ISLAMABAD, January 29, 2014: The National Assembly debated prevailing law and order in the country during 3^rd sitting of the 8^th session on Wednesday, 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 and JUI-F debated the motion under rule 259 for two hours and 18 minutes (55% of total sitting time).

The House took up two Calling Attention Notices (CANs). The first one was regarding non-regularization of contractual employees, who have completed more than one year service in the federal government departments against the quota of deceased employees’ children while the other CAN was related to the non-implementation of polio vaccination programme in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

A total of 115 members were present at the outset while 236 were there at the adjournment of sitting.

The Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition attended the sitting while parliamentary leaders of PML-F, JI, PkMAP, AMLP, QWP-S, PML-Z, JUI-F, PTI and MQM also 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 nine minutes. The sitting started at 1047 hours against the scheduled time of 1030 hours, witnessing a delay of 17 minutes.
• The Speaker chaired the sitting for three hours and 20 minutes while Deputy Speaker presided over the proceedings for 19 minutes.
• The House had a prayer break of 30 minutes.
• The Prime Minister attended the sitting for an hour and 22 minutes while the Leader of the Opposition was present for two hours and 27 minutes.
• The parliamentary leaders of PML-F, JI, PkMAP, AMLP, QWP-S, PML-Z, JUI-F, PTI and MQM were present.
• One hundred and fifteen (115) members were present at the outset while 236 were there at the adjournment. A maximum of 272 members were observed to be present at one point of sitting.
• Eight minority members attended the sitting.
• Four members applied for leave.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The House debated motion under rule 259 regarding prevailing law and order in the country for two hours and 18 minutes.
• Eleven lawmakers participated in the debate. Four PML-N legislators debated the motion for 53 minutes, followed by three lawmakers of PPPP (16 minutes), two PTI MNAs (14 minutes) and one each member of JUI-F and MQM for 40 minutes and 15 minutes respectively.
• The House took up two CANs regarding non-regularization of contractual employees who have completed more than one year service in the federal government departments against the quota of deceased employees’ children under Prime Minister’s package and non-implementation of polio vaccination programme in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).
• Ten out of 29 Starred Questions (requiring oral as well written answers) on the Orders of the Day were taken up. Additionally, members asked 10 supplementary questions.

Order and Institutionalization

• Legislators spoke on four important matters under Rule 18 for five minutes.

• 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