ISLAMABAD, January 1, 2015: Starting 34 minutes behind the schedule, the ninth sitting of the Senate’s 109th session on Thursday witnessed a walkout by opposition lawmakers against increase in General Sales Tax (GST) on petroleum products, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its daily factsheet.
The House took up a calling attention notice (CAN) sponsored jointly by five lawmakers of BNP-A, PML, PPPP and PML regarding 5% increase in GST on petroleum products through FBR, in violation of Articles 7 and 77 of the Constitution. Article 77 states that no tax can be levied for the purposes of the federation except by or under the authority of Act of the Parliament.
Besides those sponsoring the CAN, one senator each from MQM, ANP and PPPP debated it for an hour and seven minutes. The CAN was responded by the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Privatization.
State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs introduced the Securities Bill 2014 to amend and consolidate the laws to protect investors and regulate the securities industry. The bill was referred to the relevant committee for further deliberations.
The House held a debate on the President’s address to the Parliament on June 2, 2014 that continued for an hour and 19 minutes. Three PPP lawmakers participated in the debate for 48 minutes while an ANP lawmaker spoke for 31 minutes.
Eight members (8%) were present at the start and 29 (28%) at the end of the sitting that was presided over by the Chairman. The Leader of the House, the Opposition Leader and the parliamentary leaders of PPPP, PkMAP, PML-N and NP attended the sitting.
Following are some key observations of the House proceedings:
Members’ Participation in House Proceedings
- The Senate met for two hours and 40 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1134 hours against the scheduled time of 1100 hours, witnessing a delay of 34 minutes.
- The Chairman presided over the entire sitting while the Deputy Chairman was absent.
- The Leader of the House attended the sitting for two hours and 29 minutes while the Opposition Leader was present for two hours and 38 minutes.
- Eight members (8%) were present at the start and 29 (28%) at the sitting’s adjournment.
- A maximum of 38 senators (37%) were observed to be present at one point of the sitting.
- The parliamentary leaders of PPPP, PkMAP and PML-N were present.
- One out of four minority members was present.
- One member applied for leave.
Output
- State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs introduced the Securities Bill 2014 to amend and consolidate laws to protect investors and regulate the securities industry. The bill was referred to the relevant committee for further deliberations.
Representation and Responsiveness
- The House took up a calling attention notice (CAN) jointly sponsored by five lawmakers of BNP-A, PML, PPPP and PML regarding 5% increase in GST on petroleum products through FBR, in violation of Articles 7 and 77 of the Constitution.
- Besides those sponsoring the CAN, one senator each from MQM, ANP and PPPP debated it for an hour and seven minutes. The CAN was responded by the Minister for Finance, Revenue, Economic Affairs, Statistics and Privatization.
- The House held a debate on the President’s address to the Parliament on June 2, 2014 that continued for an hour and 19 minutes. Three PPPP lawmakers participated in the debate for 48 minutes while an ANP lawmaker spoke for 31 minutes.
Order and Institutionalization
- Five points of order consumed 11 minutes of the proceedings’ time.
- The opposition lawmakers walked out of the sitting against the increase in GST and did not return till the sitting’s adjournment.
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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 are regretted