ISLAMABAD, February 12, 2014: The Senate on Wednesday adopted a resolution, urging the government not to compromise the rights of women and minorities in peace talks with the Taliban, during the seventh sitting of 101st session, says Free and Fair Election Network in its Daily Factsheet.
Tabled by a female MQM legislator in connection with the National Women’s Day, the House unanimously adopted the resolution, demanding the government to protect rights of women and minorities.
The House also passed a motion, moved by a PPPP legislator, for authorizing the Chairman of Devolution Committee for appointment of three senators as its members.
Sponsored by a PPPP female legislator, a calling attention notice (CAN) regarding the placement of Convention Centre Islamabad, on the list of privatization was also taken up, which was responded to by the Minister for Privatization.
An ANP legislator submitted a privilege motion relating to a news item published in a section of press about phone tapping of politicians, journalists, government officials and important personalities. The House referred the motion to the relevant committee.
Meanwhile, the Chairman also expressed displeasure over the attitude of some legislators who remained busy in private talk instead of focusing on the business of the House.
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings
- The Senate met for an hour and 58 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1104 hours against the scheduled time of 1030 hours, witnessing a delay of 34 minutes.
- The Chairman presided over the entire sitting.
- Seventeen senators were present at the outset, 38 at the adjournment while a maximum of 45 at one point during the proceedings.
- The parliamentary leaders of PPPP, ANP, PkMAP, MQM, PML-N, BNP-A attended the sitting.
- Three minority senators attended the sitting.
- Five members applied for leave.
- The Leader of the House attended the entire sitting while the Leader of the Opposition was present for an hour and 30 minutes.
Output
- The House unanimously adopted a resolution urging the government not to compromise the rights of women and minorities in peace talks with Taliban and ensure the protection of women rights in Jirga and other mediation gatherings.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Moved by a PPPP legislator, the House also passed a motion authorizing the Chairman of Devolution Committee for appointing three senators as its members.
- Sponsored by a PPPP female legislator, a calling attention notice (CAN) relating to placement of Convention Centre Islamabad, on the list of privatization was also taken up and responded by the Minister for Privatization.
- An ANP legislator submitted a privilege motion regarding a news item published in a section of press regarding phone tapping of politicians, journalists, government officials and important personalities. The House referred the motion to the relevant committee.
- Eight of the 19 starred questions (requiring oral as well as written replies) were taken up while 35 supplementary questions were also asked.
Order and Institutionalization
- Legislators spoke on 12 points of order for 23 minutes.
- The Chair expressed disappointment over the attitude of some members who remained busy in private talk instead of focusing on the business of the House.
- There were no incidents of protests, walkouts and boycotts
Transparency
- ‘Orders of the Day’ was available to the legislators, observers and others.
- Information on senators’ attendance was not available to the 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 Senate proceedings conducted by PATTAN Development Organization; a member organization of FAFEN. Errors and omissions excepted.