ISLAMABAD, May 5, 2015: The Senate was forced to suspend its question hour due to ministerial absence on Tuesday, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

The sitting started at its scheduled time of 1500 hours with 21 legislators (20%) present at the start and 38 (37%) at the time of adjournment. Thirty-six POs consumed 130 minutes (76%) of the sitting.

The State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs presented the Publication of Laws of Pakistan (Regulation) Ordinance 2015.

The Chair admitted an adjournment motion (AM) sponsored by two MQM lawmakers regarding delay in execution of the K-4 project. Another AM sponsored by a PPPP lawmaker regarding the demise of 10 passengers in Dadu, reportedly due to electrocution, was not admitted as the Chair ruled to consider it in the next sitting.

The House did not take up a calling attention notice (CAN) regarding the killing of human rights activist Sabeen Mahmood due to the mover’s absence.

Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Senate met for two hours and 52 minutes.
• The sitting started at its scheduled time of 1500 hours.
• The Chairman presided over the entire sitting.
• The Deputy Chairman was also present.
• The Leader of the House and the Opposition Leader attended the entire sitting.
• The Prime Minister was not present.
• 21 senators (20%) were present at the start and 38 (37%) at the end of the sitting.
• A maximum of 51 senators (49%) were present at one point of the sitting
• The parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, PML-F, PML-N, NP, PML, PPPP, ANP, MQM, PTI and BNP-M were present.
• Three minority members were present.
• Two members applied for leave.

Output

• The State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs presented the Publication of Laws of Pakistan (Regulation) Ordinance 2015.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The Chair admitted an AM sponsored by two MQM lawmakers regarding delay in execution of the K-4 project.
• Another AM sponsored by a PPPP lawmaker regarding the demise of 10 passengers in Dadu, reportedly due to electrocution, was not admitted as the Chair ruled to consider it in the next sitting.
• The Question Hour could not be held due to the absence of the relevant ministers. The Chair warned to take action against ministers not appearing in the House in future.
• The House did not take up a CAN regarding the killing of human rights activist Sabeen Mahmood due to the mover’s absence.

Order and Institutionalization

• Thirty-six POs consumed 130 minutes (76%) of the proceedings’ time.

Transparency

• Orders of the Day was available to the legislators, observers and others.
• Information on members’ 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 in no way 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 excepted.