ISLAMABAD, October 20, 2014: Low attendance of members was witnessed during the second sitting of 108^th session of the Senate as 18 senators (17%) were present at the outset and 21 (20%) at its adjournment, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

A PPPP lawmaker tabled the Members of Parliament (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Bill 2014 and the House approved to constitute a joint committee to reviewing it. A total of seven legislators – PPPP (3), ANP (2) and one each of JUI-F and PML-N – expressed their views on the bill.

Moved by an independent lawmaker under Rule 218, the House debated a motion regarding situation arising out of the recent floods and steps taken by the government to cope with the disaster. Eleven lawmakers – PPPP (3), PML-N and ANP (two each), one each of MQM, PML, JUI-F and an independent candidate – took part in the debate that was concluded by the Federal Minister for Water and Power.

The House admitted a motion submitted under Rule 218 by a PPPP lawmaker to discuss the performance of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for a debate.

Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Senate met for three hours and five minutes.
• The House had a prayer break for 37 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1649 hours against the scheduled time of 1600 hours witnessing a delay of 49 minutes.
• The Senate Chairman presided over the sitting for 51 minutes while the rest of proceedings were chaired by the Deputy Chairman.
• The Leader of the House attended the entire sitting while his counterpart, the Leader of the Opposition, was absent.
• Eighteen senators (17%) were present at the outset, 21 (20%) at the adjournment while a maximum of 34 (33%) at one point during the siting.
• The Parliamentary Leaders of PkMAP, PML-F and ANP attended the sitting.
• Four minority members attended the sitting.
• Four members applied for leave.

Output

• A PPPP lawmaker introduced the Members of Parliament (Powers, Immunities and Privileges) Bill 2014. Through a motion, the House approved to constitute a committee to review the bill. A total of seven legislators – PPPP (3), ANP (2) and one each of JUI-F and PML-N – expressed their views on the bill.

• The Standing Committee on Commerce and Textile Industry Chairman presented a report to amend the Trade Organizations Act 2013 [The Trade Organizations (Amendment) Bill, 2014].
• The Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges Chairman presented a report on a privilege motion moved by a PPPP Senator about an incorrect reply to a starred question No 119 submitted by the Aviation Division.
• The Standing Committee on Housing and Works Chairman presented a report on a starred question No 112 asked by Senator Begum Najma Hameed on January 27, 2012.

Representation and Responsiveness

• Moved by an independent lawmaker under Rule 218, the House debated a motion regarding situation arising out of recent floods and steps taken by the government to cope with the disaster.
• Eleven lawmakers – PPPP (3), PML-N and ANP (two each), one each of MQM, PML, JUI-F and an independent candidate – took part in the debate that was concluded by the Federal Minister for Water and Power.

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.

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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 can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. This Daily Factsheet is based on direct observation of the Senate proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization; a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions excepted.