ISLAMABAD, January 31, 2014: The Chairman of Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control presented three reports on Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bills and Protection of Pakistan Bill, 2013, in the National Assembly during 5^th sitting of its 8^th session on Friday, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the proceedings.

The reports include Anti-terrorism Act 1997 [The Ant-terrorism (Amendment) Bills, 2013] (Ordinances No. VII and VIII of 2013) and [The Protection of Pakistan Bill, 2013 (Ordinance No. IX of 2013).

The first two reports relate to “further amend the Anti-terrorism Act, 1997” while the third one calls for “protection against waging of war against Pakistan and the prevention of acts threatening the security of Pakistan”.

The House took up two Calling Attention Notices (CANs). The first one was regarding non-utilization of vaccine and vehicles/motorcycles worth billions of rupees purchased under the hepatitis programme while the other CAN was related to financial assistance offered by the textile industrialists to the government to set up Industrial waste water treatment plants.

A total of 37 members were present at the outset while 67 were there at the adjournment of sitting.

After a PTI MNA pointed out quorum at 1127 hours, the Chair ordered for the count of members and the proceedings had to be adjourned for 22 minutes, as the quorum was found incomplete. The proceedings resumed at 1149 hours.

The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition did not attend the sitting while the Parliamentary leaders of JI, QWP-S, JUI-F and PML-Z attended the proceedings.

Following are some key observations of the parliamentary business:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings:

• The National Assembly met for an hour and 51 minutes. The sitting started at 1045 hours against the scheduled time of 1030 hours, witnessing a delay of 15 minutes.
• The Speaker chaired the entire sitting.
• The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition did not attend the sitting.
• The parliamentary leaders of JI, QWP-S, JUI-F and PML-Z were present.
• Thirty-seven (37) members were present at the outset while 67 were there at the adjournment. A maximum of 138 members were observed to be present at one point of the sitting.
• Six minority members attended the sitting.
•  Fifteen members applied for leave.

Output

• Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control presented three reports on Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Bills, 2013 (Ordinances No. VII & VIII of 2013) and Protection of Pakistan Bill, 2013 (Ordinance No. IX 0f 2013).

 Representation and Responsiveness

• Jointly sponsored by four PML-N legislators, including three females, the House took up a CAN regarding non-utilization of vaccine and vehicles/motorcycles worth billions of rupees purchased under the hepatitis programme.
• Another CAN sponsored by five PTI MNAs, including three female legislators, was also taken up by the House. It was regarding financial assistance offered by the textile industrialists to the government to set up Industrial waste water treatment plants.
• Seven out of 38 Starred Questions (requiring oral as well written answers) on the agenda were taken up. Additionally, members asked nine supplementary questions. 

Order and Institutionalization

• Legislators spoke on 17 Points of Order for 28 minutes.

• A PTI MNA pointed out quorum at 1127 hours. The Chair ordered for the count of members and the proceedings remained adjourned for 22 minutes, as the quorum was found incomplete.
• There were no instances of protests, boycotts or walkouts during the sitting.

Transparency

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

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 excepted