ISLAMABAD, July 6, 2015: The Senate adopted proposed amendments in rules 9, 79, 158, 166, 182 and 277 and inserted new rules 162A and 262A in Senate’s Rules of Procedures during the first sitting of the 117th session on Monday, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

The sitting started at the scheduled time with 19 (18%) senators present at the start and 30 (29%) at the time of adjournment.

BNP-M legislator presented the report of Standing Committee on Interior regarding Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Bill 2015 which was discussed in the House. Twelve lawmakers including three from PPPP, two each from PML-N and MQM and one each from JUI-F, PkMAP, PTI, NP and PML-F debated it for an hour and 36 minutes. The Chair observed that a bill cannot become an Act till its approval from both the Houses.

The House adopted two resolutions regarding ban on manufacturing and use of polythene bags and need for effective steps to counter the activities of foreign intelligence agencies in fomenting terrorism in Pakistan.

Three resolutions were not taken up by the House which related to expediting work on the on-going power project, provision of free and compulsory education to all the children and launching housing schemes for the low paid government employees.

The House debated a motion under Rule 218 regarding the spread of hepatitis. Ten lawmakers – two each from PML-N and PkMAP and one each from PPPP, NP, BNP-M, PML, MQM and JUI-F, participated in debate that continued for 35 minutes. State Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination concluded the debate, speaking six minutes.

The House also discussed another motion under Rule 218 about depleting water level in Balochistan. Six lawmakers – one each from NP, PPPP, PML-N, BNP-M, PkMAP and an Independent lawmaker – spoke on it for 12 minutes while State Minister for Water and Power concluded the debate during his 8-minute speech.

Two other commenced motion under Rule 218 related to gas load shedding and intrusion of FC in the affairs of the Provincial Government were not discussed.

Chairman, Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat presented report about the Federal Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance (First and Second Amendment) Bills, 2015 while PPPP lawmaker presented report of the Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training about the Capital University of Science and Technology Bill, 2015.

Chairman, Functional Committee on Government Assurances presented report on the issue of releasing of funds for K-4 Project, Karachi.

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Senate met for two hours and 51 minutes.
• The sitting started at its scheduled time of 1500 hours.
• Chairman presided over the entire sitting.
• Deputy Chairman was also present.
• Leader of the House and the Opposition Leader attended the entire sitting.
• Prime Minister did not attend the sitting.
• 19 senators (12%) were present at the start and 30 (29%) at the end of the sitting.
• A maximum of 62 senators (60%) were present at one point of the sitting.
• Parliamentary leaders of BNP-M, MQM, PTI, PkMAP, JUI-F, PPPP, PML-N, PML-F, NP and PML were present.
• Three minority members were present.
• No member applied for leave.

 Output

•  The House witnessed the adoption of proposed amendments in rules 9, 79, 158, 166, 182 and 277 and insertion of new rules 162A and 262A.
• The House adopted two resolutions regarding ban on manufacturing and use of polythene bags and the need to take effective steps to counter the activities of foreign intelligence agencies in fomenting terrorism in Pakistan.
• Three resolutions were not taken up by the House which were related to expediting work on the on-going power projects to, provision of free and compulsory education to all the children and launching housing schemes for the low paid government employees.
• Chairman, Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat presented reports on the Federal Employees Benevolent Fund and Group Insurance (First and Second Amendment) Bills, 2015.
• PPPP lawmaker presented report of the Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training about the Capital University of Science and Technology Bill, 2015.
• Chairman, Functional Committee on Government Assurances presented report on the issue of releasing of funds for K-4 Project, Karachi.
• BNP-M lawmaker presented the report of Standing Committee on Interior about Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Bill 2015.

  Representation and Responsiveness

• The House debated a commenced motion under Rule 218 about spread of hepatitis. Ten lawmakers, two each from PML-N and PkMAP and one each from PPPP, NP, BNP-M, PML, MQM and JUIF, participated in debate that continued for 35 minutes. State Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination winded up the speaking six minutes.
• The House discussed another commenced motion under Rule 218 regarding depleting water level in Balochistan. Six lawmakers – one each from NP, PPPP, PML-N, BNP-M, PkMAP and an Independent lawmaker – spoke for 12 minutes while State Minister for Water and Power concluded debate during his 8-minute speech.
• Two other commenced motion under Rule 218 were not discussed which were about gas load shedding and intrusion of FC in the affairs of the Provincial Government.
• Three motions under Rule 218 were moved for discussion which were about the responsibility of the Federation in pursuance of Article 148 of the Constitution, broadening the tax base and issuance of fake degrees the country. Two other motions regarding steps to eradicate polio and situation arising out of unemployment were not moved due to absence of movers.

 Order and Institutionalization

•  No point of order was raised during the sitting.

 Transparency

• ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and public.
• Information on members’ attendance was not available to the observers and the public.

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This daily factsheet is based on direct observation of the Senate proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization – a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions are excepted.