ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (DNA): Minister for Information and Broadcasting told Senate on Thursday that necessary steps have been taken for protection of archaeological sites in the country.In a written reply to a question, the Minister said the Department of Archaeology and Museums has protected 403 historical sites and monuments.He, however, said administrative control of the protected sites and monuments has now been transferred to the provinces concerned under 18th amendment of the constitution.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has informed the House that anti-narcotics force run Model Addiction and Treatment and Rehabilitation Centres, one each at Islamabad, Quetta and Karachi.

He said these centres provide free treatment, boarding and lodging facility to drug addicts.

The House adopted recommendations made by Standing Committee on Finance on The Income Tax Amendment Bill 2015.

The Senate unanimously passed a resolution felicitating the nation on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day and reiterating its commitment to uphold vision of the Quaid-e-Azam for a democratic, moderate and progressive state.

The resolution was moved by leader of the House Raja Muhammad Zafar ul Haq.

The resolution pointed out that the Quaid-e-Azam envisioned Pakistan a state governed by rule of law and that guarantees equal rights to all citizens.

The House resolved that in the spirit of federalism the Upper House of the Parliament shall continue to protect rights of the federating units.

The Senate was assured that interest of consumers and issues like provision of electricity to K-Electric from national grid would be taken care of during renegotiation of the contract with K-Electric.

Winding up debate on an adjournment motion relating to the summer heat-wave and power cuts by K-Electric in Karachi, Minister of State for Interior Baligh-ur Rehman said the company is not fulfilling its commitment under the contract concluded during privatization of KESC.

He said the company is required to invest in generation, transmission and distribution, but it has not made necessary investment. He said the company focused improvement of the system for industry but ignored domestic consumers.

The Minister of State said K-Electric has installed capacity of 3,108 MW but it never produced over 2,400 MW.