ISLAMABAD, June 12, 2014: Nineteen lawmakers took part in the budget debate for five hours and 39 minutes during 6th sitting of the National Assembly’s 12th session on Thursday, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet.
Five PML-N legislators, three members each of PPPP, PTI and MQM, two members of JUI-F and one lawmaker each of JI, PkMAP and an independent expressed their views on the federal budget 2014-15.
The Prime Minister attended the sitting for 42 minutes while the Leader of the Opposition was present for two hours and 39 minutes. The Finance Minister attended the sitting for 45 minutes.
Following are some key observations of the parliamentary business:
Members’ Participation in the House Proceedings:
- The National Assembly met for six hours and 40 minutes.
- The House had a prayer break of 38 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1020 hours against the scheduled time of 1000 hours, witnessing a delay of 20 minutes.
- The Speaker presided over the sitting for two hours and 57 minutes while the remaining proceedings were chaired by the Deputy Speaker.
- The Prime Minister attended the sitting for 42 minutes while the Leader of the Opposition was present for two hours and 39 minutes.
- The parliamentary leaders of JI, MQM, PkMAP, AMLP, PML-Z, QWP, APML and PML attended the sitting.
- Thirty-three lawmakers were present at the outset while 34 at the adjournment of the sitting. A maximum of 224 members were observed to be present at one point during the sitting.
- Seven minority members attended the sitting.
- Six members applied for leave.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Nineteen lawmakers took part in the budget debate for five hours and 39 minutes.
- Five PML-N legislators, three members each of PPPP, PTI and MQM, two members of JUI-F and one lawmaker each of JI, PkMAP and an independent expressed their views on the federal budget 2014-15.
Order and Institutionalization
- Lawmakers raised seven points of order consuming 12 minutes of the proceedings.
- There were no incidents of protests, walkouts and boycotts.
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
