ISLAMABAD, May 13, 2020: The members of both sides of the aisle in National Assembly continued discussion on the situation arising out of COVID-19 pandemic and steps necessary for preventing its spread in the country, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet on Wednesday.
Following are key observations of the House proceedings during the second sitting of 21st session:
Members’ Participation
- The National Assembly met for six hours and 21 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1208 hours against the scheduled time of 1200 hours.
- The Deputy Speaker presided over the sitting for four hours and 39 minutes while the remaining sitting was chaired by a Member of Panel of Presiding Officers.
- The Leaders of the House (Prime Minister) and the Opposition did not attend the sitting.
- As many as 42 (12%) members were present at the outset and 15 (4%) at the adjournment of the sitting.
- The parliamentary leaders of BAP, GDA, PML-N, JWP, ANP and PPPP attended the sitting.
- Seven out of 10 minority lawmakers were present.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Twenty-six lawmakers including Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training participated in debate on a motion under Rule 259 that continued for six hours and one minute. This motion was about the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Order and Institutionalization
- MQM lawmakers protested on floor of the House for four minutes when the Chair did not allow one of their colleague to speaker on a point of personal explanation.
- Two lawmakers spoke on points of order for as many minutes.
- The House was adjourned to meet again on May 15, 2020 (Friday) at 1000 hours.
Transparency
- Orders of the Day was available to the legislators, observers and public.
- Attendance of lawmakers is available on the National Assembly’s website.
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