ISLAMABAD, June 10, 2014: The National Assembly unanimously adopted two resolutions condemning terrorist attacks on old terminal of Karachi airport and pilgrims in Taftan during 4th sitting of 12th session on Tuesday, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet.
Tabled by Minister for Science and Technology, the House adopted both resolutions condemning terrorism and sectarianism in all its forms and manifestation and paid rich tributes to the brave personnel of Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies.
Leader of the Opposition resumed his budget speech and spoke for two hours and ten minutes. Three lawmakers also participated in the debate. A PML-N lawmaker took the floor for an hour and 11 minutes, followed by PTI legislator for an hour and three minutes while MQM member spoke for five minutes. The Chair allowed the PML-N lawmaker to clarify his position when PTI lawmaker levelled allegations against him during his speech.
Minister for Interior briefed the House about the terrorist incidents in Karachi and border town of Taftan. Deputy Parliamentary Leader of PTI and one lawmaker each of PPPP and MQM also took part in the debate on prevailing law and order.
Following are some key observations of the parliamentary business:
Members’ Participation in the House Proceedings:
- The National Assembly met for seven hours and 43 minutes.
- The House had two prayer breaks for 40 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1028 hours against the scheduled time of 1000 hours, witnessing a delay of 28 minutes.
- The Speaker presided over the sitting for four hours and 32 minutes while the remaining proceedings were chaired by the Deputy Speaker.
- The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was present for two hours and 27 minutes.
- The parliamentary leaders of PTI and PML did not attend the sitting.
- Thirty-three members were present at the outset while 43 at the adjournment of the sitting. A maximum of 128 members were observed to be present at one point during the sitting.
- Three minority members attended the sitting.
- Nine members applied for leave.
Output
- Tabled by Minister for Science and Technology, the House adopted two resolutions condemning terrorist attacks on old terminal of Karachi airport and pilgrims in Taftan.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Leader of the Opposition resumed his speech on budget 2014-15 and spoke for two hours and ten minutes.
- Three legislators also took part in the budget debate. PML-N lawmaker addressed the house for an hour and 11 minutes, followed by PTI lawmaker for an hour and three minutes while MQM lawmaker took the floor for five minutes.
- Minister for Interior briefed the House about the terrorist attacks in Karachi and Taftan for 49 minutes.
- Deputy Parliamentary Leader of PTI and one lawmaker each of PPPP and MQM also participated in the debate on prevailing law and order.
Order and Institutionalization
- PTI female lawmaker pointed out quorum at 1530 hours and the sitting remained suspended for 45 minutes.
- Lawmakers spoke on five points of order consuming 12 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
