ISLAMABAD, June 24, 2014: The Sindh Assembly concluded the debate on annual budget for 2014-2015 on Tuesday during 8th sitting of its 13th session, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet.
Seven lawmakers, including the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, spoke on the budget for four hours and 47 minutes. The Chief Minister winded up the debate taking an hour and 58 minutes of the proceedings. Three members of the ruling PPPP, two of PML-F, and one each of MQM and PML-N took part in the debate.
Moreover, 31 lawmakers made speeches congratulating the Speaker and the provincial government on relocation of the Provincial Assembly to new building. The felicitations consumed an hour and 38 minutes of the sitting.
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings:
- The Sindh Assembly met for six hours and 34 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1030 hours against the scheduled time of 1000 hours, witnessing a delay of half an hour.
- The Speaker chaired the entire sitting while the Deputy Speaker was also present.
- The Chief Minister was present for 4 hours and 40 minutes while the Leader of the Opposition attended the entire sitting.
- The parliamentary leaders of PML-N, PPPP, PTI, MQM, NPP and PML-F attended the sitting.
- Sixty-nine members were present at the outset while 96 at the adjournment. A maximum of 109 members were observed to be present at one point during the sitting.
- Six minority members attended the sitting.
- A member applied for the leave.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Seven lawmakers, including the Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, spoke on the budget for four hours and 47 minutes. The Chief Minister took an hour and 58 minutes to wind up the debate. Three members of the ruling PPPP, two of PML-F, and one each of MQM and PML-N took part in the general discussion.
- Moreover, 31 lawmakers made speeches congratulating the Speaker and the provincial government on relocation of the Provincial Assembly to new building. The felicitations consumed an hour and 38 minutes of the proceedings.
Transparency
- ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
- Information on members’ attendance was available to observers and the public.
The Daily Factsheet is based on direct observation of Sindh Assembly proceedings conducted by Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), a member organization of FAFEN
