ISLAMABAD, August 12, 2014: The National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution for strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring supremacy of the Constitution during the 7th sitting of 14th session on Tuesday, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).
After developing a consensus in the House, the Speaker suspended the agenda and allowed the House to debate on the current political situation in the country. Thirteen lawmakers – PML-N (5), PPPP and PTI (two each), PkMAP, MQM, JI and JUI-F (one each) – spoke on the issue for an hour and 29 minutes.
The National Assembly also approved amendments to Rule 5 of the Special Committee of the Parliament on Electoral Reforms. The amendments were tabled by the Federal Minister for Science and Technology.
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in the House Proceedings:
- The National Assembly met for four hours and 5 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1100 hours against the scheduled time of 1030 hours, witnessing a delay of 30 minutes.
- The Speaker presided over the sitting for an hour and 47 minutes while the remaining time was chaired by the Deputy Speaker.
- The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was present for 12 minutes.
- The parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, QWP, MQM, JI and PML-Z attended the sitting.
- Fifty-seven lawmakers (17%) were present at the outset while 31 (9%) at the adjournment of the sitting. A maximum of 113 members (33%) were observed to be present at one point during the sitting.
- The House observed 31 minutes break for prayer.
- Five minority members attended the sitting.
- Ten members applied for leave.
Output
- The National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution to strengthen democratic institutions and ensuring supremacy of the constitution. The Federal Minister for Planning and Development table the resolution.
- The National Assembly approved amendments to Rule 5 of the Special Committee of the Parliament on Electoral Reforms. The amendments were tabled by the Federal Minister for Science and Technology.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Thirteen lawmakers – PML-N (5), PPPP and PTI (two each), PkMAP, MQM, JI and JUI-F (one each) – spoke on the issue for an hour and 29 minutes.
Order and Institutionalization
- One point of order consumed 14 minutes 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
