ISLAMABAD, February 24, 2014: The National Assembly passed the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils (Amendment) Bill, 2013 during first sitting of the 9th session on Monday, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet based on direct observation of the proceedings.
Moved by minister for science and technology, the House passed the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils (Amendment) Bill, 2013 for establishment of Islamabad Bar Council. The same minister also laid the Gas (Theft Control and Recovery) Ordinance, 2014.
The House also took up two Calling Attention Notices (CANs). Jointly sponsored by four lawmakers of PML-N, a CAN was about delay in the commencement of construction work of the bridge over River Satluj at Saho between District Vehari and District Bahawalnagar while another CAN, sponsored by four MQM lawmakers jointly, was regarding slow implementation of the Prime Minister’s Energy Saver Programme.
The sole member of AMLP boycotted the sitting over alleged interference of the government in external affairs instead of focusing on internal issues. He left the house at 1811 hours and did not return till end of sitting. The lawmakers belonging to PPPP also walked out from the House at 1912 hours alleging government of showing biasness in elections being held in Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
The House offered prayers for FC personnel killed by Taliban. The lawmakers also prayed for the deceased parents of MQM legislator and relatives of other members who passed away in recent past.
The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while Leader of the Opposition stayed there for an hour and 16 minutes. The parliamentary leaders of PTI, PML-F, AMLP, APML and ANP attended the proceedings.
Following are some key observations of the parliamentary business:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings:
- The National Assembly met for two hours and 55 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1628 hours against the scheduled time of 1600 hours, witnessing a delay of 28 minutes.
- The Speaker chaired the entire sitting.
- The House had a prayer break of 33 minutes.
- The Prime Minister did not attend the sitting while the Leader of the Opposition attended the sitting for an hour and 17 minutes.
- The parliamentary leaders of PTI, PML-F, AMLP, APML and ANP were present.
- Fifty (50) members were present at the outset while 90 were there at the adjournment. A maximum of 142 members were observed to be present at one point of sitting.
- The Chair announced a Panel of Chairpersons.
- Seven minority members attended the sitting.
- Thirteen members applied for leave.
Output
- Moved by minister for science and technology, the House passed the Legal Practitioners and Bar Councils (Amendment) Bill, 2013 for establishment of Islamabad Bar Council.
- The same minister also introduced the Gas (Theft Control and Recovery) Ordinance, 2014.
Representation and Responsiveness
- The House also took up two Calling Attention Notices (CANs). Jointly sponsored by four lawmakers of PML-N, a CAN was about delay in the commencement of construction work of the bridge over River Satluj at Saho between District Vehari and District Bahawalnagar while another CAN, sponsored by four MQM lawmakers jointly, was regarding slow implementation of the Prime Minister’s Energy Saver Programme.
- Fifteen out of 33 Starred Questions (requiring oral as well written answers) on the Orders of the Day were taken up. Additionally, members asked 15 supplementary questions.
- AMLP legislator submitted a privilege motion over non-construction of boundary wall of MNAs Hostels, posing threat to the lives of lawmakers. The motion was referred to the relevant committee.
Order and Institutionalization
- Legislators spoke on 13 important matters under Rule 18 for 49 minutes.
- The sole member of AMLP boycotted the sitting over alleged interference of the government in external affairs instead of focusing on internal issues.
- PPPP lawmakers walked out from the House at 1912 hours till adjournment of the sitting over alleged partiality of government in AJK elections.
Transparency
- ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
- Information on members’ attendance was not available to observers and the public.
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 National Assembly proceedings conducted by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI); a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions excepted