The fifth sitting of the Punjab Assembly’s ongoing 16th session started 87 minutes behind the schedule and left half of the agenda unaddressed due to movers’ absence, said Free and Fair Election Network in its daily factsheet.
The House continued to witness low attendance as only 37 legislators (10%) were present at the outset and 40 (11%) at the adjournment of the sitting. The quorum was visibly lacking at various stages of the sitting, however, it was not pointed out by any of the lawmakers in the House.
The chief minister did not attend the sitting while the opposition leader was present for 68% of proceedings’ time (78 minutes). In addition, only PPPP’s parliamentary leader was present.
Two resolutions sponsored by JI parliamentary leader were not taken up by the House due to his absence. These resolutions demanded legislation to allocate revenue for development of libraries and provision of interest free loans to farmers.
Another resolution tabled by PTI lawmaker for installing water filtration plants in schools was also not taken up due to mover’s absence.
Two resolutions on the agenda were disposed of after being answered by provincial minister for law. One of the resolutions demanded sale of medicines under generic names while the other urged the government to provide medical care to a Seraiki poet.
Another resolution regarding privileges to families of martyred political figures equivalent to heirs of martyred security personnel was kept pending.
