ISLAMABAD, May 16, 2014: The Punjab Assembly witnessed introduction of three ordinances and adoption of two resolutions on Friday during first sitting of its eighth session, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet.

The Provincial Law Minister introduced the Management and Transfer of Properties by Development Authorities Ordinance 2014, the Bab-e-Pakistan Foundation Ordinance 2014 and the Punjab Free and Compulsory Education Ordinance 2014.The ordinances were sent to relevant standing committees.

The Leader of the Opposition moved a resolution to condemn the transmission of Geo Television for disgracing the family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The House adopted the resolution after incorporating few amendments to it proposed by Provincial Law Minister. The lawmakers also passed a resolution expressing solidarity with Turkey in their hour of grief.

The reports of standing committees on six different bills were presented before the House. A female lawmaker of PML, elected on a reserved seat, took oath during the sitting.

Following are some key observations of the Parliamentary business:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings:

• The Punjab Assembly met for an hour and 48 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1705 hours against the scheduled time of 1500 hours, witnessing a delay of two hours and 05 minutes.
• A total of 106 members were present at the start and 61 at the adjournment while a maximum of 183 at a point during the proceedings.
• The Speaker chaired the entire sitting except for the last two minutes presided over by the Deputy Speaker.
• The Chief Minister did not attend the sitting and the Leader of the Opposition was there for an hour and seven minutes.
• None of the parliamentary leaders, except PTI, attended the sitting.
• Four minority members were present.
• No member applied for leave.

Output

• The Provincial Law Minister introduced the Management and Transfer of Properties by Development Authorities Ordinance 2014, the Bab-e-Pakistan Foundation Ordinance 2014 and the Punjab Free and Compulsory Education Ordinance 2014.The ordinances were sent to the relevant standing committees.
• The Leader of the Opposition moved a resolution to condemn the transmission of Geo Television for disgracing the family of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).  The House adopted the resolution after incorporating few amendments to it proposed by Provincial Law Minister. The lawmakers also passed a resolution expressing solidarity with Turkey in their hour of grief.
• The reports of standing committees on six different bills were presented before the House.

Representation and Responsiveness

Three privilege motions were deferred for later sittings.

Order and Institutionalization

• The lawmakers raised three points of order consuming two minutes of the proceedings.
• There was no instance of boycott, walkout or protest during the sitting.

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