ISLAMABAD, February 16, 2016: The Punjab Assembly adopted two resolutions amidst Opposition’s protest on Tuesday during twelfth sitting of its 19th session, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).
Following are some key observations of the House proceeding:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings
- The Punjab Assembly met for an hour and 45 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1048 hours against the scheduled time 1000 hours.
- The Speaker presided over the entire sitting while the Deputy Speaker was also present.
- The Chief Minister did not attend the sitting.
- The Leader of the Opposition attended the sitting for 56 minutes.
- 12 MPAs (3%) were present at outset and 93 (25%) at adjournment of the sitting.
- The parliamentary leader of JI attended the sitting.
- Five minority members were present.
Output
- Moved by a female lawmaker belonging to treasury party, the House adopted a resolution urging the federal government to appoint female staff at NADRA offices to take photographs of women applicants
- The House also adopted a resolution moved by a minority legislator recommending the federal government to issue postage stamps on birthday of Guru Nanak.
- The House disposed of five other resolutions appearing on Orders of the Day.
Representation and Responsiveness
- The government orally responded to nine out of 19 starred questions appearing on agenda while three questions were disposed of due to absence of relevant lawmakers. The House did not take up rest of the questions due to lack of time. The lawmakers also asked 26 supplementary questions.
- The Speaker announced to hold discussion on Thursday regarding Orange Line Train project.
Order and Institutionalization
- The lawmakers spoke on six points of order consuming seven minutes of the proceeding.
- Entire Opposition staged a protest on floor of the House against the disinterest of Chief Minister and his cabinet in proceeding of the House. The protest continued for 31 minutes.
Transparency
- ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and public.
- The attendance of lawmakers was available to the media and observers.
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The daily factsheet is based on direct observation of the Punjab Assembly proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization – a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions are regretted.
