ISLAMABAD: Lawmakers at the Upper House o parliament on Friday said that ideology and teaching of Sufi saints should be promoted to reject extremist mindset.
Expressing concerns on extremist ideology and access of students to the literature, the said that educational institutions should be strictly monitored to check their activities.
They emphasised on the need to amend the curriculum to curb extremist tendencies among the youth. They also called for providing correct material of the history of Pakistan to students.
Meanwhile, the Senate was informed on Friday that the government was taking various steps to enhance exports of the country.
Replying to a question during the questions hour, Minister for Commerce and Textile Muhammad Pervaiz Malik said that trade development authority was undertaking export promotional activities through trade exhibitions and delegations.
He said that the government had introduced zero-rating regime for five export sectors, including textile, leather, carpets, surgical and sports to promote exports of the value-added sectors.
Separately, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmed told his colleagues that the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) had formally started its flights to Bangkok and Najaf.
He said PIA was rationalising its routes network from time to time and in light of that policy some loss making routes had been closed, while additional flights were introduced on viable routes.
While responding to a calling attention notice moved by Tahir Hussain Mashhadi regarding the increase in number of HIV/AIDS patients in Pakistan, State Minister for for Inter-Provincial Coordination Dr Darshan said that the government was taking various steps for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS.
The minister said that 26 treatment facilities, 12 prevention centres and various community centres had been established across the country where diagnostic and treatment facilities were available to patients.
He said that government was also cooperating with provinces for treatment and diagnosis of HIV/AIDS.
In yet another development, the Senate passed ‘The Marine Insurance Bill, 2017’. The bill is aimed at regulating the business of marine insurance.
The house also resumed discussion on state institutions and their role in the scheme of tracheotomy of power.
Participating in the debate, senators said that parliament should be held supreme. Members stressed the need for better understanding, coordination and harmony among all state institutions to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
The chair in his remarks said that all the institutions must play their role within the ambit of the constitution.
Later, the House was adjourned to meet again on Monday.
Published in Daily Times, November 4th 2017.
