ISLAMABAD, August 3, 2015: The first sitting of the Senate’s 118th session was marked by the withdrawal of the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Amendment) Bill 2014 while the House continued to witness low attendance, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

The sitting started at the scheduled time with 10 (10%) senators present at the start and 29 (28%) at the time of adjournment. A maximum of 46 (44%) members were present at one point of the sitting.

Chairman Standing Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights, Muhammad Javed Abbasi, presented reports on the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Amendment) Bill 2014, but the bill was withdrawn by its mover, Senator Farhatullah Babar. Additionally, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2015 seeking substitution of Clause (1) of Article 140-A, was introduced by Mohsin Khan Leghari and referred to the relevant standing committee.

The House rejected a resolution by Azam Khan Musakhel for not granting the status of university to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Another resolution by Farhatullah Babar to allow the right of appeal against Suo-Moto cases was deferred as the Chair advised the mover to discuss the resolution with the Leader of the House and improve its text. Three resolutions by Tahir Hussain Mashadi to supply electricity in the deprived areas, to control the prices of life saving drugs and to promote religious harmony were deferred.

A total of 26 lawmakers debated three commenced motions under rule 218 to discuss the gas load shedding, FC’s interference in Balochistan government’s matters and issuance of fake degrees in the country whereas two motions to discuss the steps taken by the government to broaden the tax base and the responsibilities of federation under Article 148 of the Constitution, were deferred.

Another motion under rule 218 to discuss the establishment of National Commission on Human Rights was taken up and debated by four respected members. Syed Tahir Hussain Mashadi moved three more motions under rule 218 but they were not debated.

Some key observations are as follow:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The sitting started at 1500 hours and adjourned at 1922 hours.
• Chairman presided over the entire sitting.
• Deputy Chairman was also present.
• Leader of the House was present during the entire sitting while the Opposition Leader remained absent.
• Prime Minister did not attend the sitting.
• Ten (10%) senators were present at the start and 29 (28%) at the time of adjournment.
• A maximum of 46 senators (44%) were present at one point of the sitting.
• Parliamentary leaders of PPPP, MQM, PkMAP, NP, JI and PML were present.
• Two minority members were present.
• Five members applied for leave.

Output

• Chairman Standing Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights, Muhammad Javed Abbasi, presented reports on the Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Amendment) Bill 2014, but the bill was withdrawn by its mover, Senator Farhatullah Babar.
• The Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2015 seeking substitution of Clause (1) of Article 140-A, was introduced by Mohsin Khan Leghari and referred to the relevant standing committee.
• The House rejected a resolution by Azam Khan Musakhel for not granting the status of university to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
• Another resolution by Farhatullah Babar to allow the right of appeal against Suo-Moto cases was deferred as the Chair advised the mover to discuss the resolution with the Leader of the House and improve its text.
• Three resolutions by Tahir Hussain Mashadi to supply electricity in the deprived areas, to control the prices of life saving drugs and to promote religious harmony were deferred.

Representation and Responsiveness

• A total of 26 lawmakers debated three commenced motions under rule 218 to discuss the gas load shedding, FC’s interference in Balochistan government’s matters and issuance of fake degrees in the country.
• Two motions to discuss the steps taken by the government to broaden the tax base and the responsibilities of federation under Article 148 of the Constitution, were deferred.
• Another motion under rule 218 to discuss the establishment of National Commission on Human Rights was taken up and debated by four respected members.
• Syed Tahir Hussain Mashadi moved three more motions under rule 218 but they were not debated.

Order and Institutionalization

• 12 point of orders consumed 42 minutes of the sitting time.

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.