ISLAMABAD, August 23, 2013: The National Assembly did not take up two Calling Attention Notices on the issues of recent terrorist attacks on trains and likelihood of increase in the rates of security deposit for gas supply during the eighth sitting of the fourth session.

Out of the 20 questions on the Orders of the Day, seven were taken up and answered by relevant ministers. Additionally, MNAs asked eight supplementary questions.

The debate on the presidential address to the parliament’s joint session on June 10, 2013 was put off.

The entire sitting was chaired by the Speaker. The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting and the Leader of the Opposition remained present for one hour and 17 minutes.

Following are some key observations of the proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The National Assembly met for one hour and 30 minutes.
• The sitting started 45 minutes late at 1115 hours instead of the scheduled start time of 1030 hours.
• Ninety Members were present at the sitting’s start and 92 at the end. At one point, there were a maximum of 120 Members in the House.
• The Speaker chaired the entire sitting and Deputy Speaker was not present.
• The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting.
• Leader of the Opposition attended the sitting for one hour and 17 minutes.
• Parliamentary leaders of MQM, PkMAP, AMLP and the PTI’s deputy parliamentary leader attended the proceedings.
• Ten MNAs applied for leave.
• Seven minority Members were present.

Representation and Responsiveness

• Out of the 20 starred questions on the agenda, seven were taken up and answered by the relevant Ministers. Lawmakers also asked eight supplementary questions.
• The house did not take up two Calling Attention Notices on the agenda. The notices were regarding recent terrorist attacks on Pakistan Railways’ trains as well as insufficient security arrangements for the passengers and likelihood of increase by SNGPL and SSGCL in the rates of security deposit from Rs.1500 to Rs.4500 for supply of gas to the consumers.
• A discussion on a Motion of Thanks on the Presidential address was put off.

Order and Institutionalization

• MNAs spoke on 26 points of order for 35 minutes.
• No incident of protest/walkout/boycott was observed.

Transparency

• Orders of the Day were available to the legislators, observers and others.
• Information on members’ attendance was not available to the observers and the public.  

The 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