Elected lawmakers in Pakistan have faced criticism for their consistent absence from parliamentary sessions despite the country’s challenges with economic recovery and political divisions. A recent report by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) revealed that during the 23rd session of the National Assembly, 276 out of 332 Members of Pakistan’s National Assembly (MNAs) missed at least one sitting between January 12-22. Only 56 members, constituting 17 percent, managed to attend all sittings of the National Assembly.
The absence of key figures like Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari from parliamentary sessions has raised concerns about the commitment of elected officials to their responsibilities. The Express Tribune highlighted that the disregard for attending parliament not only undermines representative democracy but also sets a negative example for accountability within the political hierarchy. The editorial pointed out that the session with the highest attendance, involving 222 MNAs, was focused on private members’ day, indicating a selective interest in legislative matters.
Lawmakers are being urged to prioritize their presence in parliamentary proceedings, especially during routine governance and executive oversight discussions. The editorial emphasized the need to enhance the committee system by implementing Article 66 of the Constitution to ensure effective parliamentary oversight. Continuous absenteeism, particularly among senior leaders and ministers, not only weakens the government’s moral authority but also erodes public trust in the elected representatives. The Express Tribune suggested that Pakistan’s parliament should enforce stricter attendance regulations with substantial penalties to promote accountability and responsibility among lawmakers.
