ISLAMABAD, August 26, 2014: Starting 43 minutes behind schedule, the National Assembly witnessed low attendance of MNAs as 61 legislators were present at the outset while 60 were there at the adjournment of the 14th sitting on Tuesday, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).
The Quorum was visibly lacking at various stages of the sitting. However, it was not pointed out by any of the legislators.
Meeting for two hours and nine minutes, the House continued debate on the prevailing political situation on a motion under Rule 259. Eleven legislators spoke on the motion for 120 minutes. The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was there for 27 minutes.
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in the House Proceedings:
- The National Assembly met for two hours and nine minutes.
- The sitting started at 1143 hours against the scheduled time of 1100 hours witnessing a delay of 43 minutes.
- The Speaker chaired the sitting for 35 minutes while the remaining time was presided over by the Deputy Speaker.
- The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was there for 27 minutes.
- Sixty-one lawmakers (18% out of the total membership) were present at the outset while 60 were there at the adjournment. A maximum of 92 members (27%) were observed to be present at one point during the sitting.
- The parliamentary leaders of JUI-F, BNP-A, PkMAP, JI, ANP, PML-Z and MQM attended the sitting.
- Four minority members attended the sitting.
- Eight legislators applied for leave.
Representation and Responsiveness
- The House continued debate on a Motion under Rule 259 about the prevailing political situation in the country. Eleven lawmakers – PML-N (8), PPPP (two) and JUI-F (one)- spoke on the motion for two hours.
Order and Institutionalization
- There were no instances of protests, boycotts or walkouts.
- Three Points of Order consumed five minutes of the proceedings.
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.
- The Quorum was visibly lacking at various stages of the sitting. However, it was not pointed out by any of the legislators.
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.
