ISLAMABAD, March 27, 2014: The Balochistan Assembly adopted two resolutions during the 5th sitting of its 8th session on Thursday, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the proceedings.

Jointly tabled by four PML-N lawmakers, the House adopted a resolution seeking the restoration of the previous status of Naseerabad by declaring it B-Area and non-merger of Levies Force from the Police in the district.

The second resolution was tabled by a PML-N legislator, seeking to declare Tehsil Dukki, a calamity-hit area and the provision of financial assistance to the locals for rebuilding their houses and cultivating their lands. It was also adopted.

Three other resolutions that were not taken up include giving the status of tehsil to Tobab Kakari, the illegal allotment of land on Sirki Road to fruit and vegetable market instead of educational institutions and the establishment of BC Wing in Zhob.

Sponsored by a PkMAP lawmaker, the House took up a calling attention notice (CAN) regarding an advertisement appeared in a section of press on March 26, 2014, seeking applications under Primary Education Promoting Program with a bank draft in favour of Kumak Social Welfare Organization. The mover said it is a fake advertisement which was confirmed by the provincial education minister who also assured the House of taking prompt action against those involved in the fraud.

The ANP and JUI-F lawmakers staged a walkout over the non-release of funds to them under the Public Sector Development Program. They did not return to the House until the adjournment of the sitting.

Following are some key observations of the proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Balochistan Assembly met for an hour and 49 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1143 hours against the scheduled time of 1100 hours, witnessing a delay of 43 minutes.
• Thirty-six members were present at the outset while 28 at the adjournment of the sitting.
• The Speaker chaired the entire sitting.
• The Chief Minister attended the entire sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was absent.
• The parliamentary leaders of NP, PkMAP, ANP, MWM and PML-N were present.
• Six members applied for leave.
• Two minority members were present during the sitting. 

Output

• Jointly tabled by four PML-N lawmakers, the House adopted a resolution seeking the restoration of the previous status of Naseerabad by declaring it B-Area and non-merger of Levies Force from the Police in the district.
• The second resolution was tabled by a PML-N legislator seeking to declare Tehsil Dukki a calamity-hit area and the provision of financial assistance to the locals for rebuilding their houses and cultivating their lands. It was also adopted.

Representation and Responsiveness

• Sponsored by a PkMAP lawmaker, the House took up a calling attention notice (CAN) regarding an advertisement appeared in a section of press on March 26, 2014, seeking applications under Primary Education Promoting Program with a bank draft in favour of Kumak Social Welfare Organization. The mover said it is a fake advertisement which was confirmed by the provincial education minister who also assured the House of taking prompt action against those involved in the fraud.
• None of the starred questions (requiring oral as well as written answers) out of 13 appearing on the agenda were taken up.

Order and Institutionalization

• Lawmakers spoke on seven points of order for 23 minutes.
• ANP and JUI-F lawmakers staged a walkout over the non-release of funds to them under Public Sector Development Program. They did not return to the House until the adjournment of the sitting.

Transparency

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

The Daily Factsheet is based on direct observation of Balochistan Assembly proceedings conducted by Center for Peace and Development (CPD), a Member organization of FAFEN.