ISLAMABAD, June 17, 2013: The newly-elected provincial government presented its first budget in the Punjab Assembly as two-third (67%) of the Members attended the first sitting, reports Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its daily factsheet based on direct observation of the parliamentary proceedings.
The Provincial Minister for Finance presented the budget during the first sitting of the second session. He spoke for an hour and 20 minutes.
The Chief Minister was present for an hour and 39 minutes while his counterpart – the Leader of the Opposition – attended the entire sitting.
Following are some key observations of the proceedings:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings
- The Punjab Assembly met for an hour and 47 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1745 hours against the scheduled starting time of 1600 hours, witnessing a delay of an hour and 15 minutes.
- The Speaker chaired the entire sitting.
- A total of 207 Members (56% of total membership – 371) were present at the outset while 225 (61%) were there at the adjournment. A maximum of 249 (67%) Members were present at one point of sitting.
- The Chief Minister was present for an hour and 39 minutes, while the Leader of the Opposition attended the entire sitting.
- Four minority Members were present.
Representation and Responsiveness
- The Punjab Assembly adopted a Resolution condemning the terrorist attacks on Quaid-i-Azam residency in Ziarat, and Women University Bus and Bolan medical complex in Quetta.
Output
- The Provincial Minister of Finance presented the Finance Bill 2013-13. He spoke for an hour and 20 minutes.
- The Supplementary Budget Statement for the year 2012-13 was also presented to the House.
Order and Institutionalization
- No Points of Order were raised during the sitting.
- There were no instances of protests, boycotts or walkouts.
Transparency
- Orders of the Day was available to the legislators, observers and others.
- Information on members’ attendance was not available to the observers and the public.
- Copies of the budget speech were available to the legislators.
The Daily Factsheet is based on direct observation of Punjab Assembly proceedings conducted by PATTAN, a member organization of FAFEN
