After successfully observing the proceedings of the National Assembly, FAFEN has started observation of the provincial assemblies – Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan – and the Senate. This report is based on FAFENs direct observation of the 20th session of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly (KP), which was held between September 9 and October 6, 2011.

The Assembly proceedings are observed using a robust methodology based on the rules of procedure and business. The observers collect information on all major types of parliamentary businesses on a standardized checklist. The data is analyzed together with that acquired from other parliamentary sources to prepare session-wise reports.

FAFEN will also start releasing daily factsheets on the Assembly’s proceedings. These factsheets are released on the same day the sittings are held to provide media and other interested stakeholders vital statistics on the proceedings to encourage informed public discourse on Assembly’s performance.

During the 20th session, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly had 12 sittings that lasted a total of 26 hours and 55 minutes, the average duration being two hours and 15 minutes each. Every sitting started late an average delay of 43 minutes. The attendance of Members was observed to be low during the session with an average 45 Members present at the outset, and 44 at the end of each sitting. The Speaker attended 10 sittings while the Deputy Speaker was present in seven. The Chief Minister did not attend the entire session, while the Leader of Opposition attended seven sittings.

The House took up most of the agenda items that appeared on the Orders of the Day, primarily due to 203 Points of Order. However, none of the Points of Order raised by Members attracted the Chair’s formal ruling. Unless the Chair gives such ruling on a Point of Order, speeches and rejoinders do not lead to any Assembly output.

Although the Quorum was visibly lacking at various stages of the session, it was not pointed out by any Legislator. The Assembly passed five Government Bills, but did not take up any of the Private Members’ Bills.

Out of the 34 Calling Attention Notices on the Orders of the Day, 28 were discussed in the House. The provincial Assembly adopted 11 out of 14 Resolutions. The Members of the PMLN and ANP sponsored eight Resolutions each, PPPP and MMAP seven each, and PML and PPPS moved five Resolutions each.

A total of 89 starred Questions (requiring oral answers) were raised during the session.

The House witnessed three walkouts. The Members of the MMAP, PMLN, PML and PPPS staged a 10-minute walkout to protest the Chair’s formal ruling on a supplementary question. The session witnessed another walkout by the MMAP, PMLN, PML and PPPS Legislators over the conduct of an ANP Member. On the other hand, an ANP Member walked out in protest over the Chair’s conduct.

For complete report, please click here