ISLAMABAD, August 28, 2014: Staring 37 minutes behind schedule, the National Assembly witnessed low attendance of legislators as only 53 were present at the outset while 77 were there at the adjournment of the 16th sitting of 14th session, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).
The House continued debate on the Motion under Rule 259 regarding the prevailing political situation in the country. A total of nine legislators – PML-N (six), PPPP (two) and PkMAP (one) -spoke on the motion for 75 minutes.
The Federal Minister for Defence addressed the House for 12 minutes while State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs for four minutes. The Prime Minster did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was present for 66 minutes.
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in the House Proceedings:
- The National Assembly met for an hour and 29 minutes.
- The sitting began at 1137 hours against the scheduled time of 1100 hours witnessing a delay of 37 minutes.
- The Speaker chaired the entire sitting. The Deputy Speaker was also present.
- The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was present for 66 minutes.
- Fifty-three lawmakers (15% of the total membership) were present at the outset while 77 (23%) at the adjournment of the sitting. A maximum of 120 members (35%) were observed to be present at one point during the sitting.
- The parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, ANP, QWP and PML-Z attended the sitting.
- Three minority members attended the sitting.
- Sixteen lawmakers applied for leave.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Nine legislators – PML-N (six), PPPP (two) and PkMAP (one) -spoke on the motion under rule 259 regarding political situation in the country for 75 minutes.
Order and Institutionalization
- There were no instances of protests, boycotts or walkouts.
- One point of order consumed one minute of the proceedings’ time
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
