated through toll collection under the NHA Act. He noted that toll rates are revised every three years, but due to Covid-19, there had been no increase for six years. The recent adjustments are part of a gradual increase in toll rates. He further explained that, according to the law, a toll plaza can be established every 60 kilometers.