ISLAMABAD, January 30, 2014: The Protection of Pakistan (Amendment) Ordinance 2014 was laid in the National Assembly during 4^th sitting of its 8^th session on Thursday, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the proceedings.

Eleven lawmakers belonging to PML-N, PPPP, PTI, MQM, BNP, QWP-S, JI and an Independent candidate debated the motion under rule 259 regarding the prevailing law and order in the country for two hours and 33 minutes (60% of total sitting time). State Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control concluded the debate.

The House took up a Calling Attention Notice (CAN) about getting vacated the valuable land of Karachi Port Trust from illegal occupants.

A total of 34 members were present at the outset while 53 were there at the adjournment of sitting. PPPP lawmaker pointed out quorum after not getting permission from the Chair to raise a Point of Order (PO) and the proceedings were to be adjourned due to lack of quorum.

The Prime Minister did not attend the session while the Leader of the Opposition was present for 23 minutes. Parliamentary leaders of JI, QWP-S, PML-F and PML-Z attended the proceedings.

Following are some key observations of the parliamentary business:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings:

• The National Assembly met for four hours and 16 minutes. The sitting started at 1045 hours against the scheduled time of 1030 hours, witnessing a delay of 15 minutes.
• The Speaker chaired the sitting for an hour and 50 minutes while the Deputy Speaker presided over the remaining proceedings.
•  The House took a prayer break of 25 minutes.
• The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was present for 23 minutes.
• The parliamentary leaders of JI, QWP-S, PML-F and PML-Z were present.
• Thirty-four (34) members were present at the outset while 53 were there at the adjournment. A maximum of 128 members were observed to be present at one point of the sitting.
• Eight minority members attended the sitting.
• Six members applied for leave.

Output

• Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan laid the Protection of Pakistan (Amendment) Ordinance 2014.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The House debated motion under rule 259 regarding prevailing law and order in the country for two hours and 33 minutes.
• Eleven lawmakers belonging to PML-N, PPPP, PTI, MQM, BNP, QWP-S, JI and an Independent candidate participated in the debate.
• The House took up a CAN about getting vacated the valuable land of Karachi Port Trust from illegal occupants.
• Seventeen out of 35 Starred Questions (requiring oral as well written answers) on the agenda were taken up. Additionally, members asked 15 supplementary questions.

Order and Institutionalization

• Only one important matter under Rule 18 was discussed for two minutes.

• PPPP lawmaker pointed out quorum for not getting permission from the Chair to raise a Point of Order and the proceedings had to be adjourned due to lack of quorum.
• There were no instances of protests, 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