ISLAMABAD, December 4, 2013: The Senators spent two hours to discuss the recent hike in the prices of petroleum products, gas and electricity and other essential items during the third sitting of the 99th session on Wednesday, says the Daily Factsheet of Free and Fair Election Network.
The debate on the price hike started after the Chair admitted a Motion (under Rule 218) to debate the increase in prices of different commodities. Eight Members, including three of PPPP, two independent and a single Member each of ANP, MQM and PML took part in the two-hour debate.
The Chairman presided over an hour and 32 minutes of the sitting while the Deputy Chairman chaired the remaining part of the proceedings. Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition were present throughout the sitting.
Besides discussion on price hike, low interest of Senators was observed as 23 Senators were present at the outset, 25 at the adjournment and a maximum 38 at a point during the sitting.
Two Starred questions addressed to the Ministry of Finance, out of the total 12 on the agenda, were taken up and responded to by the ministry. Additionally, 20 Supplementary questions were also asked. The relevant minister for the Question Hour was absent.
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings
- The Senate met for three hours and 13 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1112 hours against the scheduled time of 1030 hours, witnessing a delay of 42 minutes.
- The Chairman presided over the sitting for 92 minutes while the remaining time was chaired by the Deputy Chairman.
- The Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition were present throughout the sitting.
- Twenty-three Senators were present at the outset, 25 at the adjournment while a maximum 38 were there at a point during the sitting.
- The relevant minister for the Question Hour was not present.
- The parliamentary leaders of PML and PML-F did not attend the sitting.
- Two minority Senators attended the sitting.
- Three lawmakers applied for leave.
Output
- The Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production laid its report titled “The Cyber Security Manual for Journalists, 2013”.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Two out of 12 Starred questions on the agenda (requiring oral replies) were taken up and responded to by the Ministry of Finance. Additionally, 20 Supplementary questions were also asked.
- The House debated a Motion (under Rule 218) regarding the recent price-hike of various commodities for two hours. Eight Members, including three belonging to PPPP, two independent and a single member each of ANP, MQM and PML spoke in the two-hour debate.
- A Calling Attention Notice regarding the process of delimitation of constituencies in the country was not taken up.
Order and Institutionalization
- No Points of Order were raised during the proceedings.
- There were no instances of protest, boycotts or walkouts during the sitting.
Transparency
- Orders of the Day were available to the legislators, observers and others.
- Information on Senators’ attendance was not available to the observers and the public.
This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of FAFEN and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. This Daily Factsheet is based on direct observation of the Senate proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization; a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions excepted
