ISLAMABAD, May 27, 2014: The Punjab Assembly adopted four resolutions moved by PML-N female lawmakers, withdrew one, and deferred two others during 8^th sitting of the 8^th session on Tuesday, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the House.

The opposition parties continued their protest over different issues, and this time it was for not getting reply to a privilege motion tabled by the opposition leader some three months ago.

A resolution tabled by Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker was deferred as the mover was busy in protest when the Chair took it up. Tabled by PML-N female lawmaker, the House deferred another resolution due to the absence of the mover. A PML-N lawmaker withdrew his resolution on the assurance of law minister that farmers of Jhelum and Dina would be duly compensated as their standing crops were destroyed due to rains and hailstorm.

A PTI lawmaker pointed out quorum at 1155 hours. The Chair ordered for a headcount and later the bells were rung for five minutes and the quorum was found in order.

Following are some key observations of the Parliamentary business:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings:

• The Punjab Assembly met for an hour and 36 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1120 hours against the scheduled time of 1000 hours, witnessing a delay of an hour and 20 minutes.
• There were 61 members at the outset and 107 at the adjournment of the sitting.
• The Speaker presided over the entire sitting.
• The Chief Minister did not attend the proceedings while the Leader of the Opposition was present for an hour and 21 minutes.
• The parliamentary leaders of PPPP and JI attended the sitting.
• Four minority members were present.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The Punjab Assembly adopted four resolutions tabled by PML-N female lawmakers, withdrew one and deferred two others during the proceedings.
• Ten of 31 starred questions (requiring oral as well as written answers) on the Orders of the Day were taken up and responded to by the parliamentary secretary. Additionally, members asked 13 supplementary questions.

Order and Institutionalization

• Lawmakers raised 10 points of order consuming 19 minutes and 10 seconds of the sitting.
• The opposition parties continued their protest over different issues, and this time it was for not getting reply to a privilege motion tabled by the opposition leader some three months ago
• A PTI lawmaker pointed out quorum at 1155 hours. The Chair ordered for the headcount. Later the bells were rung for five minutes and the House was found in order.

Transparency

• ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
• Information on members’ attendance was unavailable to observers and the public.

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The Daily Factsheet is based on direct observation of Punjab Assembly proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization, a member organization of FAFEN