ISLAMABAD, April 26, 2014: The Balochistan Assembly adopted three resolutions during the 3^rd sitting of its 9th session on Saturday, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the proceedings.

The adopted resolutions were about continuity of financial assistance to students of Balochistan under Prime Minister Scholarship program, setting up small dams in various areas of the province and extension of Motorway to Quetta via Dera Ghazi Khan and Loralai.

The House, however, rejected a resolution with majority about allotting the status of tehsils to Kachla, Aghberg, Saryab and Sira Ghargai.

The House took up an adjournment motion to discuss the issue of those people, who have been missing after their arrest from Chaman and Quetta since February, 2014. It was agreed to have a debate on it when the House starts discussion on the prevailing law and order in the province on April 30.

Following are some key observations of the proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Balochistan Assembly met for two hours and 38 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1207 hours against the scheduled time of 1100 hours, witnessing a delay of an hour and seven minutes.
• Twenty-one members were present at the outset while 15 were there at the adjournment of the sitting.
• Deputy Speaker chaired the entire sitting.
• The Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition did not attend the sitting.
• The parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, ANP and PML were present.
• Seven members applied for leave.
• Two minority members were present during the sitting.

Output

• Tabled by PkMAP lawmaker, the House adopted a resolution demanding the federal government to continue financial support under Prime Minister Scholarship Program for students of Balochistan who are studying in various educational institutions of other three provinces.
• Tabled by two female lawmakers of JUI-F, the House adopted another resolution about establishing small water reservoirs or dams in various areas of the province to fulfill agricultural requirements and resolve the problem of water shortage.
• The House adopted a resolution, moved by JUI-F lawmaker, about extension of Motorway to Quetta via Dera Ghazi Khan and Loralai.
• The House, however, rejected a resolution with majority about giving the status of tehsils to Kachla, Aghberg, Saryab and Sira Ghargai. The resolution was tabled by JUI-F female lawmakers while Minister for Revenue informed the House that any decision would be taken after consultation with Cabinet Secretariat and other stakeholders.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The House took up an adjournment motion to discuss the issue of those people, who have been missing after their arrest from Chaman and Quetta since February, 2014. It was agreed to have a debate on it when the House starts discussion on the prevailing law and order in the province on April 30.

Order and Institutionalization

• Lawmakers spoke on six points of order consuming 17 minutes of the proceedings.

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.