PESHAWAR, November 16, 2016: The Members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly have acknowledged the need for improvement in the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the provincial assembly as a prerequisite to improve assembly’s functions of legislation and executive oversight, says a press release issued by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) on Wednesday.
The acknowledgement came at a meeting of the Legislative Support Group (LSG) which comprises 12 MPAs and whose work is facilitated by FAFEN in an effort to support the initiatives for parliamentary reforms. Deputy Speaker of the Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Dr. Meher Taj Roghani chaired the meeting, which was also attended by members belonging to PTI, PML-N, JUI-F, JI, PPPP and QWP.
FAFEN representatives briefed the LSG meeting on proposed Model Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business which seek to optimize transparency, representation, responsiveness, participation and oversight. Dr. Roghani invited FAFEN to brief the Standing Committee on Procedure and Conduct of Business Rules, Privileges and Implementation of Government Assurances on the draft Model Rules of Procedure.
Dr. Roghani said the provincial assembly was reviewing the assembly rules with the purpose of finalizing the amendments, expecting that the exercise would be completed during the existing term.
The LSG members appreciated the need for empowering standing committees to play their role effectively.
FAFEN partner organization Urban Rural Development Organization (URDO) arranged the LSG meeting in a local hotel. Its Executive Director Zaheer Khattak introduced the work of FAFEN to the provincial legislators. FAFEN is supported by the Trust for Democratic Education and Accountability (TDEA).
FAFEN’s representative gave detailed briefing on the draft Model Rules of Procedure prepared in light of parliamentary observation and international best practices. The lawmakers appreciated the efforts of FAFEN in contributing greatly to the smooth running of the provincial assembly.
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