Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly (NA) passed the Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2016 amid boycott by the opposition parties on Wednesday, observes Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet.

However, two supplementary resolutionswere adopted that offered condolences to the people of Cuba on demise of former president Fidel Castroand the second condemnedthe Indian aggression.

The assembly met for two hours and 37 minutes – with the speaker presiding over the meet for an hour and 47 minutes and the rest of the proceedings were chaired by the deputy Speaker. 50 lawmakers (14%) were present at outset and 41 (12%) at adjournment of the sitting –withfour minority members.

The assembly passed the Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2016, the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2016 and the Public Private Partnership Authority Bill, 2016 – which were tabled by the Law minister. The Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs, Interior and Narcotics Control and Planning, Development and Reforms presented their periodical reports.

The House also adopted four motions to amend the rules of procedure and conduct of business of the NA – which was moved by the minister for Parliamentary Affairs. A motion of appreciation to the president of Pakistan for his address to the Parliament was not taken up.

As many as 15 out of the 41 starred questions were responded to by the government. The lawmakers also asked 22 supplementary questions. The opposition parties boycotted the proceedings of the House – for at least 40 minutes – against the passage of the Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry Bill, 2016.