ISLAMABAD, February 27, 2014: The National Assembly passed National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (Amendment) Bill, 2013 during fourth sitting of the 9th session on Thursday, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the proceedings.
Tabled by Minister for Defence Production, the Lower House passed the bill to amend Section 3 of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee Ordinance, 2002 to include the Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court as member of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee.
Parliamentary Secretary for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics & Privatization introduced the Credit Bureaus Bill, 2014 to provide for the incorporation and functioning of credit bureaus and matters connected therewith and incidental thereto.
The Parliamentary Secretary also laid Fiscal and Debt Policy Statements for the year 2013-2014 as required by sections 6 and 7 for the Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act, 2005.
Sponsored by five PPPP female lawmakers, the House took up calling attention notice (CAN) regarding highest infant mortality rates in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was present for 29 minutes. The parliamentary leaders of ANP, APML, AMLP, QWP-S, JI and PML-Z 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 59 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1050 hours against the scheduled time of 1030 hours, witnessing a delay of 20 minutes.
- The Speaker chaired the sitting for two hours and 34 minutes while a member of panel of chairpersons presided over the proceedings for 25 minutes.
- The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was present for 29 minutes.
- The parliamentary leaders of ANP, APML, AMLP, QWP-S, JI and PML-Z attended the proceedings.
- Forty-three (43) members were present at the outset while 81 were there at the adjournment. A maximum of 129 members were observed to be present at one point of sitting.
- Five minority members attended the sitting.
- Nine members applied for leave.
Output
- National Assembly passed the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee (Amendment) Bill, 2013 to include the Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court as member of the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee.
- Parliamentary Secretary for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics & Privatization introduced the Credit Bureaus Bill, 2014.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Sponsored by five PPPP female lawmakers, the House took up calling attention notice (CAN) regarding highest infant mortality rates in Pakistan.
- The House did not take another CAN sponsored by five PML-N female legislators regarding control on the use of illegal arms in the country.
- Parliamentary Secretary for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics & Privatization laid Fiscal and Debt Policy Statements for the year 2013-2014 as required by sections 6 and 7 for the Fiscal Responsibility and Debt Limitation Act, 2005.
- Eleven of 32 starred questions (requiring oral as well written answers) on the Orders of the Day were taken up. Additionally, members asked nine supplementary questions.
Order and Institutionalization
- Legislators spoke on 28 important matters under rule 18 for an hour and 29 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
