National Assembly Discusses Measures to Prudently Deal with COVID-19 Pandemic


ISLAMABAD, May 11, 2020: The National Assembly on Monday met after a gap of around two months to discuss the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the possible measures to contain the further spread of coronavirus after easing of lockdown in the country, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet.

Following are key observations of the House proceedings during the first sitting of 21st session:

 Members’ Participation

  • The National Assembly met for three hours and 27 minutes.
  • The sitting started at 1515 hours against the scheduled time of 1500 hours.
  • The Deputy Speaker chaired the entire sitting.
  • The Leaders of the House (Prime Minister) and the Opposition did not attend the sitting.
  • As many as 110 (32%) members were present at the outset and 137 (40%) at the adjournment of the sitting.
  • The parliamentary leaders of BAP, GDA, PML-N, JWP and PPPP attended the sitting.
  • Seven out of 10 minority lawmakers were present.

 Representation and Responsiveness

  • Five lawmakers including Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Industries and Production and Communications debated a motion under Rule 259 for three hours and two minutes. This motion was about the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the possible measures to contain the further spread of the coronavirus after easing of lockdown in the country.
  • Tabled by the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs, the House passed a motion to suspend the regular agenda during the session including Question Hour to discuss a motion under Rule 259 related to situation in country after COVID-19.

 Order and Institutionalization 

  • Six lawmakers spoke on points of order for eight minutes.
  • The Chair directed the lawmakers on two occasions to keep safe distance and avoid close interaction with each other.
  • The House was adjourned to meet again on May 13, 2020 (Wednesday) at 1200 hours.

 Transparency

  • Orders of the Day was available to the legislators, observers and public.
  • Attendance of lawmakers is available on the National Assembly’s website.

This daily factsheet is based on direct observation of the National Assembly proceedings conducted by Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). Errors and omissions are excepted


Related Fact Sheets

National Assembly Prorogued after Concluding Debate on COVID-19 ( Sitting No.3; May 15, 2020)

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