Debate on water related issues consumes 68% of sitting time
ISLAMABAD, January 28: Four bills were introduced in the National Assembly on Tuesday, while the legislators spoke on the commenced resolution, urging the federal government to resolve water related issues with India, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation.
The bills, introduced on a Private Members day during the second sitting of 8th session of the Lower House, include The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2014 (Articles 51 and 106), The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2014 (Insertion of new sections 166-A, 166-B, 76-A, 177-B, 176-C, 176-D, 176-E, 176-F, 176-G, 176-H and Amendment in Schedule II), The Education of the Holy Quran according to recitation by sighting and with translation, learning by heart and with correct pronunciation Bill, 2014 and The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2014 (Articles 51 and 106).
The House later referred all these bills to the relevant standing committees for further consideration, who might club two similar bills into one.
Twenty legislators spoke on the commenced resolution for 95 minutes (68 % of the sitting time), urging the government to resolve the issue of construction of dams by India on Pakistani waters.
Jointly sponsored by three females and one male legislator of PML-N, a Calling Attention Notice (CAN) regarding delay in the processing of applications for National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), especially their renewal by NADRA offices in the Consulates of Pakistan in the United Kingdom, was taken up by the House.
The House did not take up another CAN that was relating to the slow implementation of polio vaccination programme in the Federal Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
A total of 61 members were present at the outset, while 95 were there at the adjournment of the sitting.
The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was there for 20 minutes. Parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, QWP-S, JI, PML-F, MQM and AMLP attended the proceedings.
Following are some key observations of the parliamentary business:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings
- The National Assembly met for two hours and 19 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1100 hours against the scheduled time of 1030 hours, witnessing a delay of 30 minutes.
- The Deputy Speaker presided over the sitting for an hour and forty minutes while the rest of proceedings were chaired by a member of Panel of Chairpersons.
- The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition remained present for 20 minutes.
- Parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, QWP-S, JI, PML-F, MQM and AMLP were present.
- Sixty-one (61) members were present at the outset, while 95 were there at the adjournment of the sitting. A maximum of 143 members were observed to be present at one point of sitting.
- Eight minority members attended the sitting.
- Five members applied for leave.
Output
- Four bills were introduced in the House, including The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2014 ( Articles 51 and 106), The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2014 (Insertion of new sections 166-A, 166-B, 76-A, 177-B, 176-C, 176-D, 176-E, 176-F, 176-G, 176-H and Amendment in Schedule II), The Education of the Holy Quran according to recitation by sighting and with translation, learning by heart and with correct pronunciation Bill, 2014 and The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2014 ( Articles 51 and 106).
Representation and Responsiveness
- Jointly sponsored by three females and one male legislator of PML-N, a Calling Attention Notice (CAN) regarding delay in processing of the applications for National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), especially their renewal by NADRA offices in the Consulates of Pakistan in the United Kingdom, was taken up by the House.
- Twenty legislators spoke on the commenced resolution moved by PPPP female legislator for 95 minutes (68 % of the sitting time), urging the government to resolve the issue of dams by India on waters of Pakistan.
Order and Institutionalization
- MNAs spoke on nine important matters under Rule 18 for twelve minutes
- No instance of protest, walkout or boycott was witnessed during the sitting
Transparency
- ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
- Information on members’ attendance was not available to 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 National Assembly proceedings conducted by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI); a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions excepted
