ISLAMABAD, June 16, 2014: The Sindh Assembly unanimously adopted two resolutions supporting “Zarb-e-Azab” Operation against militants in North Waziristan during 2nd sitting of its 13th session on Monday, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet.
The two identical resolutions were tabled by 12 MQM and eight PPPP lawmakers separately. Through these resolutions, the House welcomed and supported the army-led operation stating that every single person of the nation stands behind Pakistan Army in war against terrorism.
Starting 42 minutes behind schedule, the House held debate on provincial budget 2014-15, as seven MQM members spoke for 95 minutes followed by four PPPP lawmakers (39 minutes) and one PML-F legislator (15 minutes).
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in the House Proceedings
- The Sindh Assembly met for three hours and33 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1042 hours against the scheduled time of 1000 hours, witnessing a delay of 42 minutes.
- The Speaker chaired the sitting for two hours and 14 minutes while Deputy Speaker presided over the proceedings for an hour and 19 minutes.
- The Chief Minister and Finance Minister attended the sitting for 48 minutes while the Leader of the Opposition was present for two hours and 48 minutes.
- The parliamentary leaders of PML-N, PPPP, PTI, PML-F and MQM attended the sitting.
- Fifty members were present at the outset, 53 at the adjournment, while a maximum of 67 at one point during the sitting.
- Five minority members attended the sitting.
- One member applied for leave.
Output
- Tabled by 12 MQM lawmakers and eight PPPP lawmakers, the House adopted two separate but identical resolutions welcoming and supporting “Zarb-e-Azab” Operation.
Representation and Responsiveness
- The House took up all five starred questions (requiring oral as well as written replies) on the agenda which were responded to by the relevant departments. The members asked 23 supplementary questions as well.
- The House held debate on provincial budget 2014-15, as seven MQM members spoke for 95 minutes followed by four PPPP lawmakers (39 minutes) and one PML-F legislator (15 minutes).
Order and Institutionalization
- No point of order was raised during the sitting.
Transparency
- ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
- Information on members’ attendance was available to observers and the public.
The Daily Factsheet is based on direct observation of Sindh Assembly proceedings conducted by Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF), a member organization of FAFEN
