ISLAMABAD, December 12, 2017: The quorum issue persisted in the National Assembly on Tuesday as the sitting had to be adjourned due to the presence of less than 25 percent lawmakers in the House, observes Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in Daily Factsheet.
Following are key observations of the proceedings during fourth sitting of the 50th session:
Members’ Participation
- The National Assembly met for 49 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1040 hours against the scheduled time of 1030 hours.
- The Speaker presided over the sitting for 39 minutes while rests of the proceedings were presided over by the Deputy Speaker.
- The Leader of the House (Prime Minister) did not attend the sitting.
- The Leader of the Opposition attended the sitting for 32 minutes.
- Thirty-four (10%) were present at the outset and 67 (20%) at the adjournment of sitting.
- The Parliamentary leader of PkMAP and PPPP attended the sitting.
- Three minority members were present.
Output
- The House did not take up the legislative business, standing committees’ reports, amendment to the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, resolutions, motions under Rule 259 and a Calling Attention Notice (CAN).
Representation and Responsiveness
- The House took up a CAN regarding expected abolition of import duty on maize by the government which was responded to by the Parliamentary Secretary for Finance.
Order and Institutionalization
- Four lawmakers spoke on six points of order for 17 minutes.
- The lawmakers belonging to PPPP staged a walkout at 1119 hours for not including FATA Reforms Bill on the agenda which was later joined by PTI, MQM and other opposition lawmakers. They did not return to the House till adjournment of sitting at 1129 hours.
- A PTI lawmaker pointed out the quorum at 1127 hours which led to the adjournment of sitting at 1129 hours.
Transparency
- Orders of the Day was available to the legislators, observers and public.
- Attendance of lawmakers was available to the media and observers.
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.