ISLAMABAD, October 24, 2014: Starting 42 minutes behind the schedule, the 6^th sitting of 108^th session of the Senate was adjourned without taken up any business on account of celebrations of the Hindu festival Diwali, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

At the outset of the sitting, a PPPP Senator recommended the Deputy Chairman, who was in the chair, to adjourn the sitting to express solidarity with the Hindu community on the eve of Diwali. All other members present also agreed to the suggestion, to which, the Deputy Chairman adjourned the sitting.

The sitting continued for 7 minutes and a total of 14 members (13%) were present at the outset of the sitting. The Leader of the House and the parliamentary leaders of PPPP and PkMAP attended the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition, Senate Chairman and the Prime Minister remained absent.

Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Senate met for seven minutes.
• The sitting started at 1112 hours against the scheduled time of 1030 hours witnessing a delay of 42 minutes.
• The Deputy Chairman presided over the sitting and the Chairman was absent.
• The Leader of the House attended the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was absent.
• Fourteen members were present at the start and end of the sitting.
• The Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader in the House did not attend the sitting.
• The parliamentary leaders of PPPP and PkMAP attended the sitting.
• Two minority members attended the sitting.

Output

• The House did not take up any business and the sitting was adjourned to express solidarity with the Hindu community on the eve of Diwali.

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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.