ISLAMABAD, December 9, 2013: The Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Bill, 2013 was laid during the third sitting of the seventh session of National Assembly on Monday, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation.

The House had a debate on a Motion (under Rule 259) regarding the recent price-hike of various commodities for one hour and fifty two minutes. Twelve Members, including six belonging to PML-N, two independent and a single member each of PPPP, PTI, JI and JUI-F participated in the debate.

Two Calling Attention Notices regarding delay in the appointment of Federal Member of Indus River System Authority (IRSA) from Sindh and non-provision of financial assistance by the Federal Government to the persons who died or injured during the incident in GENCO-III Thermal Power Station, Muzaffargarh were taken up.

A total of 88 Members among the House of 340 were present at the outset while 59 were there at the adjournment of sitting.

The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was there for one hour and 32 minutes. Parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, PML-F, APML, PML-Z, QWP-S and JI attended the proceedings.

Following are some key observations of the parliamentary business:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings:

• The National Assembly met for three hours and 24 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1645 hours against the scheduled time of 1600 hours, witnessing a delay of 45 minutes.
• The Speaker chaired the sitting for one hour and 37 minutes and Deputy Speaker for one hour and 19 minutes.
• The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition remained present for one hour and 32 minutes.
• The Parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, PML-F, APML, PML-Z, QWP-S and JI were present.
• Eighty eight (88) Members were present at the outset while 59 were there at the adjournment. A maximum of 157 Members were observed to be present at one point of sitting.
• Five Minority Members attended the sitting.
• The House observed a 28-minute prayer break.
• Fourteen Members applied for leave.

Output

• Minister for Science and Technology introduced Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Bill, 2013 to rationalize and reorganize the local government system in the Federal Capital.

Representation and Responsiveness

• Members of PPPP and Independent MNAs tabled two Calling Attention Notices. These were related to the delay in appointment of Federal Member of Indus River System Authority (IRSA) from Sindh and non-provision of financial assistance by the Federal Government to the persons who died or injured during the incident in GENCO-III Thermal Power Station, Muzaffargarh.
• The House debated a Motion (under Rule 259) regarding the recent price-hike of various commodities for one hour and fifty two minutes. Twelve Members, including six belonging to PML-N, two Independent and a single member each from PPPP, PTI, JI and JUI-F took part in the debate.
• Seven of 59 Starred Questions (requiring oral answers) on the agenda were taken up. All these queries were responded to by the relevant minister. Additionally, Members asked 12 supplementary questions.

Order and Institutionalization

• There were no instances of Protest, Boycotts or Walkouts.

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