ISLAMABAD, June 12, 2014: The tussle between treasury and the Chair marred the debate on Finance Bill during seventh sitting of the Senate’s 105th session on Thursday, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the House.
Only one lawmaker, belonging to PPPP, spoke on the budgetary proposals for 13 minutes. Six lawmakers spoke on as many points of order consuming 13 minutes.
Following the points of order, a PPPP lawmaker moved a privilege motion stating that the Islamabad Police misbehaved with him and lifted the car parked in front of his lodge. The Chair referred the motion to the Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges. The Leader of the House objected to the referral without his consent and threatened not to cooperate with the Chair in running the House smoothly. The Parliamentary leader of PML-N also protested over the behavior of Deputy Chairman Senate.
During this episode, a PML-N lawmaker refused to take the floor to speak on the budget. Besides, an MQM Senator tried to speak but could not do so due to rumpus in the House. In the meantime, the Leader of the Opposition tried to settle the dispute but to no avail. The argument was on when the Chair adjourned the proceedings for tomorrow.
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings
- The Senate met for an hour and 10 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1701 hours against the scheduled time of 1600 hours with a delay of an hour and one minute.
- The Deputy Chairman presided over the entire sitting as the Chairman was absent.
- Fifteen senators were present at the outset, 31 at the adjournment while a maximum of 38 at one point during the proceedings.
- The parliamentary leaders of PML-N, PPPP, PkMAP and PML-F attended the sitting.
- Three minority members attended the sitting.
- A member applied for leave.
- The Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition attended the entire sitting.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Only one lawmaker, belonging to PPPP, spoke on the budgetary proposals for 13 minutes.
- A PPPP lawmaker moved a privilege motion stating that the Islamabad Police misbehaved with him and lifted the car parked in front of his lodge. The Chair referred the motion to the Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges.
Order and Institutionalization
- Six lawmakers spoke on as many points of order consuming 13 minutes.
- The Leader of the House objected to the referral of privilege motion to the Committee without his consent and threatened not to cooperate with the Chair in running the House smoothly. The Parliamentary leader of PML-N also protested over the behavior of Deputy Chairman Senate. Later, the Leader of the Opposition tried to settle the dispute but to no avail. While the argument was on, the Chair adjourned the proceedings for tomorrow. During this episode, a PML-N lawmaker refused to take the floor to speak on the budget. Moreover, a lawmaker belonging to MQM could not speak due to rumpus.
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.
