ISLAMABAD, May 14, 2014: The National Assembly adopted three resolutions regarding the extension of two ordinances for a further period of 120 days and urging the provincial governments to develop and implement social protection policy for children during the 8^th sitting of the 11 session, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

The House adopted two resolutions with majority regarding the extension of the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance (PPO) 2014 and the Gas (Theft Control and Recovery) Ordinance 2014 for a further period of 120 days. The Opposition and the JUI-F lawmakers staged a 10-minute walkout from the House over the extension of PPO 2014 before the tabling of the resolution.

The House unanimously adopted a resolution recommending the provincial governments to develop and implement social protection policy for children living and working in streets of the country. The resolution was tabled by the Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination on the eve of visit of football players to National Assembly to see the proceedings. The players recently participated in the Street Child World Cup 2014 and won a bronze medal for Pakistan.

The sole member of AMLP and a female lawmaker of PML-N debated on a motion under Rule 259 regarding the law and order for 21 minutes. The House took up two calling attention notices (CANs) – the first CAN was regarding the number of companies working in gas field and wells producing gas in District Hangu and the second about potential threat to natural environment of Islamabad due to ongoing Metro Bus project without prior approval of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency.

The PTI lawmakers also walked out of the House when the Chair did not allow one of their colleagues to speak on a point of order and did not return until the end of the sitting.

Following are some key observations of the parliamentary business:

Members’ Participation in the House Proceedings:

• The National Assembly met for three hours and 43 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1027 hours against the scheduled time of 1000 hours, witnessing a delay of 27 minutes.
• The Speaker presided over the sitting for an hour and 42 minutes while the rest of proceedings were chaired by the Deputy Speaker.
• The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was present for two hours and 55 minutes.
• The parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, JI, APML, PML, AMLP and QWP attended the sitting.
• Forty-three members (13%) were present at the outset while 61 (18%) at the adjournment of the sitting. A maximum of 172 members (51%) were observed to be present at one point of the sitting.
• Nine minority members attended the sitting.
• Seven members applied for leave.

Output

• Tabled by the Minister for inter-provincial coordination, the House unanimously adopted a resolution recommending the provincial governments to develop and implement a social protection policy for children living and working in streets of the country.
• The House adopted a resolution, tabled by Minister for Science and Technology, with majority regarding the extension of the Protection of Pakistan Ordinance 2014 for a further period of 120 days with effect from May 22, 2014.
• The Parliamentary Secretary for Petroleum and Natural Resources moved a resolution seeking extension of the Gas (Theft Control and Recovery) Ordinance 2014 for a further period of 120 days with effect from May 23, 2014. It was adopted by the House with a majority vote.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The sole member of AMLP and a female lawmaker of PML-N debated on a motion under Rule 259 regarding the law and order for 21 minutes.
• The House took up two calling attention notices (CANs) – the first sponsored by a PTI legislator regarding the number of companies working in gas field and wells producing gas in District Hangu and the second was sponsored by five PPPP lawmakers including three females about potential threat to natural environment of Islamabad due to ongoing Metro Bus project without prior approval of the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency.
• The relevant ministries responded to ten out of 23 starred questions (requiring oral as well as written replies). Additionally, the lawmakers asked 11 supplementary questions.

Order and Institutionalization

• The Opposition and the JUI-F lawmakers staged a 10-minute walkout from the House over the extension of Pakistan Protection of Pakistan Ordinance, 2014 before the tabling of the resolution.
• The PTI lawmakers walked out of the House at 1400 hours when the Chair did not allow one of their colleagues to speak on a point of order and did not return until the end of the sitting.
• The legislators spoke on 25 matters under Rule 18 for an hour and 24 minutes.

Transparency

• ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
• Information on members’ attendance was not available to 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 National Assembly proceedings conducted by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI); a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions excepted