PESHAWAR:
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly session, convened on the directives of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to begin on time, was adjourned on Tuesday due to lack of quorum as legislators did not turn up in sufficient numbers.
Despite the prime minister’s instructions to start proceedings on time, the session collapsed soon after it began, with only 25 members present, which is far short of the required minimum of 38 lawmakers to achieve a quorum.
The assembly meeting began around 2:30 pm, chaired by Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, after the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem.
Before the day’s parliamentary work began, ANP lawmaker Arbab Usman stood up from his seat, pointing out the empty seats and criticizing the lack of attendance.
He noted that while it was commendable that the assembly had started on time in accordance with the Prime Minister’s orders, it was unfortunate that “public resources were being wasted” due to the absence of members.
In response to the objection, the president conducted a recount that confirmed the attendance of only 25 members at the assembly. Accordingly, President Swati adjourned the session until 2 pm on Friday, October 24.
According to sources, in recent weeks the assembly had acquired the habit of starting its sessions two or three hours late, often due to the late arrival of its members. The Prime Minister had given clear instructions to reverse this practice and ensure punctuality of sessions.
Officials added that many lawmakers were reportedly addressing the assembly when the postponement was announced.
