ISLAMABAD, January 12, 2015: Starting an hour and 35 minutes behind schedule, the National Assembly concluded debate on terrorist attack in Peshawar during the 9^th sitting of 17th session on Monday, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

Only 36 lawmakers (11%) were present at the start of the sitting and 27 (8%) at the time of adjournment. The quorum was visibly lacking at various stages of the sitting. However, it was not pointed out by any of the members.

Eight lawmakers – PML-N (four), PPPPP (2), MQM and PkMAP (one each) – debated the motion under Rule 259 regarding the terror attack in Peshawar for an hour and thirty seven minutes.  State Minister for Interior winded up the debate during his 17 minutes speech.

The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Opposition Leader was present for 90 minutes. MQM lawmakers walked out of the House against killing of their workers in Sindh.

Following are some key observations of the parliamentary business:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The National Assembly met for three hours and 36 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1735 hours against the scheduled time of 1600 hours, witnessing a delay of an hour and 35 minutes.
• The Deputy Speaker presided over the entire sitting as the Speaker was absent.
• The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was present for 90 minutes.
• The parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, AMLP, ANP, QWP, APML and MQM attended the sitting.
• Thirty-six members (11%) were present at the outset and 27 (8%) at the time of adjournment. A maximum of 108 members (32%) were seen at one point of the sitting.
• Six minority members attended the sitting.
• Eleven members applied for leave.

Output

• Parliamentary Secretary for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics & Privatization presented the annual report of Central Board of Directors of State Bank of Pakistan about Pakistan’s economy for the year 2013-14.

Representation and Responsiveness

• Eight lawmakers – PML-N (four), PPPPP (2) , MQM and PkMAP (one each) – debated the motion under Rule 259 regarding the terror attack in Peshawar for an hour and thirty seven minutes.  State Minister for Interior winded up the debate during his 17 minutes speech.
• Jointly sponsored by JI, PTI and PPPP lawmakers, the House took up a calling attention notice regarding theft of crude oil from Karak Oil Field valuing more than Rs. 20 billion.
• Eight out of 29 starred questions appearing on the agenda were answered by the relevant departments, while the MNAs raised 15 supplementary questions

 Order and Institutionalization

• Members spoke on seven points of order for 29 minutes. However, none of the POs attracted the Chair’s ruling. .
• MQM lawmakers walked out of the House at 2105 hours against the killing of their party workers in Sindh and did not return to the House till sitting’s adjournment.

Transparency

• ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to members, observers and others.
• Information on members’ attendance was not available to observers and the public.

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This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of FAFEN and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. This daily factsheet is based on direct observation of the National Assembly proceedings conducted by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) – a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions are excepted.