ISLAMABAD, August 27, 2014: Starting 40 minutes behind scheduled time, the National Assembly continued debate on political situation in the country during the 15th sitting of 14th session on Wednesday, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).
Eight lawmakers – PML-N (4), JUI-F (2) and one each of PPPP and ANP – took part in the debate on motion under rule 259 regarding prevailing political situation in the country for an hour and 41 minutes.
The Prime Minister addressed the House for 20 minutes while Minister for Railways briefed the National Assembly about the negotiations being held with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan Awami Tehreek to overcome the political crisis.
The Prime Minster attended the sitting for 60 minutes and while the Leader of the Opposition was present for 45 minutes.
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 chaired the entire sitting. The Deputy Speaker was also present.
- The Prime Minister attended the sitting for 60 minutes while the Leader of the Opposition was present for 45 minutes.
- Sixty-two lawmakers (18% of the total membership) were present at the outset while 45 (13%) at the adjournment of the sitting. A maximum of 185 members (54%) were observed to be present at one point during the sitting.
- The parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, ANP, QWP, JI and JUI-F attended the sitting.
- Five minority members attended the sitting.
- Eight lawmakers applied for leave.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Eight lawmakers – PML-N (4), JUI-F (2) and one each of PPPP and ANP – took part in the debate on Motion under Rule 259 regarding prevailing political situation in the country for an hour and 41 minutes.
Order and Institutionalization
- There were no instances of protests, boycotts or walkouts.
- No Points of Order were 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
