ISLAMABAD, June 5, 2015: The Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Privatization presented a copy of the Finance Bill 2015, containing the Annual Budget Statement during the first sitting of the 116^th session on Friday, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

Starting 32 minutes behind the schedule, the sitting witnessed low attendance of lawmakers as 32 members (31%) were present at the start and 58 legislators (56%) at the end of the sitting.

Minister for Finance also presented the second quarterly report for the year 2014-2015 of the Central Board of Directors of the State Bank of Pakistan about the state of economy.

The House passed a resolution to condemn the killing of passengers in Mastung and expressed condolences with the victims’ families.  Eighteen lawmakers spoke on it for 70 minutes and demanded the arrest of perpetrators of this heinous crime.

A newly elected PML-N Senator took oath of office.

Following are some key observations of the parliamentary business:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Senate met for an hour and 44 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1832 hours against the scheduled time of 1800 hours, witnessing a delay of 32 minutes.
• The House had a prayer break of 15 minutes.
• The Chairman chaired the entire sitting while the Deputy Chairman was also present.
• The Leader of the House attended the entire sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was not present.
• Parliamentary leaders of all parties except JI attended the sitting.
• 32 members (31% of the total membership – 104) were present at the outset and 58 members (56%) at the end of the sitting.
• A maximum of 62 lawmakers (60%) were present at the time of adjournment.
• Three minority Senators attended the sitting.
• Six senators applied for leave.

Output

• Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Privatization presented a copy of the Finance Bill, 2015 in the House containing the Annual Budget Statement.
• Minister for Finance also presented the second quarterly report for the year 2014-2015 of the Central Board of Directors of the State Bank of Pakistan about the state of economy.

• The House passed a resolution to condemn the killing of passengers in Mastung and expressed condolences with the victims’ families.
• Eighteen lawmakers- ANP (4), NP, PkMAP, JUI-F, PPPP,  PML-N (2 each) and one each of PTI, BNP-M, MQM and PML- spoke on the resolution for 70 minutes and demanded the arrest of perpetrators of this heinous crime.

Transparency

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

To download the document, click here

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This publication is based on direct observation of the Senate proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization – a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions are excepted.