ISLAMABAD, May 04, 2015: Starting at the scheduled time of 1600 hours, the Senate adopted three resolutions and concluded debate on a motion under Rule 218 regarding corruption in federal government departments during the first sitting of its 115^th session on Monday, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

The resolutions adopted by the House were regarding implementation of National Action Plan to counter terrorism, early completion of Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway (M-9) and end of gas load-shedding.

Another two resolutions regarding setting up of a women university in Swat and real implementation on the 18th Amendment were not taken up due to the absence of mover.

The resolution regarding ban on publishing Quranic verses and its translation in the newspapers to preserve the sanctity of the holy text was taken up by the House. It was agreed to redraft it after having further consideration with the purpose of finding out an acceptable solution.

The House concluded debate on a commenced motion under Rule 218 regarding corruption in federal government departments which was forwarded to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice with a direction to submit report on existing laws against corruption.

Eighteen lawmakers- PML-N (5), PTI, ANP, PkMAP, MQM, PPPP (2 each) and one each of PML, BNP-M and an Independent member – spoke for 101 minutes. State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs winded up the debate on the motion during his 12 minutes speech.

Another commenced motion under Rule 218 regarding overall performance of the banking sector was discussed by the House for 38 minutes. Ten lawmakers- MQM (3) and one each of PPPP, PTI, PML-F, BNP-M, ANP, NP and an Independent Senator- participated in the debate.

The Chair clubbed two separate identical motions about Pak-China Economic Corridor with particular reference to the changes in its original route and decided to have discussion on it during any of the next sittings.

Two motions regarding provision of speedy and inexpensive justice and aftermath of hepatitis disease were presented in the House for having a debate on them.

Three motions regarding problems relating to Afghan refugees in Pakistan, welfare steps for disabled person and steps to facilitate the overseas Pakistanis were not taken up due to the absence of movers.

Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Senate met for four hours and 46 minutes.
• The sitting started at scheduled time of 1600 hours.
• The House had a prayer break for 16 minutes.
• The Chairman presided over the entire sitting while Deputy Chairman was also present.
• The Leader of the House attended the sitting for two hours and 16 minutes while the Opposition Leader was present for three hours and 16 minutes.
• The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting.
• 10 Senators (10%) were present at the start and 48 (46%) at the end of the sitting.
• A maximum of 56 Senators (54%) attended the sitting.
• The parliamentary leaders of PML-F, NP, JUI-F, PML, BNP-M, NP, PPPP, MQM, PTI, PML-N and ANP were present.
• Two minority members attended the sitting.
• Eight members applied for leave.

Output

• The House adopted a resolution regarding taking further effective steps for implementation of National Action Plan to counter terrorism in the country. Minister for Interior spoke on it for 68 minutes.
• Two other resolutions adopted by the House were regarding early completion of Hyderabad-Karachi Motorway (M-9) and ending gas load-shedding.
• The House considered a resolution about ban on publishing Quranic verses and its translation in the newspapers to preserve the sanctity of the holy text. It was agreed to redraft it after having further consideration with the purpose of finding out an acceptable solution.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The House debated a commenced motion under Rule 218 regarding corruption in federal government departments.
• Eighteen lawmakers- PML-N (5), PTI, ANP, PkMAP, MQM, PPPP (2 each) and one each of PML, BNP-M and an Independent member – spoke on it for 101 minute. State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs winded up debate on this motion during his 12 minutes speech.
• Another commenced motion under Rule 218 regarding overall performance of the banking sector was discussed by the House for 38 minutes. Ten lawmakers- MQM (3) and one each of PPPP, PTI, PML-F, BNP-M, ANP, NP and an Independent Senator- participated in the debate.
• Two separate identical motions about Pak-China Economic Corridor with particular reference to the changes in its original route were clubbed together and it was decided to have discussion on it during any of the next sittings.
• Two motions about provision of speedy and inexpensive justice and aftermath of hepatitis disease were moved in the House to have debate on them.

Order and Institutionalization

• No point of order (PO) was raised during the sitting.

Transparency

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

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This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of FAFEN and in no way reflect the views of the European Union. This session report is based on direct observation of the Senate proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization – a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions are excepted.