ISLAMABAD, October 27, 2014: The Senate adopted four different resolutions on Monday and debated the killing of two members of the Sikh Community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the 7^th sitting of 108^th session, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

Through the resolutions, the Upper House demanded the government take effective steps to promote Islamic Banking system in the country, take appropriate steps to amend Article 247 of the Constitution, pay compensation to the families of Quetta rally blast victims and constitute a committee to review economic impacts of privatization of public entities since 1973.

An adjournment motion, admitted during the fourth sitting for discussion regarding killing of two members of the Sikh Community in Peshawar, was debated by 19 lawmakers – ANP 5, PML-N 3, two each of MQM, PPPP, JUI-F, PML, one each of PkMAP, BNP-A and an independent lawmaker – for an hour and 34 minutes. The State Minister for Interior winded up the debate.

The House approved amendments to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate 2012 and suggested renumbering of existing rules 269 and 270 as rules 277 and 278 respectively, along with insertion of new rules 269 to 276.

Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Senate met for three hours and nine minutes.
• The House had a prayer break for 25 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1632 hours against the scheduled time of 1530 hours witnessing a delay of 62 minutes.
• The Deputy Chairman presided over the entire sitting as the Chairman was absent.
• The Leader of the House attended the entire sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was present for an hour and 20 minutes.
• Ten senators (10%) were present at the outset, 21 (20%) at the adjournment while a maximum of 43 (41%) at one point during the siting.
• The Parliamentary Leaders of PPP, PkMAP and ANP attended the sitting.
• Two minority members attended the sitting.
• Seven members applied for leave.

Output

• Tabled by a JUI-F lawmaker, the House adopted a resolution urging the government to take effective steps to promote Islamic Banking system in Pakistan.
• Moved by a PPPP Senator, the House adopted a resolution asking the government to take appropriate steps to amend Article 247 of the Constitution to enable the Parliament to enact legislation for FATA and extend jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and high courts to federally/provincially-administered tribal areas to protect and promote fundamental rights and integration of tribal people in the mainstream.
• The House adopted a resolution demanding the government pay compensation to the families of Quetta rally blast victims. It was tabled by a JUI-F lawmaker.
• A PPPP senator moved a resolution to constitute a committee to review economic impacts of privatization of public entities since 1973. It was adopted by the House.
• A MQM lawmaker tabled a resolution for fixing a consultation fee of private doctors in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) which was referred to the relevant committee for review.

Representation and Responsiveness

• An adjournment motion, admitted during the fourth sitting for discussion regarding killing of two members of the Sikh Community in Peshawar, was debated by House. It was jointly sponsored by seven ANP and one JUI-F lawmaker.
• 19 lawmakers – ANP 5, PML-N 3, two each of MQM, PPPP, JUI-F, PML, one each of PkMAP, BNP-A and an independent lawmaker – debated the motion for an hour and 34 minutes. The State Minister for Interior winded up the debate.
• The House discussed a commenced motion under Rule 218 for four minutes regarding the state of health sector after its devolution to provinces under the 18^th Constitutional Amendment.
• A MQM member submitted a privilege motion regarding alleged non-cooperation of the Sindh Chief Secretary which was sent to the relevant committee.

Order and Institutionalization

• Three Points of Order consumed three minutes of the sitting time. However, none of the Points of Order attracted the Chair’s formal ruling. Unless, the Chair gives a formal ruling it doesn’t lead to any assembly output.
• There was no instance of protest, boycott or walkout

Transparency

• ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
• Information on senators’ attendance was not available to the 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 Senate proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization; a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions excepted.