ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly (NA) was informed on Monday that Prime Minister (PM) Nawaz Sharif has to go abroad for his treatment as Pakistan lacks facilities.

During the question hour, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sheikh Aftab Ahmad told the House that Rs 2.76 million had been spent in this regard.

The lawmakers were also informed that the government has taken various steps to improve performance of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

The minister said PIA earned a gross operating profit of Rs 2.83 billion in the first quarter of the previous year. He said PIA has acquired 18 fuel efficient aircraft during the last two years.

He said the national flag carrier launched premier service on London route. He said PIA has obtained A-330-300 aircraft from Sri Lankan Airlines to compete with rival airlines on the route.

He said due to induction of more aircraft in the fleet, the punctuality of flights has increased to above 90 percent.

He said cabin crew training centres have been established in Lahore, Nawabshah, Swat, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta and Karachi.

To a question, Parliamentary Secretary Ashiq Hussain told the House that seven trains are being run under public-private partnership. He said commercial management of some trains has been taken over the Pakistan Railways due to the default committed by contractor.

The National Assembly was informed in writing that Pakistan is fourth most dangerous country for media. The NA was informed that NAP was formed to protect the media workers.

To a calling attention notice moved by Tahira Aurangzeb and others regarding the TV dramas promoting divorce in the country, State Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb told the House that media plays an important role in shaping society.

She said any news or entertainment content violating societal norms should be stopped and the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority has sent advisories to all TV channels in this regard.

She said the government is also organising training courses for news and entertainment industry to take the society to a positive direction. She said the government is also going to organise a national artist convention in coming days.

PML-N lawmaker Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told the House that new hospitals are under construction and PC-1 of some projects has been completed. He said that 27 out of 39 reports regarding the CDA have been received. He said no medical tower was under construction in PIMS