ISLAMABAD, June 04, 2014: The Senate of Pakistan cleared five government bills on Wednesday during second sitting of 105^th session, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) based on direct observation of the House.

The House passed the Anti-terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2014, The Anti-terrorism (Second Amendment) Bill, 2014, The Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils (Amendment) Bill, 2014, The Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill, 2014 and the Service Tribunals (Amendment) Bill, 2014.

The bills were moved by Federal Minister for Science and Technology and Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage. All the bills except one were passed as reported by the relevant standing committees, however, the Services Tribunals (Amendment) Bill, 2014 was passed with an amendment proposed by PML-N senator.

ANP legislator moved a privilege motion against the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for inviting him to a fake inaugural ceremony of a water supply scheme in Lower Dir announced during regime of previous government. The motion was referred to the relevant committee.

The entire opposition walked out of the House against the baton-charge on protesting clerks and teachers in Islamabad and also against the extortion letters received by schools in Peshawar. The House was adjourned for four minutes after the opposition walked out.

Three lawmakers spoke for nine minutes on points of order. The House also offered condolence prayers for the slain army officers in a blast today near Rawalpindi.

There was no question hour held on Wednesday and the day was reserved for government legislation.

Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Senate met for an hour and two minutes.
• The sitting started at 1753 hours against the scheduled time of 1700 hours with a delay of 53 minutes.
• The Chairman presided over the entire sitting while the Deputy Chairman was also present.
• Twenty-two senators were present at the outset, 38 at the adjournment while a maximum of 46 at one point during the proceedings.
• The parliamentary leaders of PPPP, ANP, PkMAP, PML-F and NP attended the sitting.
• Two minority members attended the sitting.
• The Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition attended the entire sitting.
• Six members applied for leave.

Output

• The House passed the Anti-terrorism (Amendment) Bill, 2014, The Anti-terrorism (Second Amendment) Bill, 2014, The Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils (Amendment) Bill, 2014, The Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (Amendment) Bill, 2014 and the Service Tribunals (Amendment) Bill, 2014.
• The bills were moved by Federal Minister for Science and Technology and Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage. All the bills except one were passed as reported by the standing committee, however, the Services Tribunals (Amendment) Bill, 2014 was passed with an amendment proposed by PML-N senator.

Order and Institutionalization

• ANP legislator moved a privilege motion against the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for inviting him to a fake inaugural ceremony of a water supply scheme in Lower Dir announced during regime of previous government. The motion was referred to the relevant committee.
• Three lawmakers spoke for nine minutes on points of order. The House also offered condolence prayers for the slain army officers in a blast today near Rawalpindi.
• The entire opposition walked out of the House against the baton-charge on protesting clerks and teachers in Islamabad and also against the extortion letters received by schools in Peshawar. The House was adjourned four minutes after the opposition walked out.

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.