ISLAMABAD, June 16, 2014: The National Assembly adopted a resolution supporting the decision of the government to launch military operation against militants in tribal areas during 9th sitting of 12th session on Monday, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet.
Tabled by Minister for Science and Technology, the House adopted the resolution with majority vote giving assurance to stand should-to-shoulder with Armed Forces till final victory and also calling upon the federal and provincial governments to provide assistance to the displaced persons.
The Prime Minister briefed the House about the decision to launch military operation. The House later held debate that continued for two hours and 24 minutes. Four PML-N lawmakers participated in it, followed by one each lawmaker of PPPP, PTI, MQM, JI, PkMAP, QWP, JUI-F and an Independent legislator.
Starting 25 minutes behind schedule, the Lower House met for six hours and 17 minutes and took 38-minute breaks. A PPPP lawmaker fell on the ground while delivering speech due to low blood sugar, however, he came back to senses after a short while.
Five members of PML-N followed by PPPP (4), MQM (3), PTI (2) and one each of PkMAP, JUI-F and an Independent legislator took part in the budget debate that continued for three hours and four minutes.
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in the House Proceedings:
- The National Assembly met for six hours and 17 minutes.
- The House had two prayer breaks of 38 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1625 hours against the scheduled time of 1600 hours, witnessing a delay of 25 minutes.
- The Speaker presided over the sitting for two hours and 51 minutes while the Deputy Speaker chaired the rest of the proceedings.
- The Prime Minister attended the sitting for 15 minutes while the Leader of the Opposition was present for two hours and 16 minutes.
- The Finance Minister attended the sitting for 55 minutes.
- The parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, MQM, AMLP, QWP, APML, JI, PTI and BNP attended the sitting.
- Sixty-two lawmakers were present at the outset while 34 at the adjournment of the sitting. A maximum of 218 members were observed to be present at one point during the sitting.
- Nine minority members attended the sitting.
- Seven members applied for leave.
Output
- Tabled by Minister for Science and Technology, the House adopted the resolution with majority vote giving assurance to stand should-to-shoulder with Armed Forces till final victory and also calling upon the federal and provincial governments to provide assistance to the displaced persons.
Representation and Responsiveness
- The House held debate on the military operation in tribal areas that continued for two hours and 24 minutes. Four PML-N lawmakers participated in it followed by one each member of PPPP, PTI, MQM, JI, PkMAP, QWP, JUI-F and an Independent legislator.
- Five members of PML-N followed by PPPP (4), MQM (3), PTI (2) and one each of PkMAP, JUI-F and an Independent legislator took part in budget debate that continued for three hours and four minutes.
Order and Institutionalization
- There were no incidents of protests, walkouts and boycotts.
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
