ISLAMABAD, December 2, 2014: Starting half an hour behind the schedule, the National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution in its fifth sitting of the 16th session, urging the government to take immediate steps to improve the services of Pakistan International Airlines, says Free and Fair Election Network in its daily factsheet.

The House debated the commenced resolution tabled by PPPP lawmaker on October 21, 2014 that continued for 58 minutes. Thirteen lawmakers – four belonging to PML-N, three from MQM, two from JI and one each from ANP, PkMAP, APML and an independent member – participated in the debate that was winded up by the State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs.

Low attendance of members persisted as only 58 legislators (17%) were present at the start of the sitting and 51 (15%) at the time of adjournment. The Deputy Speaker presided over the entire sitting as the Speaker was absent.  Additionally, the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader also did not attend the sitting.

The House took up two calling attention notices (CANs) – one regarding gas load shedding and low pressure in various residential areas and the other on non-restoration of son quota for appointment in Karachi Port Trust. In addition, the lawmakers spoke on 17 points of order for 47 minutes (32% of the proceedings).

Following are some key observations of the Parliamentary business:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings:

• The National Assembly met for two hours and 26 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1130 hours against the scheduled time of 1100 hours, witnessing a delay of 30 minutes.
• The Deputy Speaker presided over the entire sitting.
• The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition did not attend the sitting.
• The parliamentary leaders of PML-F, PTI, JUI-F, PML, PML-Z, NP, AMLP, NPP, BNP, AJIP and QWP were not present.
• Fifty-eight members (17% of the total membership) were present at the outset while 51 (15%) were seen at the time of adjournment. A maximum of 95 members were observed to be present at one point of the sitting.
• Eight minority members attended the sitting.
• Eighteen members applied for leave.

Output

• The House unanimously adopted a resolution, urging the government to take immediate steps to improve the services of Pakistan International Airlines.

Representation and Responsiveness

• Sponsored by three PML-N lawmakers, the House took up a CAN regarding gas load shedding and low pressure in residential areas.
• Another CAN sponsored by four JI lawmakers on non-restoration of son quota for appointment in Karachi Port Trust was also taken up by the House.

Order and Institutionalization

• The lawmakers spoke on 17 points of order for 47 minutes.
• No protests/walkouts/boycotts were witnessed during the entire 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.

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