ISLAMABAD, February 10, 2020: The National Assembly adopted two resolutions to extend as many Ordinances and left 55 percent agenda unaddressed on Monday, observes Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet.
Following are key observations of the House proceedings during seventh sitting of the 19th session:
Members’ Participation
- The National Assembly met for two hours and 32 minutes; however, the proceedings remained suspended for 30 minutes due to prayer break.
- The sitting started at 1626 hours against the scheduled time of 1600 hours.
- The Speaker chaired the sitting for an hour and 33 minutes while rest of the sitting was chaired by a member of Panel of Chairpersons.
- The Leaders of the House (Prime Minister) and the Opposition did not attend the sitting.
- As many as 23 (7%) members were present at the outset and 37 (11%) at the adjournment of the sitting.
- The parliamentary leaders of BAP, PPPP and ANP attended the sitting.
- Five out of 10 minority lawmakers were present.
Output
- Tabled by the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, the House adopted two resolutions to extend as many Ordinances including the Pakistan Medical Commission Ordinance, 2019 and the Medical Tribunal Ordinance, 2019 for a further period of 120 days with effect from February 16, 2020.
- The House did not consider the Joint Maritime Information Organization Bill, 2019 as reported by the Standing Committee.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Minister for Power Division responded to a Calling Attention Notice (CAN) regarding shortage of staff in power companies.
- Another CAN and a motion of thanks were not considered in the House while the Fiscal and Debt Policy Statements for the year 2019-2020 was not presented.
- The House took up 11 out of 34 starred questions while lawmakers asked 24 questions as well.
Order and Institutionalization
- Four lawmakers spoke on points of order for 15 minutes.
- A PPPP lawmaker pointed out the quorum at 1840 hours which led to the suspension of the proceedings for 18 minutes. The sitting resumed at 1858 hours but had to be adjourned due to lack of quorum.
- The House was adjourned to meet again on February 11, 2020 (Tuesday) at 1600 hours.
Transparency
- Orders of the Day was available to the legislators, observers and public.
- Attendance of the 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