Points of Order Consume 73% of the Proceedings’ Time

ISLAMABAD, June 6, 2014: The Senate could not start general discussion on the fiscal budget 2014-15 on Friday, however, 12 points of order consumed 73 per cent of the proceedings’ time during 3rd sitting of the 105^th session, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the House.

Twelve lawmakers – four each of ANP, PPPP and one each of PML-N, PkMAP, JUI-F and PML – spoke on as many points of order for 46 minutes.

Leader of the House laid the Annual Report of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) for the year 2012-2013.

The Senate adjourned the debate on federal budget 2014-15 till June 9, 2014 (Monday) on the request of a PPPP Senator.

The House welcomed the Ambassador of Argentina who had come to witness the proceedings of the Upper House.

Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Senate met for an hour and three minutes.
• The sitting started at 1117 hours against the scheduled time of 1030 hours with a delay of 47 minutes.
• The Chairman presided over the entire sitting.
• Six senators were present at the outset, 38 at the adjournment while a maximum of 42 at one point during the proceedings.
• The parliamentary leaders of PPPP, PkMAP, ANP and PML-F attended the sitting.
• Two minority members attended the sitting.
• Two members applied for leave.

• The Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition attended the entire sitting.

Output

• Leader of the House laid the Annual Report of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) for the year 2012-2013.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The Senate adjourned the debate on federal budget 2014-15 till June 9, 2014 (Monday) on the request of a PPPP senator.

Order and Institutionalization

• Twelve legislators spoke on as many points of order for 46 minutes.
• There were no incidents of protests, walkouts and boycotts.

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.