ISLAMABAD, May 8, 2015: Starting at its scheduled time, the Senate discussed an adjournment motion (AM) regarding arrest and lodging of FIR against Workers of Welfare Board, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who were protesting at Korang Road, Islamabad, against their dismissal from service, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

Four lawmakers- ANP (2) and one each of PPPP and MQM- participated in the debate for 13 minutes. The Chair, in its ruling, directed the Ministry of Interior to submit report within four days.

Meanwhile, the House continued debate on the annual report on the observance and implementation of the federation’s principles of policy for the year 2011-2012. Six lawmakers- MQM (2), one each of PML-N, PPPP, PkMAP and an Independent Senator- took part in the debate that continued for 54 minutes.

Only 16 legislators (15%) were present at the start while 37 (36%) at the time of adjournment of the sitting.

The House also took up a calling attention notice (CAN) sponsored by a PPPP Senator regarding the murder of a woman in the name of honour at Mamoori, District Dera Ghazi Khan. Another CAN moved by a PPPP lawmaker regarding delay in announcement of the eighth NFC Award was left unaddressed on the second consecutive day due to the relevant minister’s absence.

Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Senate met for two hours and 44 minutes.
• The sitting started at its scheduled time of 1000 hours.
• The Chairman presided over the sitting for two hours and 16 minutes while the rest of proceedings were chaired by a member of panel of chairpersons.
• The Deputy Chairman was not present.
• The Leader of the House attended the entire sitting while the Opposition Leader was not present.
• The Prime Minister was not present.
• 16 Senators (15%) were present at the start and 37 (36%) at the end of the sitting.
• A maximum of 48 Senators (46%) were present.
• The parliamentary leaders of PPPP, PML-N, PkMAP, PML, JUI-F, PML-F, ANP, PTI and MQM were present.
• Two minority members were present.
• Six members applied for leave.

Output

• Leader of the House presented report on the non-participation of women in the voting process in Lower Dir bye-elections.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The House took up eight out of 13 questions appearing on the agenda. Additionally, the legislators raised 17 supplementary questions during the sitting.
• Six lawmakers- MQM (2), one each of PML-N, PPPP, PkMAP and an Independent Senator   discussed the annual report on the observance and implementation of the federation’s principles of policy for the year 2011-2012 for 54 minutes.
• The House took up a CAN sponsored by PPPP Senator regarding murder of a woman in the name of honour at Mamoori, District Dera Ghazi Khan.
• Another CAN moved by a PPPP lawmaker regarding delay in the announcement of eighth NFC Award was not taken up on the second consecutive day due to the absence of relevant minister.
• The House discussed an adjournment motion (AM) regarding arrest and lodging of FIR against Workers of Welfare Board, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who were protesting at Murree Road turn, Korang Road, Islamabad, against their dismissal from service.

Order and Institutionalization

• The lawmakers raised 11 POs consuming 18 minutes of the sitting.

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.