ISLAMABAD, February 12, 2016: The National Assembly discussed the motion regarding privatization of PIA and petroleum prices while leaving the government agenda unaddressed on Friday during first sitting of 29^th session, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

The newly-elected lawmaker Makhdoom Saeed-uz-Zaman took oath of the membership. The Speaker announced the members of the Panel of Chairpersons for 29^th session. The House also offered prayers for deceased playwright Fatima Surriya Bajia and employees of PIA killed in Karachi.

Following are some key observations of the House proceeding:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The National Assembly met for three hours and two minutes.
• The sitting started at 1005 hours against its scheduled time of 1000 hours.
• The Speaker chaired the sitting for first two and a half hours while the Deputy Speaker presided over the proceeding for remaining 32 minutes.
• The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting.
• The Leader of the Opposition attended the sitting for 155 minutes.
• Eleven Federal Ministers attended the sitting.
• 80 MNAs (23%) were present at outset and 54 (16%) at adjournment of the sitting.
• The parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, JI, PML-F, QWP-S, BNP, APML and AMLP were present.
• Ten minority members were present.

Output

• The House did not take up a bill, a resolution and a report appearing on ‘Orders of the Day’.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The government orally responded to ten out of 35 starred questions appearing on the agenda. The lawmakers asked 14 supplementary questions as well.
• The relevant ministers replied to two Calling Attention Notices regarding the highest stillbirth & maternal mortality rates and threats to heritage sites in Lahore due to the construction of Orange Line Train.
• The House adopted a motion to discuss the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines and reduction in the petroleum prices. The Leader of the Opposition spoke for 66 minutes on this motion.

Order and Institutionalization

• The lawmakers spoke on two Points of Order for 4 minutes.

Transparency

• ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and public.
• The attendance of lawmakers is available on website of National Assembly.

 To download the factsheet, click here for English version – click here for Urdu version

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This daily factsheet is based on direct observation of the National Assembly proceeding conducted by Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). Errors and omissions are excepted.