ISLAMABAD, February 13, 2014: The Punjab Assembly passed the Punjab Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2013 during fifth sitting of its ongoing 6th session on Thursday, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the proceedings.
Two PTI lawmakers spoke on the legislation and suggested some changes, but the House passed the bill without considering their amendments. Another government bill included in the agenda was not taken up.
The House disposed of two adjournment motions regarding spread of diarrhea in the province and encroachments on the land of Punjab Government Housing Foundation. Another adjournment motion regarding sale of sugarcane was deferred.
The Assembly took up two calling attention notices (CAN) regarding kidnapping for ransom case, and an incident of robbery in Nankana Sahib. The first CAN was moved by a PTI lawmaker while the other by PPPP legislator.
Twelve of the 35 starred questions (requiring oral as well as written replies) were replied to by the relevant minister while members asked 29 supplementary questions, as well. Moreover, five of the starred questions were disposed of due to absence of movers while the rest were not taken up.
Members spoke on eight points of order consuming almost five minutes of the proceedings.
The quorum was pointed out twice by lawmakers belonging to PTI. The Chair ordered the bells to be rung for five minutes each and the proceedings resumed after the quorum was found complete.
A PML-N lawmaker staged a walkout against the Speaker’s refusal to give a ruling on the absence of relevant ministers to address the adjournment motions.
Following are some key observations of the Parliamentary business:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings:
- The Punjab Assembly met for two hours and 52 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1120 hours against the scheduled time of 1000 hours, witnessing a delay of an hour and 20 minutes.
- Fifty-six members were present at the start while a maximum 100 at the time of adjournment.
- The Speaker chaired the sitting for two hours and 10 minutes while rest of the sitting was presided over by the Deputy Speaker.
- The Chief Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was present for an hour and 51 minutes.
- The parliamentary leaders of PPPP and JI attended the sitting.
- Three minority members were present.
- No member applied for the leave.
Output
- The Punjab Assembly passed the Punjab Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2013.
- Two PTI lawmakers spoke on the legislation and suggested some changes, but the House passed the bill without considering their amendments. Another government bill included in the agenda was not taken up.
Representation and Responsiveness
- The House disposed of two adjournment motions regarding spread of diarrhea in the province and encroachments on Punjab Government Housing Foundation land. Another adjournment motion regarding sale of sugarcane was deferred.
- The Assembly also took up two calling attention notices (CAN) related to a kidnapping for ransom case, and an incident of robbery in Nankana Sahib. The first CAN was moved by a PTI lawmaker while the other by PPPP legislator.
- Twelve of the 35 starred questions (requiring oral as well as written replies) were replied to by the relevant minister while members asked 29 supplementary questions, as well. Moreover, five of the starred questions were disposed of due to absence of movers while the rest were not taken up.
Order and Institutionalization
- Members spoke on eight points of order consuming almost five minutes of the proceedings.
- The quorum was pointed out twice by lawmakers belonging to PTI. The Chair ordered the bells to be rung for five minutes each and the proceedings resumed after the quorum was found complete.
- A PML-N lawmaker walked out against Speaker’s refusal to give a ruling against absence of relevant ministers to address the adjournment motions.
Transparency
- ‘Orders of the day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
- Information on members’ attendance was unavailable to observers and the public.
The Daily Factsheet is based on direct observation of Punjab Assembly proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization, a member organization of FAFEN
