ISLAMABAD, August 5, 2015: The Senate on Wednesday discussed an adjournment regarding demolition of slum area in sector I-11 Islamabad amid low attendance of lawmakers, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its daily factsheet.

The sitting started at 1502 hours against the scheduled time of 1500 hours with sixteen (15%) lawmakers present the start and 28 (27%) at the time of adjournment.

The Chair admitted an adjournment motion (AM) moved by ANP female legislator about demolition of slum area (Kachi Abadi) of Sector I-11, Islamabad and alleged thrashing of the residents by the Islamabad Police and Capital Development Authority. Twelve lawmakers participated in debate on it and spoke for 89 minutes.

An AM about gas disconnection to Pakistan Steel Mills by Sui Southern Gas Company was deferred while five other AMs on the agenda were not considered.

Chairman of the Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges presented a report regarding the fact that other ministers were not briefed to answer in place of the Minister for Capital Administration and Development Division on May 14, 2015. He also moved a motion to extend the presentation of the committee report about Islamabad Capital Territory Local Government Bill 2015. The Bill had not been passed by the Senate at the time that the matter was referred to the Standing Committee for consideration.

The House took up two calling attention notices (CANs); one regarding UK-based organization’s report titled “Tipping the Scales” and the other about irrational figure about teacher-student ratio in many government run schools of the Capital.

Minister for Commerce presented copy of the Money Bill, the Income Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2015 and third quarterly report for the year 2014-2015 of the Central Board of Directors of the State Bank of Pakistan on the state of the Economy.

The House discussed a motion under rule 60 regarding starting date of Lowari Tunnel and the original date of its completion. Nine lawmakers– four from PTI, two from PML-N and one each from MQM, PML and PPPP – spoke on this issue for 30 minute which arose out of the answer to starred question no. 80, replied on May 12, 2015.

The House discussed another Adjournment Motion for 29 minutes related to out of turn allotment of government accommodations particularly to the employees of the Islamabad High Court. Six lawmakers including two lawmakers each from PPPP & PML-N and one each from PML and JUI-F participated in the debate.

Some key observations are as follow:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Senate met for four hours and two minutes
• The sitting started at 1502 hours against the scheduled time of 1500 hours
• Chairman presided over 73% (176 minutes) of the sitting time.
• The remaining time was chaired by the Deputy Chairman.
• The Leader of the House attended the sitting for three hours and 44 minutes.
• The Opposition Leader was not present.
• Prime Minister did not attend the sitting.
• Sixteen (15%) senators were present at the start and 28 (27%) at the time of adjournment.
• A maximum of 49 senators (47%) were present at one point of the sitting.
• Parliamentary leaders of JUI-F, BNP-M, MQM, PPPP, NP and PML were present.
• Three minority members were present.
• Eight members applied for leave.

Output

• Minister for Commerce presented copy of the Money Bill, the Income Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2015 and third quarterly report for the year 2014-2015 of the Central Board of Directors of the State Bank of Pakistan on the state of the Economy.
• Chairman of the Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges presented a report regarding the fact that other ministers were not briefed to answer in place of the Minister for Capital Administration and Development Division on May 14, 2015.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The Chair admitted an adjournment motion (AM) moved by female ANP legislator about demolition of slum area in Sector I-11, Islamabad and alleged thrashing of the residents by the Islamabad Police and Capital Development Authority.
• Twelve lawmakers participated in debate on it and spoke for 89 minutes.
• An AM about disconnection of gas of Pakistan Steel Mills by Sui Southern Gas Company was deferred while five others on the agenda were not considered.
• The House discussed another Adjournment Motion for 29 minutes related to out of turn allotment of government accommodations particularly to the employees of the Islamabad High Court. Six lawmakers including two lawmakers each from PPPP & PML-N and one each from PML and JUI-F participated in the debate.
• The House discussed a motion under rule 60 regarding starting date of Lowari Tunnel and the original date of its completion. Nine lawmakers – four from PTI, two from PML-N and one each from MQM, PML and PPPP spoke on this issue for 30 minute which arose out of the answer to starred question no. 80, replied on May 12, 2015.
• The House took up two CANs. First CAN was regarding UK-based organization’s report titled “Tipping the Scales” and the other was about irrational figure about teacher-student ratio in many government run schools of the Capital.
• Eight out of 15 starred questions appearing on the agenda were taken up. Additionally, lawmakers raised 24 supplementary questions.

Order and Institutionalization

•  No point of order was raised during the sittings.

 Transparency

• ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and public.
• Information on members’ attendance was not available to the observers and the public.

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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.