ISLAMABAD, May 15, 2020: The 21st Session of National Assembly was prorogued on Friday after concluding debate on the situation arising out of COVID-19 pandemic in the country, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet.
Following are key observations of the House proceedings during third and last sitting of 21st session:
Members’ Participation
- The National Assembly met for two hours and 48 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1014 hours against the scheduled time of 1000 hours.
- The Deputy Speaker presided over the sitting for an hour and 35 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 34 (10%) members were present at the outset and 65 (19%) at the adjournment of the sitting.
- The parliamentary leaders of BAP, PPPP and PML-N attended the sitting.
- Five out of 10 minority lawmakers were present.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Nine lawmakers including Advisor to Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs and Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination participated in debate on a motion under Rule 259 for two hours. This motion was about the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country while Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives gave 22-minute statement on government efforts to combat this challenge.
Order and Institutionalization
- An MMAP lawmaker, who had recently come out of the quarantine, felt uneasiness and was shifted outside the hall for medical help.
- Three lawmakers spoke on points of order for four minutes.
- The Session was prorogued sine die.
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