ISLAMABAD, February 13, 2014: The Senate began debate on a motion regarding privatization policy of the federal government during eighth sitting of the ongoing 101st session of the Upper House, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the Senate.
Five members spoke for one-and-a-half hours on the motion under rule 218 commenced in an earlier sitting. Two PPPP senators criticized the government for privatizing public entities while a lawmaker each from PML-N, JUI-F and MQM supported the government’s decision.
Following the announcement of leaves of absence, a PPPP senator moved the House to dispense with the requirement of holding question hour under rule 263 of the Senate Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business. The motion was carried by the House.
Jointly sponsored by two female lawmakers belonging to PPPP and ANP, a calling attention notice regarding non-issuance of domicile certificates to the Christian community residing in FATA was also taken up by the House and responded to by the Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs. The Chair also expressed his concerns over the issue and the matter was referred to the relevant standing committee for further deliberation.
The opposition parties staged a token walkout of three minutes for not getting assurance from the government benches about the arrival of Prime Minister in the Upper House.
Ten members spoke on 12 points of order consuming 37 minutes of the proceedings.
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings
- The Senate met for two hours and 22 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1108 hours against the scheduled time of 1030 hours, witnessing a delay of 38 minutes.
- The Chairman presided over the sitting for 57 minutes while the Deputy Chairman presided over rest of the proceedings.
- Twenty-two senators were present at the outset, 31 at the adjournment and a maximum 39 at a point during the proceedings.
- The parliamentary leaders of PML-N, PPPP, BNPA, ANP, PML-F and PkMAP were present.
- Three minority senators attended the sitting.
- Four members applied for leave.
- The Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition were present during the entire sitting.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Senate debated a motion on privatization policy of federal government for one-and-a-half hours. Five members spoke on the motion under rule 218 commenced in an earlier sitting. Two PPPP senators criticized the government for privatizing public entities while a senator each from PML-N, JUI-F and MQM supported the government’s decision.
- Jointly sponsored by two female lawmakers belonging to PPPP and ANP, a calling attention notice regarding non-issuance of domicile certificates to the Christian community residing in FATA was also taken up by the House and responded to by the Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs. The Chair also expressed his concerns over the issue and the matter was referred to the relevant standing committee.
Order and Institutionalization
- The House carried a motion under rule 263 to dispense with rule 41 of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business that requires holding of question hour in each sitting of the House except on Monday.
- Ten members spoke on 12 points of order consuming 37 minutes of the proceedings.
- The opposition parties staged a token walkout of three minutes for not getting assurance from government benches for arrival of Prime Minister in the Upper House.
Transparency
- ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
- Information on senators’ attendance was not available to the 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 Senate proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization; a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions excepted
