ISLAMABAD, October 20, 2021: The National Assembly left 96 percent agenda unaddressed on Wednesday amidst absence of the leaders of the House and the opposition, observes Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in Daily Factsheet.
Following are key observations of the proceedings during 4th sitting of the 37th session:
Members’ Participation
- The National Assembly met for two hours and 14 minutes; however, the proceedings remained suspended for 16 minutes.
- The sitting started at 05:28 pm against the scheduled time of 04:00 pm.
- The deputy speaker presided over the entire sitting in the absence of speaker.
- The leaders of the house (Prime Minister) and the opposition did not attend the sitting.
- As many as 75 (22 percent) lawmakers were present at the outset and 39 (12 percent) at the adjournment of the sitting.
- The parliamentary leaders of PML and BAP attended the sitting.
- Four minority lawmakers were present.
Output
- The House did not consider 24 private members’ bills, fifteen resolutions, eleven reports of standing committees, an amendment in rule of procedure and conduct of business in National Assembly, 2007.
Representation and Responsiveness
- The House took up nine out of 30 starred questions while lawmakers asked 20 supplementary questions.
- Minister of state for parliamentary affairs responded to two calling attention notices regarding non-formulation of regulatory frame work for cryptocurrency in the country and non-provision of additional funds committed to the erstwhile FATA at the time of merger.
- The House did not consider five motions under Rule 259 and three motions for consideration of as many bills in the joint sitting of the Parliament.
Order and Institutionalization
- Eleven lawmakers spoke on points of order for 22 minutes.
- The House was adjourned to meet again on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 04:00 pm.
Transparency
- ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to legislators, observers and public.
- Attendance of lawmakers was available to media and observers.
This daily factsheet is based on direct observation of the National Assembly proceedings conducted by Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). Errors and omissions are excepted