ISLAMABAD, May 16, 2014: Starting 30 minutes behind the schedule, the fourth sitting of the 104th session witnessed low attendance of the Senators on Friday, as only 10 were present at the outset while 27 at the adjournment of the sitting, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet.
The quorum was visibly lacking at various stages of the sitting, however, it was not pointed out by any of the Senators.
Five lawmakers debated on an adjournment motion for 39 minutes, sponsored by five PPPP and two ANP legislators, regarding the decision of World Health Organization (WHO) to put restrictions on international travel to Pakistan on the issue of polio virus exportation.
The House approved a motion under Sub rule (1) of Rule 194 of the Rules of Procedure, to condone the delay in presentation of the committee report on the Bill further to amend the Emigration Ordinance, 1979 [The Emigration (Amendment) Bill, 2013]. The House approved it and the Chairman Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development presented the said report.
The opposition benches staged a walkout against the privatization policy of the government, however, two members belonging to PML-N and JUI-F persuaded them and they returned to the proceedings after 5 minutes
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings
- The Senate met for two hours and 14 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1030 hours against the scheduled time of 1000 hours, witnessing a delay of 30 minutes.
- The Deputy Chairman presided over the entire sitting.
- Ten senators were present at the outset, 27 at the adjournment while a maximum of 36 at one point during the proceedings.
- The parliamentary leaders of PML-N, PkMAP and PPPP attended the sitting.
- Three minority members attended the proceedings.
- The Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition attended the entire sitting.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Eight out of 39 starred questions (requiring oral as well as written replies) were taken up and responded to by the relevant ministries. Moreover, a total of 30 supplementary questions were asked.
Output
- The House passed a motion under Sub rule (1) of Rule 194 of the Rules of Procedure, to condone the delay in presentation of the committee report on the Bill further to amend the Emigration Ordinance, 1979 [The Emigration (Amendment) Bill, 2013]. After getting the approval of the House, the Chairman Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development presented the said report.
Order and Institutionalization
- Five lawmakers spoke on an adjournment motion moved by PPPP and ANP lawmakers for 39 minutes.
- The opposition benches staged a walkout against privatization policy of the government, however, two members belonging to PML-N and JUI-F persuaded them and they returned to the House after 5 minutes.
Transparency
- ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
- Information on senators’ attendance was not available to the 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 Senate proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization; a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions excepted.
