ISLAMABAD, September 18, 2017: The Senate deferred more than two third agenda on Monday and debated motions under Rule 218 regarding police system and population issues in the country, observes Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

Following are key observations of the proceedings during sixth sitting of 267^th session:

 Members’ Participation

• The Senate met for four hours and 53 minutes.
• The sitting started at the scheduled time of 1600 hours.
• The House had a prayer break for 17 minutes.
• The Deputy Chairman presided over the sitting for an hour and 29 minutes while the rests of the proceedings were presided over by a member of Panel of Presiding Officer.
• The Leader of the House attended the sitting for four hours and 11 minutes while the Leader of the Opposition was not present.
• Prime Minister did not attend the sitting.
• Thirteen members (12%) were present at the outset and 12 (11%) at the adjournment of the sitting.
• The parliamentary leaders of MQM, BNP-M, PkMAP, PTI, PPPP and ANP attended the sitting.
• Two minority Senators attended the sitting.

Output

• A bill – the Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017] (Amendment of sections 292, 293 and 294) was referred back to the Standing Committee for further consideration.
• Seven resolutions, seven motions under Rule 218 and debate on a Motion of Thanks were deferred.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The House debated a motion under Rule 218 regarding the progress made in the development of alternate narrative to curb militancy as envisaged in the National Action Plan. Fifteen lawmakers spoke on it for an hour and 11 minutes while State Minister for Interior concluded debate during his six minutes speech.
• Minister for Power concluded debate on a motion about the structural issues of power sector in the country resulting into perpetual crisis affecting the daily lives of general public. He spoke for 11 minutes on it.
• Another motion about the present police system in the country and suggest ways and means for its improvement to ensure better protection of the fundamental / human rights of the people was also debated. Fourteen lawmakers participated in discussion for 77 minutes while Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training wound up debate and spoke for 10 minutes.
• The House debated a motion about situation arising out of rapid increase in population of the country. Eleven lawmakers discussed it for 63 minutes and Minister Federal Education and Professional Training concluded debate on it during his eight minutes speech.

Order and Institutionalization

• Opposition lawmakers walked out of the House for five minutes over their reservations against census results.

Transparency

• Orders of the Day was available to the legislators, observers and public.
• Attendance of lawmakers is available on the website.

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This daily factsheet is based on direct observation of the Senate proceedings conducted by Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). Errors and omissions are excepted