ISLAMABAD, December 13, 2013: The National Assembly continued its debate on prevailing law and order in the country during 7th sitting of the 7^th session on Friday, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the proceedings.

Four lawmakers belonging to PML-N, PTI, PPPP and JI debated the motion under rule 259 for 39 minutes (33% of total sitting time).

A Calling Attention Notice (CAN) on non-implementation of former Prime Minister’s order given in 2009 to write off agricultural loans in Malakand Division was taken up. However, another CAN regarding stoppage of construction work on Qazi Ahmad Aamri bridge over Indus river could not be taken up.

A JI legislator offered fateha for the departed soul of Bangladeshi JI leader who was hanged in Bangladesh.

A total of 35 members among the House of 340 were present at the outset while 65 were there at the adjournment of sitting.

The Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition did not attend the sitting while parliamentary leaders of AMLP, JI, APML and QWP-S attended the proceedings.

Following are some key observations of the parliamentary business:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings:

• The National Assembly met for two hours.
• The sitting started at 1040 hours against the scheduled time of 1030 hours, witnessing a delay of 10 minutes.
• The Speaker chaired the entire sitting.
• The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition did not attend the sitting.
• The parliamentary leaders of AMLP, JI, APML and QWP-S were present.
• Thirty-five (35) members were present at the outset while 65 were there at the adjournment. A maximum of 118 members were observed to be present at one point of sitting.
• Six minority members attended the sitting.
• Nine members applied for leave.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The House debated motion under rule 259 regarding prevailing law and order in the country for 39 minutes. One member each from PML-N, PTI, PPPP and JI participated in the debate.
• Tabled by JI and PTI legislators, the House took up a CAN regarding non-implementation of the order of former Prime Minister given in 2009 to write off agricultural loans in Malakand Division.
• Eight out of 35 Starred Questions (requiring oral answers) on the Orders of the Day were taken up. Additionally, members asked 16 supplementary questions.

Order and Institutionalization

• MNAs spoke on seven points of order for 11 minutes.
• There were no instances of protest, boycotts or walkouts during the sitting.

Transparency

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

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 National Assembly proceedings conducted by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI); a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions excepted