ISLAMABAD, December 9, 2014: Starting 93 minutes behind the schedule, the first sitting of the Sindh Assembly’s 17^th session was marked by low attendance as 49 members (30% of the total membership) were present at the start and 63 (38%) were there at the adjournment, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

All six starred questions (requiring oral replies) appearing on the Orders of the Day were taken up and responded by the relevant ministry. In addition, 18 supplementary questions were raised by the MPAs.

The Chief Minister attended the sitting for three hours and 38 minutes while the Leader of the Opposition remained absent.

Members’ Participation in the House Proceedings

• The Sindh Assembly met for four hours and 22 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1133 hours against the scheduled time of 1000 hours, witnessing a delay of 93 minutes.
• The Deputy Speaker chaired the entire sitting.
• The Chief Minister attended the sitting for three hours and 38 minutes while the Leader of the Opposition remained absent.
• Forty-nine members (30%) were present at the start and 63 (38%) at the end of the sitting. A maximum of 94 (57%) members were observed to be present at one point of the sitting.
• The parliamentary leaders of PPPP and MQM attended the sitting.
• Five minority members attended the sitting.

Output

• The House passed three bills regarding establishment of universities in Karachi, Hyderabad and Shaheed Benazirabad.
• The House also adopted four resolutions. The first resolution was regarding crackdown against quacks while the second was related to launching a polio awareness program in Sindh. The third resolution was in support of the process of devolution under the 18th Constitutional Amendment while the fourth was about fixing the rate of paddy crop at Rs1200 per 40kg.

Representation and Responsiveness

• All six starred questions (requiring oral replies) appearing on the Orders of the Day were taken up and responded by the relevant ministry. In addition, 18 supplementary questions were raised by the MPAs.

Transparency

• ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to members, observers and others.
• Information on members’ attendance was available to observers and the public.

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