ISLAMABAD, June 22, 2016: The Punjab Assembly concluded the general discussion on Provincial Budget 2016-17 during sixth sitting of 22^nd session on Wednesday, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:

Members’ Participation

• The Punjab Assembly met for three hours and 55 minutes.
• The proceedings were suspended for 19 minutes due to the absence of Finance Minister.
• The sitting started at 1040 hours against the scheduled time of 1000 hours.
• The Speaker presided over the sitting for two hours and 18 minutes while the Deputy Speaker chaired the rest of the proceedings.
• The Chief Minister did not attend the sitting.
• The Leader of the Opposition attended the sitting for 59 minutes.
• The Finance Minister attended the sitting for three hours and 18 minutes.
• 11 lawmakers (3%) were present at the outset and 90 (24%) at the adjournment of the sitting.
• The parliamentary leader of PPPP attended the sitting.
• Four minority members were present.

Output

• The Finance Minister laid before the House the Amendments in the Annual Development Programme 2016-17.

Representation and Responsiveness

• Nineteen lawmakers – PML-N (11), PTI (5), PPPP (2) and PML (one) – took part in general discussion on the Budget 2016-17. The Finance Minister concluded the discussion and spoke for 25 minutes.
• Moved by PML-N lawmakers, the House referred two Privilege Motions to the relevant committee.

Order and Institutionalization

• The lawmakers spoke on three Points of Order consuming as many minutes of the proceedings.
• The PTI lawmakers protested on floor of the House for two minutes against the remarks of a PML-N legislator about the party’s protests starting after Eid.
• A PPPP lawmaker staged a walkout for 16 minutes against neglecting his constituency in the Budget 2016-17.
• Another lawmaker belonging to PPPP pointed out quorum at 1413 hours but it was found complete on headcount.

Transparency

• ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and public.
• Information on members’ attendance is available on the Assembly’s website.

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The daily factsheet is based on direct observation of the Punjab Assembly proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization – a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions are excepted.