ISLAMABAD, December 20, 2012: The sixth sitting of the 43rd session starting an hour and 13 minutes late, was adjourned due to persistent lack of quorum, leaving most agenda on the orders of the day unaddressed.
In the 371 member house only five members were present at the outset while 51 were there at the adjournment. A female member of PMLQ pointed out the lack of quorum. The Speaker ordered the bells to be rung for five minutes, however since quorum was still lacking the sitting was adjourned.
Four treasury backed bills, two standing committee reports and a motion under rule 244-A on the orders of the day were not taken up by the assembly.
The Speaker chaired the entire sitting. The Chief Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and the Deputy Speaker along with the parliamentary leaders did not attend the sitting.
There were 34 starred questions on the agenda, of which 11 were taken up and responded to by the parliamentary secretary of the relevant department. An additional 20 supplementary questions were also asked to bring further clarity on the answers.
The members raised six point of order consuming three minutes of the session’s proceedings.
Members’ participation in House proceedings
- The Punjab Assembly met for an hour and 22 minutes.
- The sitting started at 1113 hours instead of the scheduled starting time of 1000 hours. The proceedings started an hour and 13 minutes late.
- The Speaker chaired the entire sitting while the Deputy Speaker was absent.
- The Chief Minister and the Leader of the Opposition did not attend the sitting.
- The parliamentary leaders of PML, PMLF, MMAP and PMLZ did not attend the sitting.
- The relevant minister was not present to answer questions during question hour. However, the parliamentary secretary of the relevant department was present.
- Five members were present at the outset while 51 were there at the adjournment of the sitting. This is also the maximum number of members to attend the sitting. Three minority members attended the sitting.
Representation and Responsiveness
- Eleven out of 34 starred questions (requiring oral replies) were taken up and responded to by parliamentary secretary of the concerned department. Additionally, 20 supplementary questions were asked.
- A motion under rule 244-A regarding the rules and procedures of the house was not taken up.
Output
- Four bills and two standing committee reports on the orders of the day were left unaddressed.
Order and Institutionalization
• The MPAs raised six points of order consuming three minutes of the session time.
• There were no protests, boycotts or walkouts during the session.
Transparency
• Orders of the Day were available to legislators, observers and others.
• Information on Members’ attendance was unavailable to observers and the public.
The Daily Factsheet is based on direct observation of the Punjab Assembly proceedings conducted by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (PATTAN); a member organization of FAFEN