ISLAMABAD, March 20, 2017: The Senate on Monday adopted two resolutions and discussed the role of Pakistan Sports Board in promotion of sports, observes Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet.
Following are key observations of the House proceedings during 11th sitting of the 260th session:
Members’ Participation
- The Senate met for three hours and 28 minutes.
- The sitting started two minutes behind the scheduled time of 1500 hours.
- The Chairman presided over the entire sitting.
- Deputy Chairman and Prime Minister did not attend the sitting.
- Leader of the House attended the sitting for two hours and 47 minutes while Leader of the Opposition was present for two hours and 55 minutes.
- Parliamentary leaders of PPPP, MQM, PTI, JUI-F, PML and ANP attended the sitting.
- Fourteen (13% of the total membership – 104) lawmakers were present at the start and 18 (17%) at the adjournment of sitting.
- One minority legislator attended the proceedings.
Output
- The House adopted two resolutions. The first resolution was about taking necessary steps to regulate working hours, fees and other charges of private hospitals and clinics in Islamabad while the other resolution was about paying tribute to Pakistan Navy on successfully conducting the biggest International Naval Peace Exercise in Pakistan in collaboration with 37 countries.
- Three more resolutions on the agenda were dropped due to the absence of movers.
- PTI lawmaker introduced the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2017 (Amendment of Article 255), which was referred to the relevant committee.
- MQM lawmaker withdrew the Ratification of International Treaties Bill, 2017 while another bill – the Police Order (Amendment) Bill, 2016 – was also withdrawn by PTI lawmaker under Rule 115.
- The House did not consider two constitutional amendment bills under Rule 100. Both the bills were dropped due to the absence of its sponsor.
- Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources responded on a Point of Public Importance regarding decrease in consumption of furnace oil in the country and its overall effect on the economy.
Representation and Responsiveness
- The House dropped a motion under Rule 218 due to the absence of its sponsor. It was about the performance of Pakistani missions abroad.
- Another motion regarding performance of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd was deferred on the request of mover.
- The House discussed a motion under Rule 218 on implications of the statement made by the Federal Minister for Interior in the Senate on January 10, 2017, in which he made a distinction between the banned terrorist outfits and the proscribed sectarian organizations in the country. Ten lawmakers including Minister for Interior spoke on it from 52 minutes.
- Another motion regarding increase in smuggling of electronics, textile products and other goods was discussed by 11 lawmakers, including Minister for Law, for 42 minutes.
- The House discussed a motion under Rule 218 regarding role of the Pakistan Sports Board in the promotion of sports in the country. Thirteen lawmakers, including Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination, spoke on it for an hour and 24 minutes.
Order and Institutionalization
- Two Points of Public Importance were discussed for three minutes.
Transparency
- Orders of the Day was available to the legislators, observers and public.
- The attendance of lawmakers is available on the website.
This daily factsheet is based on direct observation of the Senate proceedings conducted by Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). Errors and omissions are excepted