Senate Continues Debate on Peshawar Massacre

ISLAMABAD, December 29, 2014: Starting 35 minutes behind the schedule, the sixth sitting of the Senate’s 109th session on Monday witnessed a continuation of the debate on the terrorist attack at a school in Peshawar, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its daily factsheet.

Seven lawmakers – two each belonging to PML-N, PPPP and MQM in addition to a BNP-A senator – debated the commenced motion regarding the terror attack in Peshawar for two hours and six minutes. The House also held a prayer break for 24 minutes.

Eleven members (11%) were present at the start and 32 (31%) at the end of the sitting which was chaired entirely by the Deputy Chairman. The Leader of the House and the Opposition Leader were both present. The parliamentary leaders of PPPP, PkMAP, PML-N and ANP attended the sitting.

Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

  • The Senate met for two hours and 39 minutes.
  • The sitting started at 1635 hours against the scheduled time of 1600 hours, witnessing a delay of 35 minutes.
  • The Deputy Chairman presided over the entire sitting.
  • The Leader of the House and the Opposition Leader were present.
  • Eleven members (11%) were present at the start and 32 (31%) at the sitting’s adjournment.
  • A maximum of 40 lawmakers (39%) were observed to be present at one point of the sitting.
  • The parliamentary leaders of PPPP, PkMAP, PML-N and ANP attended the sitting.
  • Three minority members were present.
  • Nine members applied for leave.
  • A prayer break for 24 minutes was observed during the sitting.

Representation and Responsiveness

  • Seven lawmakers – two each belonging to PML-N, PPPP and MQM in addition to a BNP-A senator – debated the commenced motion regarding the terror attack at a school in Peshawar for two hours and six minutes.

Order and Institutionalization

  • Two points of order consumed three minutes of the proceedings’ time.
  • No protests/walkouts/boycotts were witnessed during the entire sitting.

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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 are regretted