ISLAMABAD, February 10, 2014: Low attendance of senators was observed on Monday, as the House continued its debate on commenced motion regarding political and law & order situation with particular reference to recent terrorist activities in the country, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the House.

Nine lawmakers participated in the debate for an hour and twenty-four minutes. Three legislators each of PML-N and PPPP followed by ANP (2) and JUI-F (one) took part in the debate.

Two bills – the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2014 (Amendment of Article 251) and the Privatization Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2014 – were introduced.

The House debated another commenced motion regarding need for establishment of a full-fledged Ministry of Capital Administration and Development to deal with the subjects of health and education in the Islamabad Capital Territory.

Six lawmakers participated in the debate for 15 minutes and the Chair decided to constitute a committee after discussion with the Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition to review the existing system in various capitals of the world to deal with the subjects of health and education.

Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Senate met for an hour and 58 minutes.
• The sitting started at 1534 hours against the scheduled time of 1500 hours, witnessing a delay of 34 minutes.
• The Chairman presided over the entire sitting.
• Ten senators were present at the outset, 27 at the adjournment and a maximum 42 at a point during the proceedings.
• The parliamentary leaders of PPPP, JUI-F, PkMAP, PML-F and ANP were present.
• Three minority senators attended the sitting.
• Two members applied for leave.

• The Leader of the House was present during the entire sitting while the Leader of the Opposition attended the proceedings for an hour and 32 minutes.
  

Output

• Two bills – the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2014 (Amendment of Article 251) and the Privatization Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2014 – were introduced.
• ANP senator introduced bill the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2014 to further amend Constitution (Amendment of Article 251). 
• PPPP female legislator introduced Privatization Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2014 seeking amendment in the Privatization Commission Ordinance, 2000.
  

Representation and Responsiveness

• The House debated a motion under rule 218 regarding political and law & order situation in the country in the wake of recent terrorist activities in the country.
• Three legislators each of PML-N and PPPP followed by ANP (2) and JUI-F (one) took part in the debate.
• The House completed debate on another commenced motion regarding need for establishment of a full-fledged Ministry of Capital Administration and Development to deal with the subjects of health and education in the Islamabad Capital Territory.
• Six lawmakers participated in debate for 15 minutes.
• The Chair decided to constitute a committee after discussion with the Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition to review the existing system in various capitals of the world to deal with the subjects of health and education.

Order and Institutionalization

• The members spoke on seven points of order consuming 13 minutes of the proceedings.
• There were no instances of protests, boycotts or walkouts during the sitting.
  

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.

 

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