ISLAMABAD, May 13, 2014: The opposition members walked out of the Senate over the reply of the Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs on the foreign policy during the second sitting of 104th session on Tuesday, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).
Two PPPP lawmakers debated the foreign policy of the government on motion under Rule 218 with particular reference to the situation likely to emerge after elections in India and Afghanistan. The Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs concluded the debate; however, the Opposition members termed his reply unsatisfactory and staged a walkout from the proceedings. Soon after the walkout, the Chair adjourned the session until 4pm tomorrow.
The Chairman of Standing Committee on Communications presented the performance report of the Committee from June 2012 to February 2014 and expressed dissatisfaction over its working and proposed to bring amendments in rules to run its affairs properly.
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings
- The Senate met for two hours and 40 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1650 hours against the scheduled time of 1600 hours witnessing a delay of 50 minutes.
- The Deputy Chairman presided over the entire sitting.
- Eighteen senators (17%) were present at the outset and 14 (14%) at the adjournment while a maximum of 42 (40%) at one point during the proceedings.
- The parliamentary leaders of PML-N, PML, PkMAP, NP and PPPP attended the sitting.
- Two minority members attended the sitting.
- One member applied for leave.
- The Leader of the House attended the entire sitting while Leader of the Opposition was present for two hours.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Three lawmakers – PPPP (2) and PML-N (one) – participated in the debate on a commenced motion under Rule 218 regarding foreign policy of the government with particular reference to the situation likely to emerge after elections in India and Afghanistan.
Order and Institutionalization
- Thirteen lawmakers spoke on as many points of order during zero hour consuming 45 minutes of the proceedings.
- The Opposition members walked out of the House terming the reply of the Advisor to Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs unsatisfactory when he tried to conclude a debate on commenced motion under Rule 218.
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.
