ISLAMABAD, March 29, 2014: The Balochistan Assembly adopted four resolutions during the sixth sitting of its 8th session on Saturday, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the proceedings.

A resolution tabled by six PML-N lawmakers and adopted by the House sought provision of better educational facilities in Nasirabad Division, Dera Murad Jamali, Jahl Magsi, Usta Muhammad, Dera Allah Yar, Ghandawa, Jafer abad , Bolan and Sobath Poor Districts.

The second resolution was jointly tabled by NP and PkMAP lawmakers regarding widening of the roads of provincial metropolis particularly the Saryab Road and eastern and western bye-passes that always witnessed huge rush and traffic jam, which was also adopted with amendment.

The House also adopted the third resolution moved by PkMAP lawmakers regarding production of opium in Qila Abdullah and adjoining areas despite the presence of FC and Police and urged the government to flush out drugs trade from the province.

However, a joint resolution tabled by NP lawmakers in which they demanded probe into corruption and misappropriation of funds from construction of roads was rejected as the Chief Minister informed the House that 300 cases of corruption have already been sent to provincial Anti-Corruption Department for investigation.

The House approved another out-of-turn resolution moved by PkMAP lawmaker to condemn the attack on senior journalist in Lahore and expressed solidarity with the media persons. The Chief Minister also condemned the terrorist attack on New Saryab Road Quetta.

Following are some key observations of the proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Balochistan Assembly met for two hour and 38 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1152 hours against the scheduled time of 1100 hours, witnessing a delay of 52 minutes.
• Thirty-five members were present at the outset while 27 at the adjournment of the sitting.
• Member of Presiding Officer chaired sitting for 37 minutes while rest of the time was chaired by Deputy Speaker.
• The Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition attended the entire sitting.
• The parliamentary leaders of NP, PkMAP and JUI-F were present.
• One member applied for leave.
• Two minority members were present during the sitting.

Output

• A resolution was adopted by the House which was tabled by PML-N lawmakers for provision of better education facilities in Nasirabad Divission, Dera Murad Jamali, Jahl Magsi, Usta Muhammad, Dera Allah Yar, Ghandawa , Jafer abad , Bolan and Sobath Poor Districts.
• The second resolution was jointly tabled by NP and PkMAP lawmakers regarding widening of the roads of provincial metropolis particularly the Saryab Road and eastern and western bye passes that always witnessed huge rush and traffic jam. It was also adopted with amendment.
• The House also adopted third resolution moved by PkMAP lawmakers regarding production of opium in Qila Abdullah and adjoining areas despite the presence of FC and Police and urged the government to flush out drugs trade from the province.
• A joint resolution tabled by NP lawmakers in which they demanded probe into corruption and misappropriation of funds from construction of roads was rejected as the Chief Minister informed the House that 300 cases of corruption have already been sent to provincial Anti-Corruption Department for investigation.
• The House approved another out-of-turn resolution moved by PkMAP lawmaker to condemn the attack on senior journalist in Lahore and expressed solidarity with the media persons. The Chief Minister also condemned the terrorist attack on New Saryab Road Quetta.

Order and Institutionalization

• Eight lawmakers spoke on eight points of order for 32 minutes.

Transparency

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

The Daily Factsheet is based on direct observation of Balochistan Assembly proceedings conducted by Center for Peace and Development (CPD), a Member organization of FAFEN.