National Assembly Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah lodged a formal complaint over the absence of ministers during the Question Hour in the lower house of Parliament in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Monday.
In his letter, the deputy speaker described the absence of ministers from parliamentary proceedings as alarming, emphasising that their non-attendance, along with that of parliamentary secretaries, violated parliamentary traditions.
Referring specifically to the absence of ministers and parliamentary secretaries of the energy and communications ministries during the March 20 session, Shah noted that their unavailability prevented important public issues from being discussed.
Low attendance by ministers, parliamentary secretaries, and even treasury bench lawmakers has been a recurring issue during National Assembly sessions. According to report, only 36 members in the 336-seat house attended all the sittings in January this year.
A report by the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), a civil society organisation, highlighted that the lack of ministerial presence weakened legislative oversight. While ministers are required to attend the Question Hour, only a few were present in all relevant sessions, the report said.
In his letter, the deputy speaker stressed that the issue of ministerial absence needed immediate resolution. He argued that despite the use of national resources, the purpose of parliamentary proceedings was being undermined due to ministers' lack of interest.
Shah stated that it was the cabinet's responsibility to answer lawmakers' questions and urged the prime minister to address the issue without delay.
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