ISLAMABAD, August 25, 2014: The National Assembly amid low attendance continued debate on prevailing political situation in the country emerged after long marches in Islamabad during 13th sitting of its 14th session on Monday, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).
Seven legislators – PML-N (3), PPPP (2), JUI-F (one) and an Independent lawmaker– participated in the debate on a motion under Rule 259 that continued for an hour and 30 minutes.
Tabled by Minister for Science and Technology, the House passed a motion to suspend the agenda of Tuesday (August 26) for discussion on the motion under Rule 259 about political situation.
The Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition did not attend the sitting. The sitting was adjourned for 1100 hours on Tuesday.
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in the House Proceedings:
- The National Assembly met for two hours and 10 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1820 hours against the scheduled time of 1700 hours witnessing a delay of an hour and 20 minutes.
- The Speaker presided over the entire sitting and the Deputy Speaker was also present.
- The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition did not attend the sitting.
- Eighty lawmakers (23%) were present at the outset while 77 (22%) at the adjournment of the sitting. A maximum of 118 members (34%) were observed to be present at one point during the sitting.
- The parliamentary leaders of JI, BNP-A, MQM and QWP attended the sitting.
- Five minority members attended the sitting.
- Seven lawmakers applied for leave.
Representation and Responsiveness
- The House continued its discussion on a motion under Rule 259 regarding the prevailing political situation in the country.
- Seven legislators – PML-N (3), PPPP (2), JUI-F (one) and an Independent lawmaker- participated in the debate that continued for an hour and 30 minutes.
- Tabled by Minister for Science and Technology, the House passed a motion to suspend the agenda of Tuesday (August 26) for discussion on political situation.
Order and Institutionalization
- There was no instance of protest, boycott or walkout.
- Two points of order consumed three minutes of the proceedings.
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
