ISLAMABAD, February 12, 2016: The National Assembly discussed the motion regarding privatization of PIA and petroleum prices while leaving the government agenda unaddressed on Friday during first sitting of 29th session, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN).
The newly-elected lawmaker Makhdoom Saeed-uz-Zaman took oath of the membership. The Speaker announced the members of the Panel of Chairpersons for 29th session. The House also offered prayers for deceased playwright Fatima Surriya Bajia and employees of PIA killed in Karachi.
Following are some key observations of the House proceeding:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings
- The National Assembly met for three hours and two minutes.
- The sitting started at 1005 hours against its scheduled time of 1000 hours.
- The Speaker chaired the sitting for first two and a half hours while the Deputy Speaker presided over the proceeding for remaining 32 minutes.
- The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting.
- The Leader of the Opposition attended the sitting for 155 minutes.
- Eleven Federal Ministers attended the sitting.
- 80 MNAs (23%) were present at outset and 54 (16%) at adjournment of the sitting.
- The parliamentary leaders of PkMAP, JI, PML-F, QWP-S, BNP, APML and AMLP were present.
- Ten minority members were present.
Output
- The House did not take up a bill, a resolution and a report appearing on ‘Orders of the Day’.
Representation and Responsiveness
- The government orally responded to ten out of 35 starred questions appearing on the agenda. The lawmakers asked 14 supplementary questions as well.
- The relevant ministers replied to two Calling Attention Notices regarding the highest stillbirth & maternal mortality rates and threats to heritage sites in Lahore due to the construction of Orange Line Train.
- The House adopted a motion to discuss the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines and reduction in the petroleum prices. The Leader of the Opposition spoke for 66 minutes on this motion.
Order and Institutionalization
- The lawmakers spoke on two Points of Order for 4 minutes.
Transparency
- ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and public.
- The attendance of lawmakers is available on website of National Assembly.
To download the factsheet, click here for English version – click here for Urdu version
This daily factsheet is based on direct observation of the National Assembly proceeding conducted by Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). Errors and omissions are excepted.