ISLAMABAD, August 21, 2014: The National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution rejecting the ‘unconstitutional demands’ from certain political parties for the resignation of Prime Minister and the dissolution of the Lower House of the Parliament during the 11th sitting of 14th session on Thursday, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).
The resolution was tabled by the PkMAP Parliamentary Leader. Nine legislators – PML-N (4), PPPP (2) and one each from MQM, PML-Z and QWP – took part in a debate on a motion under Rule 259 regarding prevailing political situation in the country. The discussion continued for an hour and 36 minutes.
The Prime Minister attended the sitting for an hour and five minutes while the Leader of the Opposition was present for 28 minutes. The House prayed for the early recovery of a MQM lawmaker who suffered a heart attack. The sitting was adjourned for 1100 hours on Friday.
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in the House Proceedings:
- The National Assembly met for an hour and 50 minutes.
- The sitting began at 1140 hours against the scheduled time of 1100 hours witnessing a delay of 40 minutes.
- The Speaker presided over the entire sitting and the Deputy Speaker was also present.
- The Prime Minister attended the sitting for an hour and five minutes while the Leader of the Opposition was present for 28 minutes.
- Ninety-five lawmakers (28%) were present at the outset while 109 (32%) at the adjournment of the sitting. A maximum of 194 members (57%) were observed to be present at one point during the sitting.
- The parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, JI, QWP, JUI-F, PML-Z and ANP attended the sitting.
- Six minority members attended the sitting.
- Two lawmakers applied for leave.
Output
- The House unanimously adopted a resolution rejecting the ‘unconstitutional demands’ from certain political parties for the resignation of Prime Minister and the dissolution of the Lower House of the Parliament.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Nine legislators – PML-N (4), PPPP (2) and one each of MQM, PML-Z and QWP – took part in a debate on a motion under Rule 259 regarding the prevailing political situation in the country. The discussion continued for an hour and 36 minutes.
Order and Institutionalization
- There was no instance of protest, boycott or walkout.
- No point of order was raised by any of the lawmaker.
Transparency
- ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
- Information on members’ attendance was not available to 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 National Assembly proceedings conducted by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI); a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions excepted
