ISLAMABAD, February 12, 2014: The Punjab Assembly passed the Punjab Commission on Status of Women Bill, 2013 during fourth sitting of its ongoing 6th session on Wednesday, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the proceedings.
Four female lawmakers belonging to PTI debated the bill for ten minutes. The opposition brought about a few amendments to the bill, however, these were withdrawn leading to the passage of bill. Two other bills included in the agenda were not taken up.
The House also took up ten adjournment motions related to establishment of Bone Marrow Center in Children Hospital, Lahore, theft of public wood, car snatching, LDA issues, discouraging the practice of dowry, sale of substandard cooking oil, non availability of facilities in schools of Basirpura, waiving off fine imposed on laptop company and efficiency of Punjab Board of Technical Education. Five of these motions were brought by PML-N lawmakers, four by PTI lawmakers and one by PML legislator.
Fourteen of the 32 starred questions (requiring oral as well as written replies) were replied to by parliamentary secretary for Live Stock and Dairy Development while members asked 38 supplementary questions, as well. Moreover, three of the starred questions were deferred on request of the movers while two were disposed of and the rests were not taken up.
Members spoke on three points of order consuming almost a minute of the proceedings.
A PTI lawmaker pointed out quorum. On Chair’s order, the bells were rung for five minutes and the quorum was found complete on recount.
Following are some key observations of the Parliamentary business:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings:
- The Punjab Assembly met for three hours and 58 minutes.
- The House took a prayer break of half an hour.
- The sitting started at 1117 hours against the scheduled time of 1000 hours, witnessing a delay of an hour and 17 minutes.
- Thirty-seven members were present at the start while 106 were there at the adjournment. A maximum of 143 members were found to be present at a point during the sitting.
- The Speaker chaired the entire sitting while the Deputy Speaker was also present.
- The Chief Minister attended the sitting for 43 minutes while the Leader of the Opposition was there for an hour and 44 minutes.
- The parliamentary leaders of PPPP and JI attended the sitting.
- Four minority members were present.
- No member applied for the leave.
Output
- The House passed the Punjab Commission on Status of Women Bill, 2013. Four female lawmakers belonging to PTI debated the bill for ten minutes. The opposition brought a few amendments to the bill; however, those were withdrawn, leading to the passage of bill.
- Two other bills included in the agenda were not taken up.
Representation and Responsiveness
- The House also took up ten adjournment motions related to establishment of Bone Marrow Center in Children Hospital, Lahore, theft of public wood, car snatching, LDA issues, discouraging the practice of dowry, sale of substandard cooking oil, non availability of facilities in schools of Basirpura, waiving off fine imposed on laptop company and efficiency of Punjab Board of Technical Education. Five of these motions were brought by PML-N lawmakers, four by PTI lawmakers and one by PML legislator.
- Fourteen of the 32 starred questions (requiring oral as well as written replies) were replied by parliamentary secretary for Live Stock and Dairy Development while members asked 38 supplementary questions as well. Moreover, three of the starred questions were deferred on request of the movers while two were disposed of and the rest was not taken up.
Order and Institutionalization
- Members spoke on three points of order consuming almost a minute of the proceedings.
- A PTI lawmaker pointed out quorum. On Chair’s order the bells were rung for five minutes and the quorum was found complete on recount.
Transparency
- ‘Orders of the day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
- Information on members’ attendance was unavailable to observers and the public.
The Daily Factsheet is based on direct observation of Punjab Assembly proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization, a member organization of FAFEN
