ISLAMABAD, August 5, 2016: The Balochistan Assembly adopted a resolution and spent 40 percent time of Friday’s sitting on Points of Order, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). It was fifth and last sitting of 31^st session

Former Adviser to the Chief Minister on Finance attended the sitting and announced his resignation as member of provincial Assembly. Later, he withdrew his resignation after being convinced by the Chief Minister and other colleagues.

Following are some key observations of the House proceeding:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Balochistan Assembly met for an hour and 36 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1615 hours against the scheduled time of 1600 hours.
• The Speaker chaired the sitting for 56 minutes while rest of the proceeding was presided over by a member of Panel of Chairpersons.
• The post of the Deputy Speaker is lying vacant.
• The Chief Minister attended the entire sitting.
• The Leader of the Opposition did not attend the sitting.
• 22 lawmakers (34%) were present at outset and 34 (52%) at adjournment of the sitting.
• The parliamentary leaders of PML-N, PkMAP, PML and ANP attended the sitting.
• One minority member attended the sitting.
• Eight members applied for leave.

Output

• The House adopted a resolution to initiate steps on emergent basis for development of agriculture sector of Balochistan affected by power crisis and drought in various districts.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The House took up all of eight Starred Questions on the agenda. In addition, lawmakers asked four supplementary questions.

Order and Institutionalization

• The lawmakers spoke on eight points of order consuming 39 minutes of the proceedings.

Transparency

• ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and public.
• The attendance of lawmakers was not available to the media and observers.

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This daily factsheet is based on direct observation of the Balochistan Assembly proceeding conducted by Center for Peace and Development (CPD) – a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions are excepted