PM attends none of sittings, 53pc MNAs skipped House proceedings sans leave: FAFEN

As many as 57 (18 percent) Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) attended all eight sittings, while 54 MNAs (17 percent) did not attend any sitting during the 11th session of the National Assembly that continued from December 10 to December 19, 2024, reveals the MNAs Attendance Report Card released by Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN). 

53 percent MNAs (166) skipped the House proceedings without any formal leave application. Minister of Defence had the highest attendance (63 percent) among all ministerial colleagues. Prime Minister attended none of the sittings while the Leader of the Opposition attended six (75 percent) sittings. 

According to details, NA session’s highest attendance was 203 (65 percent) recorded during the first sitting. The lowest attendance was 150 MNAs (48 percent) during the eighth and last sitting. MNAs from Islamabad remain more regular than MNAs from other regions. As many as 257 MNAs (82 percent) skipped at least one sitting during the session while 91 MNAs (35 percent) submitted applications for absence during the session. 

53 percent MNAs (166) skipped the House proceedings without any formal leave application. Minister of Defence had the highest attendance (63 percent) among all ministerial colleagues. Prime Minister attended none of the sittings while the Leader of the Opposition attended six (75 percent) sittings. 

The frequent absence of ministers during the session prompted the Chair (Deputy Speaker) to direct that the Prime Minister be informed of the situation through a letter, and adjourn the proceedings if ministers responsible for items on the Orders of the Day were not present.