ISLAMABAD, December 10, 2013: The National Assembly adopted four resolutions during the fourth sitting of 7^th session, while the legislators also debated the performance of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as well as adverse effects on health due to non-availability of clean drinking water in Islamabad, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation.

Three adopted resolutions called upon the government to take steps for poverty alleviation, setting up university in Hyderabad and establishing agricultural university in Sahiwal. The House also adopted the fourth resolution, condemning the drone attacks in Pakistan by Allied forces, terming it a violation of Charter of the United Nations, International laws and demanding of the federal government to get these attacks stopped.

A PPPP legislator introduced the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2013 which was referred to the relevant Standing Committee.

The opposition members staged a walkout at 1341 hours against the privatization of government institutions and did not return to the House till the adjournment of sitting.

A total of 95 Members, among the House of 340, were present at the outset while 25 were there at the adjournment of sitting.

The Prime Minister did not attend the proceedings while the Leader of the Opposition was there for 35 minutes. Parliamentary leaders of PML-F, AMLP and JI attended the proceedings.

The House had a debate on two Motions (under Rule 259) regarding the performance of PIA and adverse effects on health due to the non-availability of clean drinking water in Islamabad Capital Territory.

Following are some key observations of the Parliamentary business:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings:

• The National Assembly met for three hours and 20 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1115 hours against the scheduled time of 1030 hours, witnessing a delay of 45 minutes.
• The Deputy Speaker chaired the entire sitting.
• The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition remained present for 35 minutes.
• The Parliamentary leaders of PML-F, AMLP and JI were present.
• Ninety five (95) Members were present at the outset while 25 were there at the adjournment. A maximum of 128 Members were observed to be present at one point of sitting.
• Seven Minority Members attended the sitting.
• Ten Members applied for leave.

Output

• Four resolutions on the Orders of the Day were adopted. These called upon the government to take steps for poverty alleviation, setting up university in Hyderabad, establishing agricultural university in Sahiwal and condemned drone attacks by Allied forces in Pakistan, terming it violation of Charter of United Nations, International laws and humanitarian norms. 
• PPPP legislator introduced Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2013 which was referred to the relevant Standing Committee.

Representation and Responsiveness

• Two Members of PTI tabled a Calling Attention Notice regarding shortage of medicines in the country.
• The House debated two Motions (under Rule 259). Six Members, including two each of PML-N, PPPP and a single member of PTI and MQM debated the performance of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for 27 minutes. One Member each of PML-N and PTI discussed adverse effects on health due to non-availability of clean drinking water in Islamabad Capital Territory for seven minutes through another motion.

Order and Institutionalization

• MNAs spoke on 19 Points of Order for an hour and nine minutes.

• The opposition Members staged a walkout against privatization of state-owned enterprises.

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