Most MNAs miss National Assembly sittings

ISLAMABAD: Attendance remained low during the National Assembly’s 29th session, with only a fifth of lawmakers participating in every sitting while dozens did not attend the session at all.

According to a report by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), only 65 out of 332 MNAs, or around 20%, attended all eight sittings held between August 17 and August 28.

In contrast, 37 lawmakers, equivalent to 11% of the current membership, were absent from every sitting of the session.

The report showed significant variation in attendance throughout the session. The fourth sitting recorded the highest participation, with 247 MNAs, representing 74% of the Assembly’s current membership, present.

Attendance fell to its lowest level during the fifth sitting, when only 179 lawmakers, or 54%, attended.

Overall, 267 MNAs, or 80% of the House, missed at least one sitting during the 12-day session, highlighting continued concerns over lawmakers’ participation in parliamentary proceedings.

Attendance among members of the federal cabinet was also limited. Of the federal ministers who are members of the National Assembly, only one minister attended all eight sittings. Meanwhile, three cabinet members — including two federal ministers and one minister of state — did not attend any sitting.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended only one sitting of the session, according to the report, while Leader of the Opposition Omar Ayub Khan participated in seven of the eight sittings.

The FAFEN report also examined the attendance of ministers during question hour. It found that 26 federal ministers were scheduled to respond to questions, but only 12 were present on the days when they were required to answer lawmakers’ questions.

The attendance figures highlight a gap between parliamentary responsibilities and lawmakers’ participation, particularly during sessions where legislation, public concerns and government accountability are discussed.