ISLAMABAD, April 20, 2015: Starting at the scheduled time of 1500 hours, the Senate concluded debate on the import of LNG and the agreements made or proposed in this regard during the 7^th (last) sitting of 114^th session on Monday, say Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).

Twelve lawmakers- PPPP (6), PML-N & PTI (2 each) and one each of ANP and MQM- participated in the debate for an hour and 17 minutes while the Minister for Petroleum winded it up.

The House adopted a resolution to urge the Provincial Government of Balochistan to take effective steps for development of livestock sector in the province.

Two other resolutions on the agenda were not taken up which were about Universal Salt Iodization to prevent devastating impacts of Iodine deficiency and to condemn the execution of Muhammad Qamar-uz-Zaman, Assistant General Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami, in Bangladesh.

The House took up a commenced resolution for effective steps to implement National Action Plan to counter terrorism in the country. It was debated by 13 lawmakers- PPPP (3), PML-N, JUI-F (2 each) and one each of ANP, PML, BNP-M, PTI, MQM and PkMAP- for an hour and 22 minutes.

Three lawmakers- one each of PPPP, MQM and JUI-F- discussed a motion under rule 218 for 13 minutes which was about performance of Federal Government Hospitals with particular reference to availability of facilities of various tests and provision of free medicines to the outdoor patients.

Four lawmakers- PPPP (3) and PTI (one)- discussed the overall performance of the banking sector in the country for 27 minutes following a commenced motion.

A motion under rule 218 was tabled regarding the present status of Pak-China Economic Corridor with particular reference to the changes in its original route. It was agreed to have discussion on this motion in any of the next sitting.

Two other commenced motions under rule 218 regarding corruption in Federal Government Departments and new aviation policy were not discussed.

The House did not consider the motion about situation arising out of militancy in FATA and overall condition of the economy in the country.

The House also passed a motion to authorize Chairman Senate to make changes in the composition of six committees as and when deemed fit. Besides, the House also passed the motion to endorse reconstitution of Senate special committee on devolution process and revised nominations for parliamentary committee on electoral reforms as nominated by the Chairman in consultation with the Leader of the House and Leader of Opposition.

Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:

Members’ Participation in House Proceedings

• The Senate met for three hours and 55 minutes.
• The sitting started at scheduled time of 1500 hours.
• The Chairman presided over the entire sitting while Deputy Chairman was also present.
• The Leader of the House attended the entire sitting while the Opposition Leader was present for 59 minutes.
• The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting.
• 19 senators (18%) were present at the start and 45 (43%) at the end of the sitting.
• A maximum of 53 senators (51%) attended the sitting.
• The parliamentary leaders of PPPP, PML, PTI, PML-N, ANP, BNP-M and JUI-F were present.
• Three minority members attended the sitting.
• Nine members applied for leave.

Representation and Responsiveness

• The House took up a commenced motion under rule 218 about import of LNG in the country and the agreements made or proposed in this regard.
• Twelve lawmakers- PPPP (6), PML-N & PTI (2 each) and one each of ANP and MQM- participated in debate, including the Minister for Petroleum who winded it up. They spoke for an hour and 17 minutes.
• The House adopted a resolution to urge the Provincial Government of Balochistan to take effective steps for development of livestock sector in the province.
• The House took up a commenced resolution for effective steps to implement National Action Plan to counter terrorism in the country. It was debated by 13 lawmakers- PPPP (3), PML-N, JUI-F (2 each) and one each of ANP, PML, BNP-M, PTI, MQM and PkMAP- for an hour and 22 minutes.
• Three lawmakers- one each of PPPP, MQM and JUI-F- discussed a motion under rule 218 for 13 minutes which was about performance of Federal Government Hospitals with particular reference to availability of facilities of various tests and provision of free medicines to the outdoor patients.
• Four lawmakers- PPPP (3) and PTI (one)- discussed the overall performance of the banking sector in the country for 27 minutes following a commenced motion under rule 218.
• A motion under rule 218 was tabled regarding the present status of Pak-China Economic Corridor with particular reference to the changes in its original route. It was agreed to have discussion on this motion in any of the next sitting.

Order and Institutionalization

• Two points of order (POs) consumed four 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.