Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Sets Record for Longest Session
In a surprising turn of events, the current session of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly has broken records for its length, marking it as the fifth-longest sitting in the Assembly’s history. Since its commencement on July 19, the session has been plagued by absences and a lack of quorum, resulting in multiple suspensions and delays.
Lack of Interest Among Lawmakers
Lawmakers’ lack of interest has been a recurring theme throughout this session, with Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur only managing to attend a mere 11 or 12 sessions. Opposition Leader Dr Ibadullah, on the other hand, has been notably absent from most of the sessions, further exacerbating the issue.
Assembly Suspended Multiple Times
During Monday’s session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Suriya Bibi, a lack of quorum was immediately pointed out by PML-N member Sobia Shahid, leading to the session’s adjournment for a prayer break. Despite efforts to resume proceedings, the required number of members remained absent, ultimately resulting in the adjournment of the session until Friday.
Challenges and Controversies
This extended session, now surpassing 100 days, has faced challenges such as suspended members and protests from the opposition regarding the passing of laws based on simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ votes. The sources revealed that late starts, disregard for session timings, and amendments to Assembly rules have contributed to the ongoing controversies within the K-P Assembly.
As lawmakers grapple with maintaining quorum and upholding parliamentary procedures, the future of this record-setting session remains uncertain. Only time will tell if the K-P Assembly can overcome its current challenges and work towards productive governance for the benefit of the people.
Random Humanizing Touch:
Imagine being a diligent citizen eagerly awaiting legislative decisions that could impact your daily life, only to witness the ongoing chaos and disarray within the K-P Assembly. As you follow the news updates on the prolonged session, you can’t help but wonder about the effectiveness of your elected officials and the implications of their actions on the overall governance of your province. The frustrations of constituents are palpable as they yearn for a functional and accountable Assembly that prioritizes their needs above all else. Will the lawmakers rise to the occasion and steer the Assembly back on track, or will the current state of affairs continue to hinder progress and sow discontent among the public? The fate of the K-P Assembly hangs in the balance, with the hopes of the people resting on the shoulders of those entrusted with shaping their future.
